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The district of Keonjhar, lying between 21o1'N and 22o10'N latitude and 85o11'E to 86o22'E longitude presents a panorama of millennia, both from the geographical and anthropological point of view. Spread over an area of 8,240 Sq. Kms, it is as varied as the whole of Orissa with water-falls, roaring gorges, mountains and minerals.
Traditional Fairs and Festivals
The people of the district observe a number of festivals all the year round.
|
| Fairs / Festivals |
Period |
Place |
| Makar Sankranti |
January-February |
Murga Mahadev Barhatipura |
| Raja Sankranti |
May-June |
Sitabinj |
| Baruni Yatra |
February-March |
Gonasika |
| Sivaratri (Jagar Yatra) |
February |
Kosaleswar |
| Ratha Yatra |
July |
Keonjhar Old Town, Anandapur, Champua |
Places of Interest |
Temples
|
| Lord Baladev Jew Temple |
Keonjhargarh |
| Lord Dadhibaman Jew Temple |
Rajanagar |
| Lord Dadhibaman Jew Temple |
Hunda |
| Lord Sidha Jagannath Temple |
Sidhamath |
| Sidha Kali Temple |
Sidhamath |
| Maa Tarini Temple |
Ghatagaon |
| Bramheswar Mahesh Temple |
Gonasika |
| Ghatakeswar Mahesh Temple |
Ghatagaon |
| Nilakantheswar Mahesh Temple |
Barhatipura |
| Pateswar Mahesh Temple |
Suakati |
| Chandrasekhar Mahesh Temple |
Bodapalasa |
| Balunkeswar Mahesh Temple |
Keonjhargarh |
| Kapileswar Temple |
Tangarapalasa |
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Other Places of Interest
Ghatagaon
45 kms. from Keonjhar on the National Highway No.215 towards Cuttack, the place is known throughout the state for the shrine of Goddess Tarini.
Sitabinj
Situated on the river Sita. The spot has gained prominence as a place having ancient fresco paintings on a rock shelter called Ravan Chhaya which is like a half opened umbrella. The painting depicts a royal procession. It is 30 kms. from Keonjhar (23 Kms. on the Jajpur-Keonjhar Road upto Katrabeda and 7 Kms from there).
Khandadhar
A famous waterfall of about 500 ft. high amidst lush green forest. It is 60 kms. from Keonjhar, ideal for picnic.
Badaghagara
9 kms. from Keonjhar on NH-6 towards Sambalpur, it is yet another small (200 ft. high) but exiting waterfall. It is one of the most popular picnic spots of Keonjhar district.
Sanghagara
6 Kms. from Keonjhar on NH-6 towards Sambalpur. It is a small (100 ft high) but beautiful waterfall, suitable for outing.
Gonasika
Surrounded by a series of villages of wooded hills of varying colours, the place is famous as a centre of pilgrimage for the temple of Brahmeswar Mahadev, established on the river Baitarani. In fact this is the place from where the river starts flowing. A little away from the point of origin, the river goes underground and hence called Guptaganga only to be seen jumping after a short distance over a stone projection looking like the nostril of cow. The scenic beauty of the place is simply charming. It is 33 kms. from Keonjhar (of this 8 kms. fair-weather).
Murga Mahadev
Situated near the Thakurani Hill in Champua Sub-division by the side of a perennial spring. It is famous for the temple of Murga Mahadev. It is 65 kms. from Keonjhar.
Keonjhargarh
Keonjhargarh, the District headquarters is famous for the Baladevjeu Temple. On its out-skirts are the shrines of Sidha Jagannath, Sidhakali and Chaubacha, Bajrangbali amidst picturesque settings.
Deogaon ( Kosaleswar )
On the river Kusei near Anandapur. The temple of Kusaleswar built in Circa 900 AD is a famous centre of pilgrimage. Once upon a time it was a flourishing seat of Buddhism. Even now a 5 feet high image of Abalokiteswar stands there as reminiscence of the Buddhism in the past. Another important monument of the place is the stone embankment on the river Kusei, which is the second of its kind in the state.
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