Berhampur
| Brahmapur ବ୍ରହ୍ମପୁର Berhampur | |
|---|---|
| City | |
|
Brahmapur railway station in Berhampur | |
| Nickname(s): Silk City | |
  Brahmapur Location in Odisha, India | |
| Coordinates: 19°19′N 84°47′E / 19.32°N 84.78°ECoordinates: 19°19′N 84°47′E / 19.32°N 84.78°E | |
| Country |
 India |
| State | Odisha |
| District | Ganjam |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor–Council |
| • Body | Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BMC) |
| • Mayor | K. Madhavi |
| • Municipal Commissioner | Mrs. Anjana Panda |
| Area | |
| • Total | 86.82 km2 (33.52 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 26 m (85 ft) |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 355,823 |
| • Rank | 120 |
| • Density | 4,100/km2 (11,000/sq mi) |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Odia |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| PIN | 760001–760010 |
| Telephone code | 0680 |
| Vehicle registration |
|
| Website |
www |
Brahmapur (IPA: /brɵmhɵpurɵ/) is a municipal corporation located on the eastern coastline of Ganjam district of the Indian state of Odisha, about 169 kilometres (105 mi) south of the state capital Bhubaneswar and 255 kilometres (158 mi) north of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the oldest and largest cities of Odisha. Nicknamed "The Silk City", it is famous for its silk saris, temples and unique culture. The population of the city is 355,823 as of the 2011 Census of India (provisional),[1] making it the third most populous urban city in Odisha state[1] and 122nd in India.<ref name"CP11=MP">"Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011: Urban Agglomerations/Cities having population 1 million and above" (PDF). Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. Retrieved 10 October 2014.</ref> Berhampur is the oldest city of Ganjam District in the State of Odisha. It is mainly a trading centre for Southern Odisha having its influence over eight districts. The city was declared as a Municipality in the year 1867. It is known as the first municipality of odisha.The city with population of 210418 in 1991 & 307792 in 2001.It has been declared as a Class-I Town Category as per 2001 Census. Berhampur City is famous for its widespread human resources in extremely important and decision making positions all over the globe. The trading volume is also growing day by day.
Etymology
The name Berhampur is an anglicized form of the Odia word ‘Brahmapura’ which etymologically means “The Abode of Brahma, the Creator”. There have been several demands to change the English spelling of city's official name to "Brahmapur". In the 1990s, the Indian Railways accepted the city's Odia name "Brahmapur" for all its official purposes after which the railway station is known as Brahmapur railway station. However, the Odisha State government has not taken any steps to change the city's name in English. In the official records, the city has two names: "Berhampur" in English, and "Brahmapur" in Odia.[2]
Overview
Brahmapur is the primary railway station for nearby tourist destinations. It serves as a node for the nearby small towns and villages, so trade is predominant here. A majority of the people are self-employed in various businesses of different scales. Brahmapur is well known for its intricately designed silk saris (Berhampuri patta), handloom cloth and jewellery shops. There is another type of patta available, called Bomokei patta, named after Bomokei, a nearby village. It is famous for its excellent work in making of brass metal fish (Pital). By virtue of its close proximity to Andhra Pradesh, Coastline of Bay of Bengal, Gopalpur Port and Visakhapatnam it has become a centre of attraction for multiethnic people in persuit of better residential zones, education and to some extent for employment in unorganized sectors delivering various services and goods.
Demographics
As per the 2011 Census of India (provisional), the population of Brahmapur is 355,823 (the actual population is much higher than this), of which 185,584 are males and 170,239 are females. The effective literacy rate of Brahmapur is 90.04%, higher than the national average of 74.04%. Male and female literacy rates are 93.83% and 85.92%, respectively. 8.2% of the population are children aged 0–6 years. The adult and child sex ratios are 917 and 898 females per 1000 males, respectively.[1] Brahmapur is 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from Gopalpur sea beach/port and 40 kilometres (25 mi) from Asika.
The proposed Greater Brahmapur comprises Brahmapur,Chatrapur,Gopalpur and near by adjoining areas have more than 7 Lakh population.
Location and Linkage
Berhampur city is situated at 19o 20’ N Latitude 84o 50’ E Longitude. Its average elevation above Mean Sea Level is 24.000 m. It is surrounded by vast cultivable plains. The entire plain is bounded in the West & North by a range of hillocks containing Granite Rocks of Igneous Origin. These Granite Rock belts are also another major source of employment and revenue. The plains have mild slope towards Bay of Bengal.
