Sirsaganj

Kesari (Hindi: केसरी) is one of the largest and most prominent villages in the Sirsaganj Assembly Constituency, located in the Firozabad District of Uttar Pradesh, India. The village spans an area of 428.5 hectares and has a population of 2,453 people. Kesari is known for its significant cultural and religious events, as well as its influence in the Thakur/Kshatriya community. The village is also well-connected by road and is situated approximately 10 km from Sirsaganj and 40 km from Firozabad city.

Geography

Kesari is located in the Madanpur Block of Firozabad District, Uttar Pradesh. The village’s total geographical area is 428.5 hectares. It enjoys good connectivity to surrounding areas and is accessible via road, with Sirsaganj being the nearest town. Kesari is approximately 40 km away from Firozabad city and 5 km from Shikohabad Railway Station on the New Delhi–Howrah route.

Demographics

As per the latest census, Kesari has a population of 2,453 people, comprising 1,279 males and 1,174 females. This results in a sex ratio of 917 females for every 1,000 males. The village has a literacy rate of 72.40%, with 78.58% of males and 65.67% of females being literate.

There are approximately 447 houses in Kesari village, reflecting a moderately dense settlement pattern. The village has a vibrant community, with residents predominantly engaged in agriculture, livestock management, and other local businesses.

Culture and Social Influence

Kesari village has a rich cultural heritage, and the community celebrates various traditional and religious programs throughout the year. The village is known for hosting several significant cultural and religious events:

Ramleela: An annual dramatic performance depicting the life and adventures of Lord Rama, celebrated during Dussehra.

Nautanki: A traditional form of musical theatre that blends drama, song, and dance, often portraying mythological and folklore stories.

Dola of Shivji: A procession held in honor of Lord Shiva, where devotees offer prayers and participate in religious ceremonies.

Dola of Thakurji Maharaj: A religious procession in honor of Thakur Ji Maharaj, during which the idol is carried through the village as part of the celebrations.

Dola of Mata Rani: A key event celebrating Goddess Durga, where devotees take the idol of Mata Rani in a grand procession.

The village is home to several important temples, such as:

Thakur Ji Maharaj Shala Temple: A prominent place of worship dedicated to Thakur Ji Maharaj, where devotees gather for prayers and religious activities.

Maa Vindhyawasni Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Vindhyawasni, this temple attracts devotees, particularly during the Dola of Mata Rani procession.

Kesari is also regarded as one of the most prominent and influential villages of the Thakur/Kshatriya community. The community has played an essential role in shaping the social, cultural, and political landscape of the village.

Historical Significance

Kesari is historically significant as one of the first settlement villages of the Jadon Rajputs, who originally came from the Karauli Riyasat in Rajasthan. The Jadon Rajputs established their presence in the region, and Kesari became one of the key villages for their descendants.

Notable People

Thakur Jaiveer Singh: A prominent political figure and the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of Mainpuri, Thakur Jaiveer Singh serves as a Cabinet Minister in the Uttar Pradesh Government. While he is originally from Mainpuri, his in-laws are from Kesari, which has strengthened the village's political connections and influence.

Thakur Arun Jadon: A prominent figure in the Animal Husbandry Department, Thakur Arun Jadon holds a significant position in the field and has contributed greatly to livestock management and agricultural development in the region.

Thakur Virendra Singh: A prominent historical figure, Thakur Virendra Singh was the Sarpanch of Kesari and a major zamindar. During the early years of Indian independence, he held the zamindari of five villages, contributing to the village’s economic and social development.

Economy

The primary occupation of the residents of Kesari is agriculture, with potatoes being the main crop cultivated. The village also has a significant presence in animal husbandry, which plays a crucial role in the local economy. Additionally, small-scale local businesses and services contribute to the village's economic activity.

Conclusion

Kesari is a village with a rich cultural and historical heritage, a strong sense of community, and an active role in both regional politics and development. The village's significant cultural events, its influence within the Thakur/Kshatriya community, and the contributions of notable figures like Thakur Jaiveer Singh, Thakur Arun Jadon, and Thakur Virendra Singh make it a central and vibrant part of the Sirsaganj constituency in Uttar Pradesh.

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