Bhawanipatna

Bhawanipatna is a city and the headquarter of Kalahandi district in the state of Odisha, India. Bhawanipatna has numerous temples dedicated to different deities of the Hindu pantheon. It is named after the presiding deity, Bhawani-Shankar, and Patna, which means "place" in Odia.

Bhawanipatna municipality is the administrative head of the city, which is divided into twenty wards with different sub-areas called pada (pronounced "padaa"). Bhawanipatna has more than forty padaas. Originally, these padaas were inhabited by people of different communities, but over the last few decades, they have become homogeneous.

Geography and climate
Bhawanipatna is located at . It has an average elevation of . It is located in the center of large mountains and plateaus, with the mountainous Eastern Ghats in its eastern frontier.

Climate
Bhawanipatna has a tropical wet and dry climate, and temperatures remain moderate throughout the year, except March–June, which can be extremely hot. The temperature in April–May sometimes rises above . The summer months have dry and hot winds, and the temperature can go up to . The city receives about  of rain, mostly in the monsoon season from late June to early October. Winters last from November to January and are mild, although lows can fall to .

Demographics
As of the 2011 India census, Bhawanipatna had a population of 69,045, or 83,756 including its suburbs. The population of children 6 years old or under was 7,407, which was 10.73% of the total population. In Bhawanipatna Municipality, the female sex ratio is 945 against the state average of 979. Moreover, the child sex ratio in Bhawanipatna is around 911, compared to the Odisha state average of 941.

The literacy rate of Bhawanipatna city is 85.00%, higher than the state average of 72.87%. In Bhawanipatna, male literacy is 90.95%, while female literacy rate is 78.72%, according to the 2011 census.

Out of the total population, 23,705 were engaged in work or business activity; of this, 18,666 were males while 5,039 were females. In the census survey, a worker is defined as a person who engages in business, a job, service, cultivation, or other labour activities. Of a total working population of 23,705, 84.55% were engaged in main work while 15.45% of total workers were engaged in marginal work.

Language 
The languages spoken by the people of Kalahandi are the Kalahandia and Sambalpuri dialects of Odia, locally known as Kalahandi. Local weekly newspapers such as Arjji and Kalahandi Express publish articles in standard Odia and Kalahandi languages. Other languages include Kui, Bhatri (another dialect of Odia), Parji, and Bhunjia, spoken by approximately 7,000 Bhunjia Adivasis.

Politics
The current MLA from Bhawanipatna Assembly Constituency is Pradipta Kumar Naik of BJP, who won the seat in the State Legislative election of 2019.

Bhawanipatna is part of the Kalahandi constituency, currently held by Basanta Kumar Panda, and before that by Arka Keshari Deo, who was the grandson of Maharaj Pratap Kesari Deo of Kalahandi.

Tourism
There are two Manikeshwari Temples located in the Kalahandi district of Odisha: one in the center of Bhawanipatna and the other in Thuamal Rampur. The main deity at this temple is Goddess Manikeshwari. The main devotees are from the fisherman community. During the Dussehra festival, an animal sacrifice is offered at this temple during Chatar Jatra, a festival where thousands of people gather in the city to get blessings from their beloved goddess. A film is also documented showing the ritual of animal sacrifice before Goddess Manikeshwari.

Phurlijharan is a perennial waterfall about  in height. Evergreen forests around the fall provide ample opportunities to group picnickers. Rabandara is another perennial waterfall, about  in height. Other waterfalls within the region include Sospadar Waterfall and Gadagada Twin-Waterfall.

Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary (; ) is located in Kalahandi district and is a popular tourist attraction in Odisha. The  sanctuary lies within the Eastern Highlands' moist deciduous forests ecoregion; major plant communities include mixed deciduous forests and scrublands. The sanctuary is home to many wildlife species like tiger, leopard, gaur, sambar, nilgai, barking deer, mouse deer, and a wide variety of birds and reptiles. It also has high mineral deposits like bauxite and manganese.

Jakham has a wooden guest house.

Zilla Sangrahalaya Bhawanipatna (the District Museum) depicts the ancient history of the Kalahandi Region, and has artefacts, manuscripts, paintings, and rare historic items like Asurgarh coins and Gudahandi paintings.