The city is well connected by roads and rail network. The Howrah-Chennai Railway line of South-Eastern Railway/ East Coast Railway passes through the city making Berhampur as the busiest station in this region. Similarly N.H. 5 runs close to the city providing direct linkage to Kolkata, Vishakhapatnam & Chennai. N.H. 217 also runs through this city. The city is well connected with districts through S.H. No.7, 17 & 65. The State Capital, Bhubaneswar, is situated at a distance of 180 km from the city along N.H. 5. The nearest sea port is situated at Gopalpur at a distance of 15 km from the city and the Port of Visakhapatnam is located at a distance of 250 km only.
A helipad has been constructed in the outskirt of the city at Rangeilunda where small aircrafts and helicopters can land & take off safely. It is situated at a distance of 10 km from the city.
Climatic Condition and Regional Setting
River Rushikulya is called the “Ganga” of Ganjam. It flows at a distance of about 30 km from the city and discharges into the Bay of Bengal near Gopalpur port. The city has a good number of big Tanks/Lakes. High humidity prevails in the atmosphere both in summer & rainy seasons. The climate of the city is pleasant and soothing due to its close proximity to Bay of Bengal. Maximum summer temperature is 40o C whereas minimum winter temperature is 22o C. The mean daily temperature varies from 33o C to 38o C. May is the hottest month in the year whereas December is the coldest. The average annual rainfall is 1250 mm and the region receives Monsoon and torrential rainfall for four months only in a year from July to October.
The regional setting of any city not only forms the basis for its further development but also influences the socio-economic activities and standards of the region. Berhampur city cannot be an exception. The topography, geo-physical features and climate of the city are just excellent for indefinite expansion and development. The area, as per seismic records available, is less prone to natural hazards like Earthquake, Volcano eruption and Tsunami. But, it is very vulnerable to cyclones which generally occur during June to October. One Super-Cyclone which occurred during October, 1999 disrupted the total infrastructure set-up and socio-economic equilibrium in the area. The city is still thriving to recover the losses. The Government is very keen to save its people and property from such hazards in future by constructing cyclone shelters at convenient locations. The Government is also ensuring emergency services for Food, Light, Water, Health, Communication, etc., for any future natural calamity under Disaster Management Programs.
Socio-Economic Activities
Since long this City exhibits great commercial importance for the Districts of Ganjam, Boudh, Phulbani, Koraput, Rayagada, Nawrangpur, Malkangiri & Gajapati of Orissa. A large number of private small scale industries have been set up in the city. The industrial complex such as Indian Rare Earths Ltd. is located very near to the city and there is also a proposal in the pipe line for establishing a Titanium Dioxide Plant near Gopalpur. One Steel Plant is likely to be established at Gopalpur which is situated at about 15 km from Berhampur city. Similarly, improvement and expansion of Gopalpur Port are also being done meet the infrastructure requirements for the industries. An Air Defence College is located near the city, thereby, making it strategically important.
The city has many educational institutions like Medical College, Law College, Engineering Schools and Colleges, etc. Berhampur University is also located nearby. It has got a number of Recreation Centres, Two Stadiums, Cinema Halls, Libraries and other Cultural Centres.
Berhampur city has a present population of about 0.385 Million(2009). The gender-wise population ratio consists of 930 females to every 1000 males. Population of Berhampur city comprises of various ethnic classes. The economic stratification parameters show that 36% of the population of the city of Berhampur are below the poverty line, 45% in economically weaker section zone and the balance 19% belong to high and middle income groups. The literacy rate of Berhampur city is 82.25% which is a fairly good figure.
It is a major state level trading centre for Spices, Tamarind, Clothes, etc. Berhampur city is famous for manufacture and trading of various types of Patto Sarees and Bamboo-Straw handicrafts. The city is, therefore, popularly known as “Silk City”. This sector can be developed to a great extent to be a numero-uno pioneer which would boost the economy of people depending on such type of cottage and small scale industries.
The nearby beautiful heritage centres such as Mahuri Kalua Thakurani, Vairabi, Dhabaleswar, etc. will prove to be the best areas for exhibition-cum-sale of the Cottage Industry Products. So, better connectivity and efficient modes of Public Transport System to these heritage areas are essential. Besides, the city itself has ample potential for advertisement & exhibition to promote the growth of these industries. People on different occasions like Durga Puja Maha Sivaratri, Janmastami, Ratha Yatra, Makar Sankranti, Kartika Purnima, Id-ul-Fitre and Christmas, etc., assemble in the city and engage themselves in trading and religious activities. There is 100% communal harmony in the city and the people of Berhampur are committed to maintain that.
