Puri District
Encyclopedia
Puri being a coastal district of Orissa
, is famous for its Historic antiquities, Religious sanctuaries, Architectural Grandeur, Sea-scape beauty,moderate climate.It holds a wealth of attraction for the visitors. It boasts of a continuous history from the 3rd Century B.C. to the present day and its unique monuments like those of Lord Jagannath
at Puri, the Sun God at Konark
are the famous in the world. It has the Chilika Lake, the largest brackish water lakes in India, that holds a picturesque Sea-Scape beauty. It offers an ideal resort for birds who migrate from different parts of the continent. By virtue of Geographical location, the climate of Puri is equable throughout the year.
This district comprises 1714 revenue villages. It has one subdivision
, (Puri Sadar), 11 tehsils and 11 blocks. Puri is the only municipality of the district.
and installed the images of the deities. Thereafter, it became famous as the abode of Purusottama and was popularly called Purusottama Kshetra.
In the drama Anargharaghava Natakam attributed to circa 9th century CE, we find the name Purusottama applied to this town. In the Nagari Plate of Anangabhima III of the Saka
year 1151-52 i.e. 1229-30 CE, the place is called Purusottama Kshetra. This name in the form of Purusottama Chhatar or only in the form Chhatar was used by the Mughals, the Marathas as well as the early British rulers in their official records. Even in Yoginitantra and Kalikapurana the city is referred to as Purusottam. Puri region was also known as Utkal.
The name Purusottama Kshetra was also for sometime known as Purusottama Puri. As the word Purusottama Kshetra was contracted into Kshetra or Chhatra, so also Purusottama Puri was expressed in the contracted form as Puri. In fact, in many early British records this town is known by the name Pooree. In modern times, the name of Puri has become the most popular of all the other names used for this town.
As the Raja of Khurdha revolted the 1804, he was arrested and was placed in confinement in the Fort of Barabati at Cuttack. His territory was confiscated and the Raja was subsequently released. In 1807 he was permitted to live at Balisahi in the town of Puri and functioned as superintendent of the temple of Jagannath. Puri was the capital of the province of Orissa and the headquarters of the collector, till 1816. In 1806 there was a proposal to remove the head quarters to Jajpur, but it didn't get Government sanction. In August 1814, a part of the collectors establishment was removed to Cuttack, which was again brought back to Puri in December. By 1916 the Head quarter was permanently shifted to Cuttack which was Head quarter during Moghal and Marathas. By 1818 the office of the commissioner was established and Robert Ker became the first commissioner. From 1813 to 1819 there was a joint Magistrate at Puri with the jurisdiction over the Thana of Pipli, Gop, Hariharpur and Kiran. By 1819 this office was abolished and the joint magistrate of Khurdha was given the charge of the above thanas. On 11 February 1822, the office of the joint magistrate of Khurdha was abolished and Orissa was again divided into two divisions with the river Baitarani as the dividing line . Willkinson, the collector of Cuttack, was placed in charge of Cuttack and Khurdha and Ricketts with powers of a collector was given the charge of Balasore and Bhadrak .
Finally on 23 October 1828, the province was divided into three districts, namely Balaore, Cuttack and Jagannath, later known as Puri. Regulation IV of 1821 had provided that the power of a magistrate and collector might be vested in one and the same person and accordingly are magistrate and collector was appointed in each of the above three districts. H. Ricketts, R. Hunter and W. Willkinson were the first magistrate and collectors of Balasore, Cuttack and puri districts respectively.
In 1912 the new province of Bihar and Orissa was formed and subsequently Orissa a become a separate province in 1936. After integration with Orissa an 1 January 1948 of the feudatry states of Nayagarh, Daspalla, Khandapara and Ranapur with a total area of 3941 1st km. a separate Sub-Division comprising these ex-states was adede to Puri District with headquarters at Nayagarh. The fourth Sub-Division of Bhubaneswar was carried out on 26 January 1959. The old Puri District consisted of four Sub-Division i.e. Puri Sadar, Khurdha, Bhubaneswar and Nayagarh, Puri Sadar Sub-Division consists of four Tahasils i.e. 1) Krushna Prasad 2)Sadar 3) Pipili, 4) Nimapara .
Again by the year 1995 the Puri District was divided into 3 District i.e.
i) Nayagarh District
comprises Nayagarh Sub-Division.
ii) Khordha District
Comprises Khuradha and Bhubaneswar Sub-Division and
iii) Puri District
Comprises Puri Sadar Sub-Division only.
The whole of the district may be divided into two dissimilar natural divisions
i) The littoral tract
ii) The level alluvial tract
i) The littoral Tract
The strip of the country lies between the alluvial and the Bay of Bengal. It assumes the form of a bear but sandy ridger which stretches along the sea- shore for the full length of the District, Varying from 6.5 km. to a few hundred metres in with . Accumulations of wind blown sand give rise to ridges parallel to the coast. It forms the dividing line between the Chilika lake and the ocean
ii) The Level Alluvial tract
This level of alluvial region is full of villages and rice fields,, watered by a network of channels, through which the water of distributaries of the most southerly branch of Mahanadi, find their way to the sea. There is no hill in Puri District except a small cultivate land are under plough. Generally biali or autumn rice, sarada or winter rice and dalua or spring rice these three types of rice are cultivated.
rivers.