Permunji is a nursery situated at the foot of the great mountain, a place for picnics. Elephants are commonly seen near the nursery crossing roads.

Hello Point is a picnic spot and valley viewpoint at the top of the Eastern Ghats from which half of the Kalahandi district is visible, including Junagarh and Kalampur block. The name comes from the fact that one can receive a signal from all mobile telecom services.

Media and broadcasting

Doordarshan Kendra (DD-6) 
Doordarshan Kendra (DD-6) started as Low Power Transmission on 15 February 1987, and was upgraded to High Power Transmission (HPT) on 20 January 1992. This 10 kW-capacity station is one of the three Doordarshan Kendras in the state of Odisha, the others being Sambalpur and Bhubaneshwar. The studio was started on 3 September 2002.

In 2004, the station started broadcasting agriculture-related programmes sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture and simultaneously began broadcasting agriculture programmes in different HPT centres of the KBK region. It also has produced entertainment and awareness-building programmes, as well as programmes that promote tribal heritage, culture, and drama. From 2005 to 2009, the centre earned ten national awards and five nominee prizes for the programmes it produced.

All India Radio (Akashwani Bhawanipatna 103 FM) 
All India Radio (Akashwani Bhawanipatna) started on 30 December 1993 near Naktiguda, on outskirts of the city. It has two 100 kW transmitters in Belamal near Pastikudi. Its transmission frequency is 1206 kHz (248 MTs). It has two studios.

The station has produced original programmes on topics targeted to various audiences, including rural, women and children, youth and senior citizens, light and classical music, and film music. The broadcasting of programmes is done in Odia, Hindi, and English languages, and covers a population of approximately 18,66,000 Lakh from Kalahandi, Nuapada, and nearby districts. Recently, FM services have been started at AIR station at a frequency of 103 MHz.

The station is not only popular in its primary zone (Kalahandi District and Naupada District), but also has audiences from the districts of Bolangir, Sonepur, Phulbani, Bargarh, Nawrangpur, and Rayagara districts of Odisha, and Raigarh district of Chhattisgarh. Moreover, this station serves the districts coming under the capital KBK scheme of the Government of India.

Others 

 My Channel (Local Media Group) – digital cable TV and WiMax provider
 Ortel Cable and Broadband Service – digital cable TV and broadband provider
 EM Digital

Festivals
The Hindu festival of Durga Puja (or Dasara) is celebrated all over India, but is very popular in eastern India, including in Odisha, West Bengal, and Assam. Most of the major festivals like Chhatar Jatra, Kkandabasha, and Budharaja Jatra, are celebrated during Dasara. The major goddesses of Kalahandi—including Manikeswari, Lankeswari, Denteswari, Khameswari, and Bhandargharen—are seen as a reflection of the goddess Durga, locally known as Shaki ('Energy') and stemming from tribal traditions.

Nuakhai is typically a local festival prevalent in western Odisha, including Kalahandi. It is inspired by the harvesting of new crops and historically came from tribes. There are many kinds of Nuakhai according to tribal culture, out of which Dhan ('rice') Nuakhai is most popularly celebrated. Now, everybody (irrespective of caste, creed, and religion) celebrates it.

The Chatar Jatra of Goddess Manikeswari of Bhawanipatna is a popular ceremony held in October.

Diel (or Deepawali; also popularly known as Diwali) is celebrated in Kalahandi. It is getting popular due to the immigrant businesses mainly from the Marwadi community.

Kalahandi Utsav "Ghumura" is hosted in Lal Bahadur Shastri stadium.

Markets
There are several market areas in the city. The biggest is Laxmi Bajar (or 'main market') at the core of the city. Most of the garment showrooms, costumes, jewelry, grocery, and fancy shops are found here. Fruits and vegetables are sold in the inner area of the market mainly near Laxmi Mandir.

Hatpada (or 'weekly market') is a bi-weekly market that takes place on Tuesday and Saturday near Gandhi Pramod Udyaan (park). Traders from different areas come to sell their goods including vegetables and grocery items; masala and spices; metal products, tools, and utensils; and animals, milk products, and meat.