Land Use
In the process of preparing the future land use plan, an important element is to determine the limit of the future urban area adjoining the present Municipal Corporation limit. This was roughly done by applying a desired gross population density standard of 25 – 30 persons per acre for wards / areas having present density less than that. The demographic features of the city is discussed in the following paragraphs. It is found that the average density would exceed 70 persons per acre due to multistoried apartments and centralized commercial centres. However, the city is expected to expand, as happening now, beyond the Municipal Corporation Territory due to which the population density is expected to stabilise.
Administration
The city is administered by the Brahmapur Municipal Corporation (BMC). This organization earlier was a municipality from 1867 until 29 December 2008. The Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC) of South zone is located at Brahmapur and covers the undivided Ganjam, Koraput, Kandhamal and Kalahandi districts.
Utility services
The BMC provides civic services to the city. Garbage collection has been privatized in 20 out of 40 wards.
There are many mobile phone service companies that operate their GSM and CDMA networks in the city. There are many landline companies that provide commercial and domestic broadband internet services in the city.
A survey has been done to assess the nature of solid waste generated in the city, which would help in the designing of a solid waste management plant proposed to be established near Chandania Hill on the outskirts of Brahmapur. International Financial Corporation (IFC), is providing technological support for the project.
Potable water to the city is supplied by the Brahmapur Municipal Corporation. The main source of water, the River Rushikulya, is colloquially known as "Ganga of Ganjam". It flows about 30 kilometres (19 mi) from the city and drains into the Bay of Bengal near Gopalpur port. There are a large number of tanks and lakes in and around the city that provide storage.
The Southern Electricity Supply Company of Orissa Limited (SOUTHCO) was incorporated on 11 November 1997 to manage electricity supply to southern Odisha, consisting of the districts of Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, and parts of Puri district, with its headquarters at Brahmapur. The area experiences scheduled and unscheduled power cuts, especially during the summer, due to excess consumption demands.
The Odisha State Government has proposed to have a passport service center (seva kendra) in Brahmapur.[3]
Culture
Brahmapur is one of the oldest and most prominent settlements between Visakhapatnam and Cuttack. The city is famous for the shops in Bada Bazaar, Sana Bazar, Annapurna Market and Bhapur Bazaar.
Theatre has been very prominent since the late 1930, and was the main source of entertainment until the advent of motion pictures. Ganjam Kala Parishad and Prakasam Hall, located here, are some of the oldest drama halls in India. The oldest theatre in the history of Odisha was the Sri Sitaram Vilas Talkies (SSVT, established in the year 1927), which was closed down following severe damage by a super cyclone on 29 October 1999.[4]
Brahmapur is very famous for its pampads, aachar (pickles) and various kinds of badis. Brahmapur is well known for its intricately designed silk saris and handloom cloth and hence is known as the Silk City. It is also a big market place for fruits especially mangoes as they arrive from the orchards of nearby Andhra Pradesh state.
Night life in this town comes alive with glitter and bustling shops around Annapurna Market, some market complexes down the market street and Ramalingam Tank road, where people sit there and enjoy the evening. The streets around Gautam Cinema Hall are famous for street-side food, though hygiene of the food can be questionable.
Western-style dress has gained greater acceptance among men, although traditional dress such as the dhoti and kurta are seen during festivals or other religious occasions. Many women normally wear a sari or a shalwar kameez, though western attire is becoming popular among younger women.
Real Estate have also emerged as a big player in Brahmapur urban area.The retail chains such as Vishal Mega Mart, The Planet, Bazar Kolkata, Reliance Trends, The World, V2, V-Mart, etc., have outlets in Brahmapur.
There are many temples in Brahmapur, including Lord Sidha Vinayaka Temple, Lord Nilakantheswara Temple, Lord Sri Radheshyam Sunder Temple, Bhairabi Temple, Taratarini Temple, Venu Gopalaswamy Temple, and Budhi Thakurani Temple.[5]
Festivals
The people of Brahmapur celebrate all the major festivals of Odisha, including Rath Yatra, Durga Puja, Diwali, Ugadi, Kumar Purnima or Gaja Laxmi Puja, Manabasa Gurubar, Raja Sankranti, Makar Sankranti, Bishuba/Pana Sankranti or Oriya New Year, Dola Yatra or Holi, Chandan Yatra, Gamha Purnima or Rakshya Bandhan, Kartik Purnima, Nabanna, Janmastami, Ram Navami, Saraswati Puja, Ganesh Puja and others. Some festivals are unique to the City, including Sharad Purnima or Kumara Purnima. In Kumar Purnima, all the girls do Janiusa Puja and pray to Tulasi Maa for blessing them with a good life partner. Every two years, a festival is held in honor of the main deity of the city, Thakurani Maa and the festival is known as Thakurani Jatara/Yatra. It is said that Goddess Thakurani Maa come to their parent's home during the holidays for some days from her in-laws home. Sitala Shashti Jatra is celebrated during the month of June every year to mark the wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Also The "Kandhei Jatra" (Festival of toys) is celebrated every year, which is unique to the city.