1) Kushabhadra River- A branch of Kuakhai river originates from Balianta and meets the sea of Bay of Bengal
at the shrine of Ramachandi, located 15 miles east of Puri
. Its tributary Mugei joins with Kushabhadra.
2) Daya River
- A branch of Kuakhai river drains into the Chilika lake. Two small rivers join with Daya river i.e. the Gangua and the Managuni below Kanas. Daya river has been attributed with problem of causing silt build-up in Chilika Lake.
3) Bhargavi River
- A branch of Kuakhai meets the sea of Bay of Bengal
after breaking up into numerous distributaries in the last two and half miles of its course. There are four main branches all branching off from the left bank viz. Kanchi, the East Kania, the Naya Nadi and the South Kanchi (which drains into Sar Lake); and by various channel the first three are interconnected and finally join the Suna Munhi river which falls into Bali Harchandi and ultimately drains to the Bay of Bengal
sea via the mouth of Chilika. The South Kania gets lost in the marshes on the western shore of Chilika.
4) Kadua River
- It is a monsoon
fed river that drains into Prachi river.
5) Prachi River- It is a branch commencing from Puri
and Jagatsinghpur
district. It has its origin near Kantapara on Cuttack-Gop road and passes through the village of Kakatpur before draining into the sea of Bay of Bengal
.
6) Devi River
- It is a branch of Kathajori. It runs into Puri
district near the extreme east forming numerous branches.
There are also a few small rivers worth a mention, chiefly Ratnachira and Nuna, which drain into Bhargabi river
and Daya river
respectively.
1. The Chilika Lake
2. The Sar Lake
Puri district has a population
of 1,697,983, roughly equal to the nation of Guinea-Bissau
or the US state of Idaho
. This gives it a ranking of 291st in India (out of a total of 640
).
The district has a population density of 488 PD/sqkm . Its population growth rate
over the decade 2001-2011 was 13 %. Puri has a sex ratio
of 963 females
for every 1000 males, and a literacy rate
of 85.37 %.
The District has the happy conglomeration of different religions, sects and faith in course of history. Majority of the people are Hindus. The other important communities like Muslims, Sikhs, jains, Christians and tribals found here in the District. The Hindu monuments of various sectors like Shaivism
, Vaishnavism
, Sakti cult, Ganapatya
, Mahabir etc. are found. Similarly Muslim Mosques, Christian Churches are also noticed here.
The grandeur of architecture and the crafts maintop of the sculptures speak high of the cultural history of Puri District.
. Some important festivals related of Lord Jagannath and others are listed below.
Other Festivals for Tourists
In all the festivals Odissi
dance and folk dances from different party of the country are staged.
Cultural Programme on second Saturday of every month
With the objective to encourage the young artist and to display our rich performing art form,Cultural programmee for two hours, in the evening of 2nd Saturday of each month is organized at the collector's conference Hall C (Near Sea bech Police Station)Puri by Dist,Council of culture.The majestic odissi dance,the lucid Odissi Song and enchanting flok dances are staged in this programmee.There is no entry fee for viewing this programs.
Much of Puri's ancient activities revolved around the beautiful temples that were abundant in the rural areas and the commercial centers. In the big temples, the role of dance and music in temple rituals was important enough to accord them a separate enclosure- the Nata mandira- for their full development. The famous Nata mandiras, beautifully embellished with figures in various poses of dance and musicians handling a variety of instruments are witness to this integral role in temple life .
" or female temple dancers was not only pre-valent to the temples in central and south India, but also existed in Orissa in a highly sophisticated form. The more talented devadasi are selected for training in the secret arts of the temple dance "Odissi
" which today has become a highly stylized and elegant dance form. The devadashis were used to dance for lord Jagannath with the songs from Jayadev's Geeta Govinda. After the abolition of devadasi system, this dance becomes the most developed classical dance form of the State. Padmashri Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra is the legend of the particular dance form.
Odissi Song
Own its origin from Puri. It is a separate form of song with its own importance and is quite different from Hindusthani and Karnataki music.
Gotipua is a fascinating folk dance of Puri Where boys below 14 years clad in female dress dance to the tune at the music. The acrobatic poses attached to the dance enthralls the audience. This dance is becoming very popular. The Gotipua team of Raghurajpur
has earned much reputation.
Here the dancer put a mask on his head and dance to the rhythm of the enchanting music. The medhas of Ravan, Trisira, Navasira etc. and Naga dance one very popular in Puri town. During Rama Navami days this dance is enacted at the streets of Puri town for seven days.
a) Kurum is 80 Km away from Konarak.The excavation work conducted here reveal the remains at Buddhists artifacts at 10th century A.D.
b) Manikapatana: - It is in Krushnaprasad block from which the remains at mediaeval period are found .
c) Klkha patana on Puri Konark Marine drive road where the remains of 15th century was found.
