Bonaigarh

Demographics

The main language spoken here is Odia and Hindi. However ,people here speak Sundargadi and Bonaigadia - a language having the combination of Sundargadi and Deogarh dialect.

History and geography

During the British Raj, Bonaigarh was the capital of Bonai State, one of the princely states of the Chota Nagpur States, belonging to the Eastern States Agency. Bonaigarh is located at 21.75°N 84.97°E / 21.75; 84.97.

Transport

Bonaigarh is situated beside the Bhubaneswar -Rourkela National Highway via Talcher, Pallahara, Barkot.From Barkote it is only 55 km. Though there is no train link to Bonaigarh but frequent buses are plying from Rourkela and Barkote. Once or twice in a day buses are plying from Kuchinda, Keonjhar, Deogarh, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar.

Rail - There is no railway station in Bonaigarh in less than 10 km. However Raurkela Railway Station is the major railway station 52 km near to Bonaigarh.

Bus- Buses are well connected to Bonaigarh from various places i.e. Rourkela By Falak Travels, Raahi Travels, Dildar Travels, Rakesh Travels, Tarini Travels, Sarala Travels, Deogarh, Barkote, Angul By Swastiratha, Sundergarh By Rakesh Coach(Rakesh Travels), Jyostana Coach and Sambalpur. Two private night riding buses named 'Sarathi' and 'A-ONE' run to Bhubaneswar,Capital of Odisha via Talcher and Cuttack.

Festivals

Bonaigarh is famous for an annual festival known as 'Chaitra Mela', which starts during mid-April and continues up to mid-May every year. A goddess known as 'Maa Basuli' is worshiped by the local folk for the relevant period along with many small temporary vending markets,circuses,rides and Operas are found in the 'Mela'.Rath Yatra, Dussehra, Ramnavmi, Janmastami, Raja, Holi are the major festivals celebrated every year .During Dussehra a goddess known as 'Kanta Devi' is specially worshiped on 9th day of the festival. Bonaigarh also has muslims who celebrate festivals such as Eid ul fiter, Eid ul adha etc together with other religion.

Education

In education field it is one of the growing town. Many doctors, engineers and lawyers, having reputed positions in different organisations of India and abroad are from this place. There are a number of schools and one college which is affiliated to Sambalpur University. But for higher education like Medical, Engineering, Law, Commerce, Business Administration etc., people are going out of the town.

Agriculture and economy

There are many crops like rice, corn etc. harvested during the year. Seasonal vegetables are also available throughout the year in a cheaper rate. Two villages named Talita and Bargogua are famous for producing cauliflowers and cabbages during the winter.

It is also a good business center for the people here. There are 5 nationalized banks present here.

Places to visit

Bonaigarh is blessed with the bounty of nature surrounded by beautiful river Brahmani, mountains and waterfalls. Khandadhar Falls known as one of the best picnic spots of Odisha is 20 km far away from this place. Deodhar and Darjeeng are also two famous picnic spots situated 25 km from the town.

Medical facilities

There is one Sub-Divisional Hospital named as ' Bonaigarh Sub-Divisional Hospital ' situated in the JAIL road. People from all the nearby villages and Blocks depend upon this hospital only . However some private clinics are also there for the treatment of the people.