The other communities of the city such as Telugus, Marwaris, Punjabis, Bengalis and Gujaratis celebrate their festivals along with the major festivals of the city.
Transport
Brahmapur is considered as the gateway to southern Odisha, and has a well-developed transportation network. Now there are a large no. of city buses to cater to the needs of Brahmapur. The newly introduced city buses ply from Berhampur to nearby places including Chatrapur, Hinjilicut and Gopalpur.
Road
Brahmapur city is connected with National Highways NH-5 (Chennai–Kolkata), NH-59 (Gopalpur–Ahmedabad) and NH-217 (Gopalpur–Raipur) and other cities and towns of Odisha. The three-wheeler auto taxis are the most important mode of transportation in this city. Taxis also ply on the city's roads. The Ganjam Urban Transport Services Limited (GUTSL) with joint partnership with Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) have come up with an agreement, valid for one year, to run a city-bus service for Berhampur to urban centres on its periphery (Chatrapur,Gopalpur, and Hinjli) on February 27, 2014.[6][7]
Rail
Brahmapur railway station is situated on the East coast railway line, a major route connecting the two metros Kolkata and Chennai of India. It is directly connected to New Delhi, Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Cuttack, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune, Puri, Raipur, Sambalpur, Vishakhapatnam, and many more cities of India. Cuttack – Brahmapurconnectivity (DMU) is popular connectivity to reach Cuttack. It is one of the busiest railway stations in Odisha.
Air
The nearest airports are Biju Patnaik Airport, Bhubaneswar (169 km) and Visakhapatnam Airport, Visakhapatnam (256 km). Rangeilunda airstrip is located at about 9 km east of the city and was built by the British during World War II. It is adjacent to the Brahmapur University.
Sea
The city is served by two ports, Gopalpur Port and a new satellite port at the Bahuda Mouth (Muhan), operated by Paradip Port Trust (PPT).
Media
Electronic media
Berhampur has a full-fledged All India Radio Station broadcasting FM radio on 100.6 MHz in the greater Berhampur region (BCGH-Berhampur, Chhatrapur, Gopalpur and Hinjilicut). Also there is a high power transmitter of (6 KW) Doordarshan that telecasts Odia language programs. U-TV, previously known as B TV, is the local channel, which broadcasts the daily local news.
Print media
There are many print media houses in Brahmapur. The oldest Odia daily Dainik Asha, The Samaj, Dharitri, The Sambad, Odisha Bhaskar and Anupam Bharat are published from Brahmapur.
Health care
Government / society-owned hospitals
MKCG Medical College and Hospital – a combined medical college and hospital and one of the three government medical colleges in Odisha. There are many famous hospitals such as Apollo Hospital, City Hospital, Janana Hospital, Red Cross Hospital, Sahara Dipeta square, Amit Hospital, Canal Street, Gate Bazar; Sriram Hospital, Aeshrat Nursing Home, Escorts Diagnostic, Kamapalli, Ruby Eye Hospital, Govinda Bihar etc.Ruby Eye Hospital.
Despite the city having maximum business & trade activities being the hub of all surrounding villages, the healthcare service & quality remain to be a challenging task. Many people from the rural areas connected with the city visit the City for treatment & hope to be healthy but the present infrastructure are not sufficient to cater to the growing needs of the patients. Since large number of patients are from economically challenged sections of the society, major surgeries & chronic diseases remain a grace area.Those who can afford quality healthcare visit metros like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Visakhapatanam etc.
Education
The oldest Municipal School, Government Queen of the Mission's High School,Government High School – MKCG Medical Campus, Girls High School,K.C. Higher Secondary School, K. C. Town High School, City High School are probably among the oldest schools in India. Prominent lawyers including G. L. Narasimham, Rajaguru, G. L. Jagannadham, and others are still considered prominent legal experts by the lawyers in and around Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
The city is also a major center of education in south Odisha. The city is the home to 9 engineering colleges, 11 Polytechnic colleges, 14 ITI's (as of 2011) and the number is growing every year. The city is also home to many tutorials and coaching institutes who prepare students for various entrance exams.
St. Vincent's Convent School is one of the best schools in Brahmapur. Followed by, DAV School and De Paul School.