Annapurna Theatre, Situated at the grand road Puri, is a pioneer institution in the field oftheatrical performances.
b) Another handicraft museum is situated at Batagaon, 5 km from Puri on Puri Bhubaneswar road. It is managed by a Co-operative Society.
a) Dist Library :-The Dist library of Puri is situated at station road and having more than 15,000 books, daily Newspapers and Magazines are brought to this library regularly. It is managed by dept of culture, Govt of Orissa. Anyone interested can read in this library. There is no lending facilities.
b) Panchasakha Memorial hall Library, Sakshigopal:- This library is also managed by department ofculture, Orissa. It has more than 4,000 books at its stock. Monday is the weekly holidays.
To extend library activities in rural areas, registered librariesfunctioning at different parts of the district are encouraged with various distance from Raja Ram Mohan Roy Library Foundation Calcutta through State Govt.
Orissa
Orissa , officially Odisha since Nov 2011, is a state of India, located on the east coast of India, by the Bay of Bengal. It is the modern name of the ancient nation of Kalinga, which was invaded by the Maurya Emperor Ashoka in 261 BC. The modern state of Orissa was established on 1 April...
, is famous for its Historic antiquities, Religious sanctuaries, Architectural Grandeur, Sea-scape beauty,moderate climate.It holds a wealth of attraction for the visitors. It boasts of a continuous history from the 3rd Century B.C. to the present day and its unique monuments like those of Lord Jagannath
Jagannath
Jagannath is a transcendental non-anthropotheistic Hindu god worshiped primarily by the people of Indian state of Orissa, and, to a great extent, West Bengal...
at Puri, the Sun God at Konark
Konark
Konark is a small town in Puri district in the state of Orissa, India, on the Bay of Bengal, sixty-five kilometers from Bhubaneswar. It is the site of the 13th-century Sun Temple , built in black granite by King Narasimhadeva-I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. The temple is a World Heritage Site...
are the famous in the world. It has the Chilika Lake, the largest brackish water lakes in India, that holds a picturesque Sea-Scape beauty. It offers an ideal resort for birds who migrate from different parts of the continent. By virtue of Geographical location, the climate of Puri is equable throughout the year.
This district comprises 1714 revenue villages. It has one subdivision
Subdivision
Subdivision may refer to:* Country subdivision** Subdivision , a term for an urban or suburban area, especially if recently parceled up into smaller plots for new uses** Census geographic units of Canada , a term used in Canada...
, (Puri Sadar), 11 tehsils and 11 blocks. Puri is the only municipality of the district.
Etymology
The District has been named after its headquarter town, Puri. According to Cunningham the ancient name of this town was Charitra mentioned by the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang as Che-li-ta-lo. But the restoration of the word Che-li-ta-lo as Charitra and its identification with the town of Puri are open to doubt. The importance of the town as a seat of Vaisnavism increased when Chodaganga Deva constructed the temple of Purusottama JagannathJagannath
Jagannath is a transcendental non-anthropotheistic Hindu god worshiped primarily by the people of Indian state of Orissa, and, to a great extent, West Bengal...
and installed the images of the deities. Thereafter, it became famous as the abode of Purusottama and was popularly called Purusottama Kshetra.
Pre-History
Like many other parts of Orissa, in the Puri District, river gravels and slits may be included among the various Pleistocene formations. But no formation of this period has so far yielded any type of pre-historic stone tool though they are found in a large number from similar formations (river gravels, secondary laterite pits and murrams) in the districts of Dhenkanal, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Sundargarh. So whatever information we have regarding the pre-historic cultures of this districts are mainly derived from different types of stone tools collected from the surface.In the drama Anargharaghava Natakam attributed to circa 9th century CE, we find the name Purusottama applied to this town. In the Nagari Plate of Anangabhima III of the Saka
Saka
The Saka were a Scythian tribe or group of tribes....
year 1151-52 i.e. 1229-30 CE, the place is called Purusottama Kshetra. This name in the form of Purusottama Chhatar or only in the form Chhatar was used by the Mughals, the Marathas as well as the early British rulers in their official records. Even in Yoginitantra and Kalikapurana the city is referred to as Purusottam. Puri region was also known as Utkal.
The name Purusottama Kshetra was also for sometime known as Purusottama Puri. As the word Purusottama Kshetra was contracted into Kshetra or Chhatra, so also Purusottama Puri was expressed in the contracted form as Puri. In fact, in many early British records this town is known by the name Pooree. In modern times, the name of Puri has become the most popular of all the other names used for this town.