Mach Bazaar is located near Ghodaghat bridge, and is where different types of fish and prawns are sold.

Naktiguda Haat is a small Bajar located on NH-26, mainly known for grocery and vegetable items.

Sports
 Lal Bahadur Sashtri Stadium is the biggest stadium in Odisha according to the total field area. It is near the Bhawani Talkies, an old cinema hall. The stadium has held various matches including the Ranji Trophy and the Kalahandi Cup. It is maintained by Kalahandi District Athletic Association. Various sports and athletic training are conducted including cricket, football, karate. There are also several tennis courts in the stadium.
 Indoor Stadium (Badminton court) is present near the LBS Stadium.
 The Reserve Police Stadium is the home ground of the Odisha Police.
 The Govt. Autonomous College Field is one of the largest field in Bhawanipatana.
 D.I.E.T. Field is one of the biggest grounds available in the city used for club cricket, volleyball, and football games.

Entertainment
Cinema

 Bhawani Talkies was the oldest cinema hall in the city, near L.B.S. Stadium with UFO technology. (now closed)
 Satyam Cinema is the biggest cinema hall in the city with UFO technology and Dolby Digital sound.
 New Star Cineplex is the largest multiplex of southwestern Odisha (KBK-South Odisha) with four screens (#3D technology). It is situated near OMFED plant, SH-16 Raipur road, Bhangabari, Bhawanipatna.
Bhagirathi Mall, Second Mall & Multiplex in Bhawanipatna. Multiplex-4 Screen 3D, shopping mall is situated near Satsang Bihar, NH-26 Junagarh Road, Bhawanipatna.

Parks and gardens

 Bhagirathi Park – near Shirdi Sai Mandir on SH-44
 Gandhi Pramod Udyaan – near Statue Square
 Ecological Park – one of the oldest parks; on the outskirt of the city on NH-26

Education

Technical/Professional institutions
 College of Agriculture, Bhawanipatna
 Government College of Engineering, Kalahandi Bhawanipatna
 Government Polytechnic College Bhawanipatna
 College of Teacher Education, Bhawanipatna

University
Kalahandi University, Bhawanipatna

General degree colleges
 Binayak Residential college, Bhawanipatna
 Government Women's College Bhawanipatna
 Jayaprakash Sandhya Mahavidyalaya, Bhawanipatna
 Pragati Degree College, Bhawanipatna
 Saraswati Degree College, Bhawanipatna
 Sastriji Science College, Bhawanipatna

Schools
 Kendriya Vidyalaya Bhawanipatna
 Hi-Tech Public School Bhwanipatna
 Citizens' Model English Medium Academy, Bhawanipatna
 B.M. High School
 Municipal Govt.High School
 Delhi Public Kids & Primary School, Bhawanipatna
 Vimala Convent School
 Manikeshwari High School
 Saraswati Sishu Vidya Mandir
 Satya Sai Vidya Mandir
 Shastriji model school (English Medium)
 Shastriji Siksha Niketan (Odia Medium)

Computer institutions
 NICE (National Institute of Computer Education)

Health care
Bhawanipatna has a medical college, several hospitals, and ambulance services, all of which provide good health care services in the city.

Hospitals 
The District Headquarter Hospital is the main backbone for the health services in the city and whole district. The hospital has many wards for different kinds of patients, including a radiation therapy and regional diagnostic centre, and a blood bank. Currently, a new 6-storey hospital building is under construction.

The Sardar Rajas Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre (SRMCH) is located  away from Bhawanipatna on NH-26, was the only medical college in KBK region. It was established in 2009 with support from WODC and the government of Odisha for conducting undergraduate medical courses. It was a self-financing medical institution with 100 seats, but is now abandoned. The case is currently going on by the medical students against Sylvian Trust at Odisha High Court.

The Maa Manikeswari Multispeciality Hospital (previously known as Life Worth Hospital) was established in 2004 in Bhawanipatna near Ghodaghat Chowk (SH-16). It was previously a branch of the Life Worth Super Specialty Hospital in Raipur. It has all the necessary facilities required during an emergency.