There are many major educational institutions in Brahmapur and following are some of the reputed institutions: Berhampur University, Maharaja Krishna Chandra Gajapati (MKCG) Medical College and Hospital, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences(CPS), Khallikote Government College, Government Engineering School (Polytechnic), Parala Maharaja Engineering College(PMEC), National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST), Vignan Institute of Technology and Management(VITAM), Roland Institute of Technology (RIT), Sanjaya Memorial Institute of Technology (SMIT) and Gandhi Institute for Industrial Technology(GIIT. The city has highest number of engineering colleges after the state capital of Bhubaneswar. Many students come here to prepare for engineering and medical entrance examinations especially from southern and central region of Odisha.
General education
Universities
- Berhampur University, Bhanja Bihar – The Berhampur University came into existence on 2 January 1967, being inaugurated by Dr. A. N. Khosla, the then Governor of Odisha and the first Chancellor of the University. The University was later shifted to the present site known as Bhanja Bihar, named after the celebrated poet of Odisha, Kabisamrat Upendra Bhanja. Spreading over an area of 250 acres (1.0 km2) the university is twelve kilometers and five kilometers away from Brahmapur City and sea beach of Gopalpur respectively.
- The Khallikote University – The present Khallikote Autonomous College is upgraded to a Cluster university.
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Brahmapur – Starting the academic session in 2016-17[8]
Important schools and colleges
The following are the noted government-run high schools in the city:
- Kendriya Vidyalaya (Central School) (CBSE)
- M.K.C.G. Medical College Campus High School (1972) (one of the best government schools in Odisha)
- City High School (the oldest school of the city)
- Queen of the Mission's High School (founded in 1947)
- K.C. Higher Secondary School (Established 1856)
- KC Town High School
- V. V. Giri Girl's High School
- Government Girl's High School
- Mother Sarojini Giri's High School
- Brundaban Nayak High School
- University Higher Secondary School
- Saheed Lakhmana Nayak Municipal High School
Private Run Schools are also in city with both adopted to either State Board, CBSE or ICSE. Some of the noted schools are:
- De Paul School
- Dayanand Anglovedic Public School(DAV public school)
- KC Public School, Tata Benz Square
- Saraswati Sishu Biday Mandir (Neelkanatha Nagar, Ramahari Nagar and Gajapati Nagar)
- St. Vincent's Convent School
- Matrusri Anglo Vedic School
- St. Joseph Convent School, Church Road, near old bus stand
Colleges: Most of the CBSE- and ICSE-affilitiated schools have classes up to intermediate beside the following government colleges for intermediate study in science, commerce and arts from CHSE, Odisha.
- Khallikote Autonomous College (proposed to be a cluster university)
- Shasi Bhusan Rath Women's College
- City College
- Binayak Acharya College
- Berhampur University higher secondary school
Engineering
Many engineering colleges are also present including
- Parala Maharaja government Engineering College(A Government & constituent college of B.P.U.T.)
- National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST)
- Vignan Institute of Technology and Management(VITAM), Bhairavi, Mantridi village, Berhampur
- Roland Institute of Technology Surya Vihar (RIT)
- Sanjay Memorial Institute of Technology (SMIT), Chandipadar
- Gandhi Institute of Industrial Technology, Golonthara, Berhampur/ Gandhi Group of Instituations (GGI)
- Gandhi Polytechnic, Golonthara, Berhampur
- Rahul Institute of Engineering and Technology, Golonthara junction, Berhampur.
- Kalam Institute of TechnologyKIT (KIT)
Medical, Pharmacy and Nursing Institutes
MKCG Medical College and Hospital at Berhampur and many more under this category include Biju Patnaik Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kaviraj Ananta Tripathy Sharma Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Brundaban Nayak Medical College & Hospital (in progress by SMIT Group) etc.
Others colleges are also present in various fields such as College of Fisheries (O.U.A.T.), Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ankushpur (Ratanpur Farm), Berhampur , Army Air Defence College (AADC), J.N. Tata Technical Education Center, Nettur Technical Training Foundation (NTTF), Academy of Technocrats for the IT courses including BCA, BES & BBA under Berhampur University, DISHA College of Management & Technology (BCA & BBA under Berhampur University, Distance Programs under Punjab Technical University, Karnataka State Open University, Manomaniam Sundaranar University) , Multi-skill Development Centre (MDC) (Upcoming) at Berhampur next year in association with German technological expertise aids., Regional Forensic Science Laboratory , Orissa Christian Theological College.