History of the District as an administrative unit
Under Mughal Rule (1592–1751), Orissa for the purpose of revenue administration was divided into three circars, namely Jaleswar, Bhadrak and kataka each of which Under Mughal was subdivided into Bishis. Puri formed a part of kataka circar. After their occupation of Orissa in 1751, the Marathas brought about some changes in the revenue divisions of the province . they divided Orissa, which then extended from the river Suvarnarekha in the North to the lake Chilika in the South, into five Chakalas viz. (I) Pipli, (II) Kataka (III)Soro, (IV) Balasore. The Chakala of Pipli comprised major portions of the modern district of Puri. The Chakalas were divided into parganas into Mahals or Taluqs. The conquest of Orissa by the British in 1803 set fourth great changes in revenue divisions and political relations . In June 1804, the province was divided into two divisions, namely the Northern and Southern Divisions, the river Mahanadi forming the boundary. Robert Ker and Charles Groeme were appointed as Judge, Magistrate and collector in Northern and Southern Divisions respectively. By 1805 both divisions were amalgamated and G.Webb succeeded Groene as collector and Robert Ker became the Judge and Magistrate of the whole province.As the Raja of Khurdha revolted the 1804, he was arrested and was placed in confinement in the Fort of Barabati at Cuttack. His territory was confiscated and the Raja was subsequently released. In 1807 he was permitted to live at Balisahi in the town of Puri and functioned as superintendent of the temple of Jagannath. Puri was the capital of the province of Orissa and the headquarters of the collector, till 1816. In 1806 there was a proposal to remove the head quarters to Jajpur, but it didn't get Government sanction. In August 1814, a part of the collectors establishment was removed to Cuttack, which was again brought back to Puri in December. By 1916 the Head quarter was permanently shifted to Cuttack which was Head quarter during Moghal and Marathas. By 1818 the office of the commissioner was established and Robert Ker became the first commissioner. From 1813 to 1819 there was a joint Magistrate at Puri with the jurisdiction over the Thana of Pipli, Gop, Hariharpur and Kiran. By 1819 this office was abolished and the joint magistrate of Khurdha was given the charge of the above thanas. On 11 February 1822, the office of the joint magistrate of Khurdha was abolished and Orissa was again divided into two divisions with the river Baitarani as the dividing line . Willkinson, the collector of Cuttack, was placed in charge of Cuttack and Khurdha and Ricketts with powers of a collector was given the charge of Balasore and Bhadrak .
Finally on 23 October 1828, the province was divided into three districts, namely Balaore, Cuttack and Jagannath, later known as Puri. Regulation IV of 1821 had provided that the power of a magistrate and collector might be vested in one and the same person and accordingly are magistrate and collector was appointed in each of the above three districts. H. Ricketts, R. Hunter and W. Willkinson were the first magistrate and collectors of Balasore, Cuttack and puri districts respectively.
In 1912 the new province of Bihar and Orissa was formed and subsequently Orissa a become a separate province in 1936. After integration with Orissa an 1 January 1948 of the feudatry states of Nayagarh, Daspalla, Khandapara and Ranapur with a total area of 3941 1st km. a separate Sub-Division comprising these ex-states was adede to Puri District with headquarters at Nayagarh. The fourth Sub-Division of Bhubaneswar was carried out on 26 January 1959. The old Puri District consisted of four Sub-Division i.e. Puri Sadar, Khurdha, Bhubaneswar and Nayagarh, Puri Sadar Sub-Division consists of four Tahasils i.e. 1) Krushna Prasad 2)Sadar 3) Pipili, 4) Nimapara .
Again by the year 1995 the Puri District was divided into 3 District i.e.
i) Nayagarh District
Nayagarh District
Nayagarh district is one of the 30 districts of Orissa State in eastern India. It was created in 1995 when the erstwhile Puri District was split into three distinct districts. It is home to the Baisipali Wildlife Sanctuary.-Maoist attacks:...
comprises Nayagarh Sub-Division.
ii) Khordha District
Khordha district
Khordha is an administrative division of the state of Orissa, India. It was formed on April 1, 1993 by the division of former Puri District into Puri, Khurda and Nayagarh districts. In the year 2000 the district name was changed to Khordha. The district headquarters is Khordha Town, formerly...
Comprises Khuradha and Bhubaneswar Sub-Division and
iii) Puri District
Puri District
Puri being a coastal district of Orissa, is famous for its Historic antiquities, Religious sanctuaries, Architectural Grandeur, Sea-scape beauty,moderate climate.It holds a wealth of attraction for the visitors. It boasts of a continuous history from the 3rd Century B.C...
Comprises Puri Sadar Sub-Division only.
Geography
The Puri district lies between the latitudes 19°28'N to 26°35'N and longitudes 84°29'E to 86°25'E. It has a geographical area of 3051 km2 or 264988 Ha. It has a varied geographical and geological divisions depending upon the available rock types, soil, vegetation, water bodies and climate.The whole of the district may be divided into two dissimilar natural divisions
i) The littoral tract
ii) The level alluvial tract
i) The littoral Tract
The strip of the country lies between the alluvial and the Bay of Bengal. It assumes the form of a bear but sandy ridger which stretches along the sea- shore for the full length of the District, Varying from 6.5 km. to a few hundred metres in with . Accumulations of wind blown sand give rise to ridges parallel to the coast. It forms the dividing line between the Chilika lake and the ocean
ii) The Level Alluvial tract
This level of alluvial region is full of villages and rice fields,, watered by a network of channels, through which the water of distributaries of the most southerly branch of Mahanadi, find their way to the sea. There is no hill in Puri District except a small cultivate land are under plough. Generally biali or autumn rice, sarada or winter rice and dalua or spring rice these three types of rice are cultivated.
