Anandapur

For the village in Bangladesh, see Anandapur, Bangladesh.

Not to be confused with Anandpur.

Anandapur
—  town  —
Anandapur Location of Anandapur in Orissa and India
Coordinates	21°13′N 86°07′E
Country	India
State	Orissa
District(s)	Kendujhar
MLA	Shri Bhagirathi Sethy (BJD)
Population	35,043 (2001)
Time zone	IST (UTC+05:30)
Area • Elevation	• 43 metres (141 ft)
Codes • Pincode • 758 xxx • Telephone • +06731 • Vehicle • OR-09

Anandapur (Oriya: ଆନଂଦ ପୁର) is a town and a municipality of Kendujhar district in the state of Orissa, India.

Toponymy

The name Anandapur (called as A+nda+Pur) derives from आनन्द सहर (which in Sanskrit means the "City of bliss/ ecstasy").

Geography

Anandapur is located at 21.21°N 86.11°E / 21.21; 86.11. It has an average elevation of 43 m (141 ft). The town is situated on the bank of river Baitarani (which flows on the southern side of the town).

Climate

Anandapur experiences three distinct seasons: Summer, Monsoon and Winter. Typical summer months are from February to June, with maximum temperatures ranging from 35 °C to 45 °C. May is the warmest month in Anandapur; although summer doesn't end until May. The city often receives heavy thundershowers in May (and the humidity level remains high). During the hottest months, the nights are usually very warm due to high humidity. The monsoon lasts from June to September, with moderate/high rainfall and temperatures ranging from 15 °C to 35 °C. Winter begins in October; the daytime temperature hovers around 28 °C (82 °F) while night temperature is below 15 °C for most of December and January.

Economy

Most of the people depend on agriculture. Nowadays, most of people are inclined towards the business of transportation of iron ore meant for exports. Many of them are managing their livelihood by the means of small business. The most recent trend has been that many of younger generation are migrating to other states looking for jobs. As a result of all these, the per capita income of individuals has gone up nowadays.

Heritage Sites

Anandapur is situated in the strike line of coastal and hilly regions. It is surrounded by beautiful scenery of green hills. It is situated on the bank of river Baitarani which is a sacred river of India, also known as Budha Ganga, and is considered one of the oldest river in India. During the ruling of Keshari dynasty in Orissa many temples of Shiva were constructed. Along the banks of this river many temples of Lord Shiva can be found. The Jhadeswara temple, Balunkeswara Temple, Uttareswara temple, Kundeswara temples and others are situated. Kushaleswara Temple was built by Jajati Keshari.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, Anandapur had a population of 35,043. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Anandapur has an average literacy rate of 72%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 57% of the males and 43% of females literate. 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Administration

The city of Anandapur is managed by the Anandapur Municipal Corporation (AMC).

Politics

MLA from Anandapur (SC) Assembly Constituency is Bhagirathi Sethi(BJD), who won the seat in State elections of 2009. Jaydeb Jena had won earlier in 1995 and in 1985, and also as INC(I) candidate in 1980. He was previously the PCC president and secretary of PCC, Orissa. Mayadhar Jena of BJP had won in 2000, Dasarathi Jena of JD in 1990, and Makar Sethi of JNP in 1977.

Anandapur is part of Keonjhar (Lok Sabha constituency).

Culture and religion

Anandapur is a culturally rich town. With addition to Ratha Jatra and Bahuda Jatra, every year the people here celebrate the Baruni Jatra with full of joy and passion. While Deogaon is famous for the Jagara (Maha Sivaratri) festival around the Kushaleswara Temple, Kantipal celebrates Dola Purnima (Holi) with huge participation from people from all walks of life.

Education

1. Anandapur College, Anandapur
2. Kushaleswar Anchalika Mahavidyalaya, Rekutia
3. Anandapur Anchalika Training College, Anandapur
4. Kanaka Manjari Women’s College, Anandapur
5. B. N. Sanskrit College, Tukuna
6. Anchalika Mahavidyalaya, Hatadihi
7. Anchalika Mahavidyalaya, Kantipal
8. Beleswar Mahavidyalaya, Belabahali
9. Tarimul High School,Tarimul
10. Patitapaban Mahavidyalaya, Sainkul
11. Jagannath Mahavidyalaya, Nayagarh
12. BT Women’s College, Chhenapadi, Anadapur
13. Salabani GP College, Salabani
14. Balabhadra Narayana (B.N.) High School, Anandapur
15. Govt. Girls High School, Anandapur
16. Janamangal High School, Keshadurapal
17. Kundulai High School, Belabahali
18. Kantipal High School, Kantipal
19. Balibarei High School, Balibarei
20. Mugupur High School
21. Anandapur UGME School (Model School)
22. Mugupur Girls High School
23. Govt. Secondary Training School, Fakirpur (CT)
24. Anandapur Anchalika Training College, Fakirpur (B.Ed.)

Transport

Ananadapur is well connected by bus from Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. NH-215 is the major national highway that runs through this area. The nearest railway station is Jajpur road. Buses and Auto rickshaws run frequently from Anandapur to various surrounding rural villages.

Places of tourist interest

1. Hadagarh : The Salandi river flowing between two high mountains and a dam built over it are the main attractions for the tourists. This place is at a distance of 119 km from Keonjhar.
2. Chakrateertha : It is a beautiful place located about 3 km from Kantipal.
3. Deogaon : It is famous for the Kushaleswar Temple and the Pathara Bandha (Stone embankment on the river Kusei).