Industries
Berhampur region is the hub of industrial activities in southern Odisha. Industrial clusters include granite processing units, Cashew nut processing, rice mills, and fabrication/ handloom unit industries are popular in this region. Some major industries located in Berhampur region are:
- Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL), a unit of Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. Established in the year 1986. (Products: ilmenite, sillimanite, zircon, garnet, rutile, and monazite; chemicals: trisodium phosphate, thorium nitrate, mixed rare earth chloride & NGADU).
- Jayshree Chemicals Limited (JCL), a S. K. Bangur group company. Established in the year 1967. (Products: Caustic soda, Hydrochloric Acid, Sulphur Dioxide Gas and Chlorine)
- Virat Crane Agro Tech (Pvt.) Ltd. Established in the year 1997.
- Railway wagon factory, Sitalapalli, Berhampur (Work in progress)
- Titanium Oxide Plant (Planned)
- Gopalpur Industrial Park by TATA — High Carbon Ferrochrome Plant, Rebar Mill, and Desalination plant (Planned)
Economy
Software industry and many other software companies have set up their centers as Berhampur offers opportunities associated with Grade II and grade III cities for BPO and software companies. The third software park STPI – Berhampur of the state and 51st in the country, was inaugurated on August 20, 2010.
Sports
Berhampur has produced some of the best weight-lifting and boxing players for India at the International level including present day Indian champion in Commonwealth Games Gold medalist winner Katulu Ravi Kumar. Veer Hanuman Club of Berhampur has produced international weight-lifters including Bijay Kumar Satapathy, Chandra Sekhar Sahu, and Tikina Gopal. Bijay Kumar Satapathy, is also an Arjuna Award winner and had grabbed the Silver medal in the 1982 Commonwealth Games held in Australia, and gold medal in the 1981 Mini-Commonwealth Games. Chandra Sekhar Sahu, an employee of the Indian Railways, had clinched a Gold medal in the SAARC sports meet in 1990. Similarly, Tikina Gopal had also won Silver and Bronze medals in the Junior and Senior Asian Championship, while Ranu Mohanty, a girl from the city won medals in the International event of Power-lifting. Cricket, Volley, Basketball and Football (Soccer) are the other popular sports. Sarathi Sahu had won a medal in the state level cricket matches.
Stadiums
Berhampur has a National level stadium that has hosted several Ranji Trophy matches. The city has produced many reputed Ranji players in the recent times.
- Berhampur Stadium (Barracks)
- Khallikote College Stadium
- Veer Hanuman Circus and Physical Institute (VHCPI) – Indoor Stadium
Notable people
- V. V. Giri, former President of India
- A. P. Patro, Minister of Public Works and Education (Madras Presidency) (1921–1926), Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly (1946–1946)
- W. V. V. B. Ramalingam, freedom fighter
- Kota Harinarayana, scientist & father of India's Light Combat Aircraft
- P. V. Narasimha Rao, former Prime Minister of India
- Binayak Acharya, former Chief Ministers of Odisha
- Biswanath Das, freedom fighter and former Chief Ministers of Odisha
- Sanjukta Panigrahi, Odissi dancer
- Katulu Ravi Kumar, weightlifter
- Biju Patnaik, former chief minister of Orissa
- Naveen Patnaik, present chief minister of Odisha
Nearby attractions
- Bi-Annual Thakurani Yatra – The Festival of the Goddess: This welcomes the goddess Budhi Thakurani to her temporary abode for the biannual Thakurani Jatra (festival) late at night. The hereditary head of the festival, who is also regarded as the head of the weaver Dera community of the city, Desibehera, dressed in his traditional attire, visits the Budhi Maa Thakurani temple to invite the goddess to her parental abode at his home on Saturday afternoon. His wife also accompanies him, and they make offerings at the Kalika temple. Rituals to welcome the deity for the festival started at the temporary temple built at Desibehera street from evening with the Changudi Puja. After these rituals, flowers are carried from Desibehera's house to the Budhi Thakurani temple. Fallen flowers are carried as representative of the deity to Desibehera Street in a large decorated procession at night. The Thakurani Yatra is celebrated in different parts of Ganjam district. One such major biennial Thakurani Yatra is Lanjipalli Thakurani Yatra.
- Gopalpur Beach: This is 16 km from the city and the Gopalpur is a retreat for sun, sea and sand lovers. At one time it was a busy seaport and it still displays the crumbling walls and pillars of the jetty. There are various town buses that run from Old Bus stand to Gopalpur. It is quite convenient to drive to Gopalpur on ones personal vehicle. Gopalpur once used to be a bustling place with tourists. There are many good hotels, such as the Oberoi Palm Beach resort, the first property to be acquired under the Oberoi Group brand. Gopalpur has an old light house, and a small fisherman's cove. The Gopalpur Beach Festival is also held here.