Sea-coast Bays
The length of the sea-coast of the district of Puri is nearly 150.4 km. Sandy ridges are found along the sea-coast which stretch into the districts of Jagatsingpur and Ganjam . One such sandy spit divides the lake Chilika from Bay of Bengal . These sandy ridges and dunes are formed by the strong monsoon currents which blow over the country for nearly 8 months of the year . The ridges vary from about 7 km to a few metres in width and have prevented most of the rivers of the district from finding their way into the ocean.Island
No Island is found in the coastal waters of Puri, but the Chilika lake is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a group of Islands.River system
All the rivers of Puri district have a common characteristics. In the hot weather they are beds of sand with tiny streams or none at all, while in the rains they receive more water than they can carry. Generally all rivers are distributaries of MahanadiMahanadi River
The Mahanadi in East Central India. It drains an area of around 141,600 km2 and has a total course of 858 km. The river flows through the states of Chhattisgarh and Orissa.-Source:...
rivers.
1) Kushabhadra River- A branch of Kuakhai river originates from Balianta and meets the sea of Bay of Bengal
Bay of Bengal
The Bay of Bengal , the largest bay in the world, forms the northeastern part of the Indian Ocean. It resembles a triangle in shape, and is bordered mostly by the Eastern Coast of India, southern coast of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to the west and Burma and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to the...
at the shrine of Ramachandi, located 15 miles east of Puri
Puri
Puri is district headquarter, a city situated about south of state capital Bhubaneswar, on the eastern coast of the Bay of Bengal in the Indian state of Orissa. It is also known as Jagannath Puri after the Jagannath Temple . It is a holy city of the Hindus as a part of the Char Dham pilgrimages...
. Its tributary Mugei joins with Kushabhadra.
2) Daya River
Daya River
The Daya River starts as a branch of the Kuakhai River at Saradeipur in Orissa state in India. It is joined by the Malaguni River below Golabai and flows through Khordha and Puri districts before emptying into the north-eastern corner of Chilika Lake, km from its origin.The historically important...
- A branch of Kuakhai river drains into the Chilika lake. Two small rivers join with Daya river i.e. the Gangua and the Managuni below Kanas. Daya river has been attributed with problem of causing silt build-up in Chilika Lake.
3) Bhargavi River
Bhargavi River
Bhargavi river flows across Orissa, India. It forms the Mahanadi - Kuakhai distributary system branching off from Kuakhai and drains into the Chilka Lake.We have the following write-up in lieu of the above in another wiki page:...
- A branch of Kuakhai meets the sea of Bay of Bengal
Bay of Bengal
The Bay of Bengal , the largest bay in the world, forms the northeastern part of the Indian Ocean. It resembles a triangle in shape, and is bordered mostly by the Eastern Coast of India, southern coast of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to the west and Burma and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to the...
after breaking up into numerous distributaries in the last two and half miles of its course. There are four main branches all branching off from the left bank viz. Kanchi, the East Kania, the Naya Nadi and the South Kanchi (which drains into Sar Lake); and by various channel the first three are interconnected and finally join the Suna Munhi river which falls into Bali Harchandi and ultimately drains to the Bay of Bengal
Bay of Bengal
The Bay of Bengal , the largest bay in the world, forms the northeastern part of the Indian Ocean. It resembles a triangle in shape, and is bordered mostly by the Eastern Coast of India, southern coast of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to the west and Burma and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to the...
sea via the mouth of Chilika. The South Kania gets lost in the marshes on the western shore of Chilika.
4) Kadua River
Kadua River
Kadua river is located in Orissa state, India, and formed by the confluence of two streams at Charigan village. It runs for a distance of 22 miles draining the area between Prachi and Kushabadra rivers before joining the Bay of Bengal....
- It is a monsoon
Monsoon
Monsoon is traditionally defined as a seasonal reversing wind accompanied by corresponding changes in precipitation, but is now used to describe seasonal changes in atmospheric circulation and precipitation associated with the asymmetric heating of land and sea...
fed river that drains into Prachi river.
5) Prachi River- It is a branch commencing from Puri
Puri District
Puri being a coastal district of Orissa, is famous for its Historic antiquities, Religious sanctuaries, Architectural Grandeur, Sea-scape beauty,moderate climate.It holds a wealth of attraction for the visitors. It boasts of a continuous history from the 3rd Century B.C...
and Jagatsinghpur
Jagatsinghpur District
Jagatsinghpur District is an administrative district of Orissa, India. The city of Jagatsinghpur is the district headquarters.-Post-independence:...
district. It has its origin near Kantapara on Cuttack-Gop road and passes through the village of Kakatpur before draining into the sea of Bay of Bengal
Bay of Bengal
The Bay of Bengal , the largest bay in the world, forms the northeastern part of the Indian Ocean. It resembles a triangle in shape, and is bordered mostly by the Eastern Coast of India, southern coast of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to the west and Burma and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to the...
.
6) Devi River
Devi River
Devi river is one of the principal distributaries of Mahanadhi. It flows through Jagatsinghpur district and Puri district across Orissa state in India and joins Bay of Bengal.- Course :...