Recently, the state government announced a government medical college in Kalahandi. The state government signed with Vedanta Group to build Kalahandi Medical College & Hospital, a medical college and 500-bed hospital at Bhangabari near Bhawanipatna. Forty acres of land behind Bhawanipatna Ring Road has been handed over to the State Health Department for infrastructure. It is adjacent to SH-16 (Proposed NH). A MoU has been signed by the state government and Vedanta Group and land acquisition is complete.

The Police Hospital is situated in Armed Reserve police campus near College Chowk, Bhawanipatna.

Nursing Homes 
 Balaji Nursing Home – near Balaji Mandir, Pardeshi Para, Bhawanipatna

 Surakhya Nursing Home – near Red Cross Kalyan Mandap, Bhawanipatna

 Jagannath Netralaya Eye Hospital – near Balaji Mandir, Pardeshi Para, Bhawanipatna

Transport

Air
Utkela Airstrip (VEUK) is present near the city () which was scheduled to be operational in August2023 with daily flights to the state capital Bhubaneshwar by private air service provider Air Odisha under UDAN scheme by Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Lanjigarh Airstrip () is private airstrip conducting VIP and chartered planes. Other nearby airports are Swami Vivekananda Airport at Raipur, Chhattisgarh ( away), and Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar (427 km away by road and 631 km by rail).

Rail

Bhawanipatna railway station was inaugurated on 12 August 2012. It is situated on the Lanjigarh–Junagarh rail line. Currently there are 3 trains (1 express and 2 passenger) running from Bhawanipatna to Bhubanneshwar, Raipur, and Sambalpur. Kesinga Railway station is connected to many major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Surat.

Road
Highways connecting Bhawanipatna to various cities include:
NH-26 (Bargarh – Bolangir – Bhawanipatna – Nabarangpur – Koraput – Vizianagram – Natavalsa)
SH-16 (Bhawanipatna – Borda – Khariar – Raipur)
SH-6 (Bhawanipatna – Chatiguda – Ambodala – Muniguda)
SH-44 (Bhawanipatna – Gunupur – Thuamul Rampur – Kashipur – Tikri)

Bhawanipatna Bus Stand is one of the biggest bus stands in Odisha, and is on NH-26. Both private and government buses are available from here.

Bhawanipatna is home to a division of Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC), which runs government buses from Bhawanipatna to Bhubaneshwar, Vishakhapatnam, Sambalpur, Berhampur, Cuttack, and Jeypore. Private buses (A/C sleeper coaches) provide transportation facilities to nearby cities in Odisha such as Raipur and Durg. Newly added taxi facility and auto facility (including Biju Gaon Gadi) service throughout Bhawanipatna and nearby villages.

Power and transmission
There is a 132/33 kV grid station near OMFED diary on SH-16. Power to this grid comes directly from the Therubali grid. Power transmission and maintenance are done by Grid Corporation of Odisha.

There is also a sub-station in Naktiguda, Bhawanipatna. It is maintained by Western Electricity Supply Company of Odisha.

Notable people
 Rendo Majhi – A freedom fighter in Odisha, who started the Kondha Revolution against the British in 1853.
 Sujeet Kumar (politician) – Rajya Sabha Member, policy maker.
 Bhubaneswar Behera – Engineer, academic, administrator, and author.
 Ram Chandra Patra, IAS (retd.) (1919-2013) – Bureaucrat, social worker, and administrator acknowledged for his simplicity and administration, and for taking initiative in the Indravati project. He was the first IAS from Kalahandi.
 Kishan Patnaik – Socialist leader. He was born in 1930 into a lower-middle-class family in Kalahandi. Mr Patnaik worked in the youth wing of Samajwadi Yuvjan Sabha and soon rose to become its national president. He was elected to Lok Sabha from Sambalpur at the age of 32 and was one of handful members who turned the Lok Sabha into a real forum to discuss matters of national importance. He was perhaps the first person to bring the issue of starvation death in Kalahandi to the Indian parliament. Mr. Patnaik never lost sight of this fundamental plight of rural India, and securing the right to livelihood for the people on the margin therefore always remained central to his politics and to his vision of development.

References

External links
 Official website of Kalahandi
 Map of Kalahandi

Cities and towns in Kalahandi district