- See also:
Gopalpur-on-sea travel guide from Wikivoyage - Taratarini Temple – The Shakti Pitha
- This is one of the oldest pilgrimage place of mother goddess and among the four major ancient Adi Shakti centers in India. The mythological texts recognize four major Shakti Pithas (centers): Bimala, Taratarini, Kamakshya and Dakhina Kalika, which originated from the limbs of the Corpse of Mata Sati in the Satya Yuga.
- Rooted in the hoary past, mentioned in the Puranas, the Tantras and as the main seat of Tantric cult for thousands of years and center of Shakti worship since time immemorial, this hill Shrine is believed to be the Sthana Peetha (Breast Shrine of Mata Sati) and an important prehistoric religious center that bears an uninterrupted history of about 6000 years.
- Ballipadar: famous for black bucks.
- Badagada: famous for the Jagnath temple,Maa Phulakasini Temple and near by hillocks. It is about 78 km from Berhampur and daily busses are plying from Berhampur to Badagada.
- Sri Sri Sri Sidhibinayakya Pitha: This temple is centrally located in the city near Giri Road, which will be one of the largest Ganesh Temple in Odisha. The temple work is completed.[9]
- Mahurikalua: a forested hilly area where Goddess of Shakti Maa Thakurani is worshiped. It is about 30 km from Berhampur. During the time of Sankranti festival people in large numbers gather to worship.
- Kalua Jatra: a festival begun in Gosani Nuagaon area of the city. This festival would continue for 15 days till next full moon's day, which is celebrated as Kumar Purnima in the Odisha state.
- Dhabaleshwar beach: a quiet and secluded beach close to Gopalpur beach. The famous pilgrim center, Dhabaleswar, with its sand-bleached Shiva temple and the Dhabaleswar island are the nearby attractions.
- The Chhatrapur Port Area
- Siddha Bhairavi: named after the presiding deity goddess Maa Bhairabee at the remote village of Mantridi. Carved in crude fashion, the icon (one-legged goddess with four hands) was discovered and enshrined in a newly adorned temple in 1937. According to legend, fisherman and sailors used to worship the deity for blessings before commencement of their journey. Maa Bhairabee nowadays has become an important Shakti Pitha venerable for the fisherman community that live in nearby villages. Tourists from almost all parts of southern Odisha as well as northern Andhra Pradesh visit this holy shrine everyday. The holy days on which most of the devotees assemble before the deity to offer their prayers are on Sankranti days of the Hindu calendar and on all Tuesdays.
- Taptapani: Taptapani (Hot-Water), as the name suggests, is famous for its hot springs. Nestled at about 1,800 feet (550 m) above sea level, this spot is 56 kilometres away from the city's railway station. The sprawling Panthanivas is the only shelter for tourists at Taptapani. The cottages overlook a pristine valley, and the dining hall is strategically placed between two crests of mountain fold. A few minutes walk from here will take you to Kandimata Mandir, where the locals bathe in the spring before offering their daily prayers. There is also a deer park maintained by the forest department.
- Bala Kumari temple: can be reached by climbing 1,240 steps and is dedicated to the Goddess Durga.
- Chilika Lake: India's biggest inland lake, spread over 1,100 square kilometers stretching across the length of the three districts of Puri, Khurdha and Ganjam and finally joins the Bay of Bengal through a narrow mouth, forming an enormous lagoon of brackish water. Dotted with many emerald green islands with colourful names such as Honeymoon Island and Breakfast Island, Chilika is home to a rich variety of aquatic fauna. It is also a sanctuary and winter resort for migratory birds, some coming from as far as Siberia.
- Biranchi Narayan Sun Temple: Buguda is a small town in Ghumusar Subdivision of Ganjam district. It is famous for the temple of Biranchinarayan. The temple was built by King Srikara Bhanja, who ascended the throne of Ghumusar in 1790 CE.
- Kulada: famous for the Goddess Bagh Devi. It is also said to be the birthplace of the great Oriya poet Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja. It is situated in the northwest of Ganjam District, with a ruined fort, the river Mahanadi flowing in the east, and dense forest lies on the west side of the ruined fort.
- Panchama: a small village famous for the temple of Panchama Ganesh, or Siddhi Binayaka, as it is locally known. Tradition says that the Gajapati King Purushottamadeva (15th century) on the way to his conquest of Kanchi recovered the image in the hallow of two trees of Vara and Aswastha and paid his homage to the image after its consecration.