- It is a branch of Kathajori. It runs into Puri
Puri District
Puri being a coastal district of Orissa, is famous for its Historic antiquities, Religious sanctuaries, Architectural Grandeur, Sea-scape beauty,moderate climate.It holds a wealth of attraction for the visitors. It boasts of a continuous history from the 3rd Century B.C...
district near the extreme east forming numerous branches.
There are also a few small rivers worth a mention, chiefly Ratnachira and Nuna, which drain into Bhargabi river
Bhargavi River
Bhargavi river flows across Orissa, India. It forms the Mahanadi - Kuakhai distributary system branching off from Kuakhai and drains into the Chilka Lake.We have the following write-up in lieu of the above in another wiki page:...
and Daya river
Daya River
The Daya River starts as a branch of the Kuakhai River at Saradeipur in Orissa state in India. It is joined by the Malaguni River below Golabai and flows through Khordha and Puri districts before emptying into the north-eastern corner of Chilika Lake, km from its origin.The historically important...
respectively.
Lakes
2. The Sar Lake
Demographics
According to the 2011 census2011 census of India
The 15th Indian National census was conducted in two phases, houselisting and population enumeration. Houselisting phase began on April 1, 2010 and involved collection of information about all buildings...
Puri district has a population
Demographics of India
The demographics of India are inclusive of the second most populous country in the world, with over 1.21 billion people , more than a sixth of the world's population. Already containing 17.5% of the world's population, India is projected to be the world's most populous country by 2025, surpassing...
of 1,697,983, roughly equal to the nation of Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau
The Republic of Guinea-Bissau is a country in West Africa. It is bordered by Senegal to the north, and Guinea to the south and east, with the Atlantic Ocean to its west....
or the US state of Idaho
Idaho
Idaho is a state in the Rocky Mountain area of the United States. The state's largest city and capital is Boise. Residents are called "Idahoans". Idaho was admitted to the Union on July 3, 1890, as the 43rd state....
. This gives it a ranking of 291st in India (out of a total of 640
Districts of India
A district is an administrative division of an Indian state or territory. Districts are further subdivided, in some cases into Sub-Divisions, and otherwise directly into tehsils or talukas.District officials include:...
).
The district has a population density of 488 PD/sqkm . Its population growth rate
Family planning in India
Family planning in India is based on efforts largely sponsored by the Indian government. In the 1965-2009 period, contraceptive usage has more than tripled and the fertility rate has more than halved , but the national fertility rate is still high enough to cause long-term population growth...
over the decade 2001-2011 was 13 %. Puri has a sex ratio
Sex ratio
Sex ratio is the ratio of males to females in a population. The primary sex ratio is the ratio at the time of conception, secondary sex ratio is the ratio at time of birth, and tertiary sex ratio is the ratio of mature organisms....
of 963 females
Women in India
The status of women in India has been subject to many great changes over the past few millennia. From equal status with men in ancient times through the low points of the medieval period, to the promotion of equal rights by many reformers, the history of women in India has been eventful...
for every 1000 males, and a literacy rate
Literacy in India
Literacy in India is key for socio-economic progress, and the Indian literacy rate grew to 74.04% in 2011 from 12% at the end of British rule in 1947. Although this was a greater than sixfold improvement, the level is well below the world average literacy rate of 84%, and India currently has the...
of 85.37 %.
Culture and Tradition
Puri is one of the fascinating littoral district of Orissa. The Cultural heritage of Puri with its long recorded history beginning from third century B.C. till present day, The monuments and religious sanctity, way of life of the people with their rich tradition possess emphatically to be the cultural heart of Orissa.In deed Puri is consider cultural capital of Orissa. The culture here is flourished with its manifold activities.The District has the happy conglomeration of different religions, sects and faith in course of history. Majority of the people are Hindus. The other important communities like Muslims, Sikhs, jains, Christians and tribals found here in the District. The Hindu monuments of various sectors like Shaivism
Shaivism
Shaivism is one of the four major sects of Hinduism, the others being Vaishnavism, Shaktism and Smartism. Followers of Shaivism, called "Shaivas," and also "Saivas" or "Saivites," revere Shiva as the Supreme Being. Shaivas believe that Shiva is All and in all, the creator, preserver, destroyer,...
, Vaishnavism
Vaishnavism
Vaishnavism is a tradition of Hinduism, distinguished from other schools by its worship of Vishnu, or his associated Avatars such as Rama and Krishna, as the original and supreme God....
, Sakti cult, Ganapatya
Ganapatya
Ganapatya is a denomination of Hinduism that worships Ganesha as the Saguna Brahman.The worship of Ganesha is considered complementary with the worship of other deities. Hindus of all sects begin prayers, important undertakings, and religious ceremonies with an invocation of Ganesha...
, Mahabir etc. are found. Similarly Muslim Mosques, Christian Churches are also noticed here.
Temples
The important monuments of the District are :-- a) Jagannath Temple (Puri)Jagannath Temple (Puri)The Jagannath Temple in Puri is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Jagannath and located in the coastal town of Puri in the state of Orissa, India. The name Jagannath is a combination of the Sanskrit words Jagat and Nath...
- b) Gundicha TempleGundicha TempleGundicha Temple or the Garden House of the Hindu God Jagannath is situated in the temple town of Puri in the state of Orissa, India. While it remains vacant most of the year, it is occupied by idols of the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra for nine days every year during the annual Rath...
,Puri - c) Lokonath Temple,Puri
- d) Jambeswar temple,Puri
- e) Sapta Matruka images near Markandeswar tank Puri
- f) Sun Temple, Konark
- g) Barahi Temple, at Chourasi,in Nimapara Block.
- h) Mangala Temple,Kakatpur
- i) Sakhigopal Temple, at Sakhigopal
- j) Amareswar Temple, at Amareswar,Nimapara Block
- k) Sculpture shed at Bishnupur,Nimapara
- l) Gramswar Temple, Terundia,Nimapara
- m) Alarnath Temple, Brhamgiri
- n) Baliharachandi Temple,Brhamagiri,Block
- o) Kunteswar Temple,Araorh,Pipil Block
- p) Harihar Temple, near Pipil
- q) Shiva Temple, Jagadalpur at Delang Block
- r) Tara image at Badatara, Gop
- s) Bayalisbati Temple,near Gop
- t) Mohabir Temple, Siruli Sadar Block
- u) Sri Sri Bakreswar Temple at Balanga, Nimapara block
The grandeur of architecture and the crafts maintop of the sculptures speak high of the cultural history of Puri District.
Traditional Fairs and Festivals
It is said that 13 festivals are celebrated in calendar year relating to Lord JagannathJagannath
Jagannath is a transcendental non-anthropotheistic Hindu god worshiped primarily by the people of Indian state of Orissa, and, to a great extent, West Bengal...
. Some important festivals related of Lord Jagannath and others are listed below.
- Car Festival(Ratha Yatra) in July
- Chandan YatraChandan YatraChandan Yatra is a festival of the Hindu god Jagannath held on Akshaya Tritiya at the Jagannath Temple every year. On this day auspicious to Hindus, construction of the chariots for the annual Rath Yatra festival is begun...
in April - Gosani Yatra, Dasahara in Sept./Oct.
- Sahi Yatra for 7 days from Rama NavamiRama NavamiRam Navami also known as Sri Ram Navami is a Hindu festival, celebrating the birth of Lord Rama to King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya of Ayodhya. Ram is the 7th incarnation of the Dashavatara of Vishnu. Years later Lord Rama was married to Sita on the...
in March/April - Mahashiva Ratri in February in all the Shaiva Pithas
- Magha mela at Konark in January
- Boita Bandan at Konark in Oct./Nov.
- Harirajpur Melan at Harirajpur in March
- Jhamu Yatra at Kakatapur in May
- Dayana chori at Ghorodia in PipiliPipiliPipili is a town and a notified area committee under jurisdiction of Puri district in the Indian state of Orissa. It is famous for designing beautiful Applique handicrafts.-Geography:Pipili is located at...
Block - Aunla Navami at Sakshigopal in March
- Makar Mela at Chilika in January
- Bali Harachandi Mela during RajaRajaRaja is an Indian term for a monarch, or princely ruler of the Kshatriya varna...
Festival in June at BrahmagiriBrahmagiriBrahmagiri , ' is a mountain range in the Western Ghats of south India. It is situated on the border between Kodagu district in Karnataka state in the north and Wayanad district of Kerala state on the south . Brahmagiri Hill, at 1608 m height, is a scenic tourist attraction... - Anabasar Yatra Alaranath Pitha, Brahamagiri.
- Siruli Mahavir Mela during Pana Sankranti- Siruli, Sadar Block in April
- Panchudola BALANGA Melan at Balanga Melan field,Nimapara block in March
Other Festivals for Tourists
- 1) Konark festival- Deptt of Tourism- Govt of Orissa- 1st week of December
- 2) Konark Music & Dance Festival- Konark Natya Mandap- February
- 3) Basant Utshav- Parampara Raghurajpur- February
- 4) Puri Beach Festival at Puri- Organised by Hotel & Restaurant Association of Orissa Bhubaneswar- November
- 5) Sriksetra Mohotsav, Puri- Organised by Srikshetra Mahoshav committee - April
- 6) Gundicha Utshav at Puri- Organised by Urreka,Puri - June
In all the festivals Odissi
Odissi
Odissi, also spelled Orissi , is one of the eight classical dance forms of India. It originates from the state of Orissa, in eastern India. It is the oldest surviving dance form of India on the basis of archaeological evidences. The classic treatise of Indian dance, Natya Shastra, refers to it as...
dance and folk dances from different party of the country are staged.
Cultural Programme on second Saturday of every month
With the objective to encourage the young artist and to display our rich performing art form,Cultural programmee for two hours, in the evening of 2nd Saturday of each month is organized at the collector's conference Hall C (Near Sea bech Police Station)Puri by Dist,Council of culture.The majestic odissi dance,the lucid Odissi Song and enchanting flok dances are staged in this programmee.There is no entry fee for viewing this programs.