- Narayani: 80 km from Berhampur, and located on the top of the Bhalleri hills. The temple of Goddess Narayani (Durga) is surrounded by captivating natural scenery of dense sal and mango grooves. It is one of the most famous Shakti peetha and Tantra peerha of the district, situated at the border of Ganjam and Khurda district.
- Potagarh: a historical fort built by Britishers in the 18th century. It is situated close to river Rusikulya and is surrounded by a moat. The remnants of majestic fort houses and a buried tunnel specks, the melody of glorious past of Ganjam city, which was cursed by a dreadful epidemic plague in the year 1815 CE.
- Ujaleswar: a shrine 19 km from Digapahandi and 45 km from Berhampur, near Ghodahada Dam, was developed from a cave temple, on a hillock that is approachable by steps. A huge stone shadowing the deity forms the back side of the temple, which has been also chiseled to steps for facilitating a circumambulating around the shrine.
- Aryapalli: a beach 32 km from Berhampur and 8 km from Chhatrapur and Berhampur.
- Mahendragiri: a 5,000 feet (1,500 m) hill in the Parlakhemundi subdivision of the district of Gajapati, associated with mythological stories from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, and has interesting archaeological remains. Sivaratri is the main festival.
- Sonepur: a beach on the Odisha–Andhra Pradesh border along the river Bahuda; on the other side is the beach Pati Sonepur.
- Galleri and Baibelli: villages belonging to Ghumsar region of the Ganjam District. These villages are thought of to be the origination place for Danda Jatra. Danda Jatra are ritualistic performances held during the month of Chaitra for a period of 2 to 3 weeks. This is considered to be the one of the traditional form of worship. The performers showcase their performances in different villages. The performances are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Kali, which are symbolically represented by a Danda (a Pole), decorated with multi-coloured clothes. The participants showcase various items from their repertoire chiefly among them being Pani Danda, Agni Danda, Dhuli Danda etc. The closing ceremony is known as Meru Yatra, which is observed on the day of Maha Vishuba Sankranti.
- Bankeswari: a beautiful and scenic spot located on the Kerandimala hill ranges on the Eastern Ghats. It is located about 10 km. from the junction near Digapahandi on the Berhampur – Digapahandi highway. This is mountainous area and has a dense forest cover. The view from the hills is exotic and refreshing and has many pristine streams.
Politics
Current M.P. (Member of Parliament) of Berhampur Parliamentary Constituency is Siddhanta Mahapatra of BJD, elected in the year 2009, 2014. Current MLA from Berhampur Assembly Constituency is Dr. Ramesh Chandra Chau Patnaik of BJD, who won the seat in the state elections of 2014, 2009, 2004 and 2000 and also as JD candidate in 1995.[10] Berhampur Corporation comes under four Assembly segments, i.e., Berhampur old town, Gopalpur, Chatrapur and Digapahandi. Berhampur is part of Berhampur Lok Sabha constituency.[11]
References
- 1 2 3 "Urban Agglomeratons/Cities having population 1 lakh and above" (PDF). Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. pp. 6, 7. Retrieved 10 October 2014.
- ↑ B. Tripathi (1972). District Census Handbook: Series 16: Orissa: Ganjam (3 v.). Orissa Government Press.
- ↑ "CM asks Centre to set up passport seva kendras (PSKs) for districts". The Times Of India. 28 July 2012.
- ↑ Patnaik, Sunil (2012). "The Telegraph – Calcutta (Kolkata) | Orissa | State's first cinema in ruins". telegraphindia.com (Calcutta, India). Retrieved 30 March 2012.
State's first cinema in ruins – Sri Sitaram Vilas Talkies fails to rise after super-cyclone blow
- ↑ "HISTORY". www.thakurani.com. Retrieved 10 October 2014.
- ↑ http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/naveen-inaugurates-bus-service/article5732383.ece
- ↑ http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/city-bus-service-to-berhampur-urban-centres-soon/article5724831.ece
- ↑ http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/odisha-govt-announces-iiser-will-be-set-up-in-Brahmapur-115080100949_1.html
- ↑ Sidhibinayak Pitha. Sidhibinayak Pitha (2012-01-24). Retrieved on 2012-06-07.
- ↑ "State Elections 2004 – Partywise Comparison for 75 – Berhampur Constituency of Odisha". Election Commission of India. Retrieved 25 September 2008.
- ↑ "Assembly Constituencies – Corresponding Districts and Parliamentary Constituencies of Odisha" (PDF). Election Commission of India. Retrieved 25 September 2008.
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