Dance and Music
Ancient cultures of Puri have the most expressive forms of music and dance. These two highly evolved art forms have manifested themselves in some of the most evocative and celebrated performances from and not only the professional classical exponents but also from the various folk and tribal groups.Much of Puri's ancient activities revolved around the beautiful temples that were abundant in the rural areas and the commercial centers. In the big temples, the role of dance and music in temple rituals was important enough to accord them a separate enclosure- the Nata mandira- for their full development. The famous Nata mandiras, beautifully embellished with figures in various poses of dance and musicians handling a variety of instruments are witness to this integral role in temple life .
Odissi Dance
What also comes to light is the important revelation that the cult of the "DevadasiDevadasi
In Hinduism, the devadasi tradition is a religious tradition in which girls are "married" and dedicated to a deity or to a temple and includes performance aspects such as those that take place in the temple as well as in the courtly and mujuvani [telegu] or home context. Dance and music were...
" or female temple dancers was not only pre-valent to the temples in central and south India, but also existed in Orissa in a highly sophisticated form. The more talented devadasi are selected for training in the secret arts of the temple dance "Odissi
Odissi
Odissi, also spelled Orissi , is one of the eight classical dance forms of India. It originates from the state of Orissa, in eastern India. It is the oldest surviving dance form of India on the basis of archaeological evidences. The classic treatise of Indian dance, Natya Shastra, refers to it as...
" which today has become a highly stylized and elegant dance form. The devadashis were used to dance for lord Jagannath with the songs from Jayadev's Geeta Govinda. After the abolition of devadasi system, this dance becomes the most developed classical dance form of the State. Padmashri Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra is the legend of the particular dance form.
Odissi Song
Own its origin from Puri. It is a separate form of song with its own importance and is quite different from Hindusthani and Karnataki music.
The Mahari Dance
Limb linking service of the Lord Jagannath, Who is very much fond of music and song is the action and pride of ‘Mahari’ tradition. Mahari Tradition of the Sri Mandira is the beautiful Parijata flower of art an history of Utkal. It also enlightened the national culture by its fragrance and the touch. It has been doing so far from the time immortal. It has made the art of Utkal glorious. Mahari tradition is the same and one union of Lord Jagannath and great Nari Mahari. Mahari Dance coming from the Nata temple of the temple has reached and extended to the stage and shastriya Odissi dance art.Folk Dances
- Gotipua dance
Gotipua is a fascinating folk dance of Puri Where boys below 14 years clad in female dress dance to the tune at the music. The acrobatic poses attached to the dance enthralls the audience. This dance is becoming very popular. The Gotipua team of Raghurajpur
Raghurajpur
Raghurajpur is a heritage crafts village in Puri district, Orissa, known for its master Pattachitra painters, an art form which dates back to 5 BC. in the region and Gotipua dance troupes, the precursor to the Indian classical dance form of Odissi; it also known as the birthplace of one of finest...
has earned much reputation.
- Naga and Medha dance
Here the dancer put a mask on his head and dance to the rhythm of the enchanting music. The medhas of Ravan, Trisira, Navasira etc. and Naga dance one very popular in Puri town. During Rama Navami days this dance is enacted at the streets of Puri town for seven days.
Other folk dances
Ghoda nacha, Dhudki, Pala, Daskathia, Bhalunacha and Navrang are some other folk dances prevalent in the district.Excavated Archeological Sites
The following are the Excavorted archeological Sites of Puri District.a) Kurum is 80 Km away from Konarak.The excavation work conducted here reveal the remains at Buddhists artifacts at 10th century A.D.
b) Manikapatana: - It is in Krushnaprasad block from which the remains at mediaeval period are found .
c) Klkha patana on Puri Konark Marine drive road where the remains of 15th century was found.
Theatres
Annapurna Theatre, Situated at the grand road Puri, is a pioneer institution in the field oftheatrical performances.
Museum
a) District Museum Puri:- With a view to preserve and project our rich cultural heritage, the district Museum at Puri is functioning since 1997. It is one of the branch museums of Orissa state museum and managed by Govt of Orissa. Different Veshas of Lord Jagannath, Sculptures of various Kinds, Patta paintings oalm leaf paintings, Handicrafts of numerous varieties are displayed in this museum. It is located at the station road, Puri-2. There is no entry fee for visiting this museum.b) Another handicraft museum is situated at Batagaon, 5 km from Puri on Puri Bhubaneswar road. It is managed by a Co-operative Society.
Libraries
a) Dist Library :-The Dist library of Puri is situated at station road and having more than 15,000 books, daily Newspapers and Magazines are brought to this library regularly. It is managed by dept of culture, Govt of Orissa. Anyone interested can read in this library. There is no lending facilities.
b) Panchasakha Memorial hall Library, Sakshigopal:- This library is also managed by department ofculture, Orissa. It has more than 4,000 books at its stock. Monday is the weekly holidays.
To extend library activities in rural areas, registered librariesfunctioning at different parts of the district are encouraged with various distance from Raja Ram Mohan Roy Library Foundation Calcutta through State Govt.