Deepak Mahato
Everyone is filled with enthusiasm and zest to celebrate Utkal Divas. Remember all the men and women, including the great leaders, who laid down their lives or played an important role in getting India its cherished Independence from the clutches of British rule. The formation of the state of Orissa as a separate province April 1, 1936 was a significant historical achievement.
The best way to celebrate Utkal Divas and to learn the difficulties faced by our forefathers, one should make a small trip to Dhenkanal in the weekend. On landing in the district one gets the feeling of how our independent fighters struggled to make both India independent and get Orissa the recognition of a separate state.
The trip will not only give you the feeling of the struggle but also the relish of freedom in moving freely around the jungle areas, playing in the waterbodies and visiting the various religious shrines that are famous.
Dhenkanal is 80 km from the state capital between the Longitude 85° 58’ to 86° 2’ East and Latitude 20° 29’ to 21° 11’ North. The district shares its borders with Keonjhar in the North, Cuttack in the South, Jajpur in the East and Angul in the West.
While travelling through the district one can make out that the district is subsequently divided into three natural regions. While in the south one will be welcomed by the majestic hills, the river valleys and the five different soils are the other striking features of the district.
One can reach Dhenkanal from Bhubaneswar via National Highway-55 on a personal vehicle or by bus. Dhenkanal is well-connected with important cities of the state. One can avail both bus and train to reach the city of the bravehearts. Whichever part of the district you visit, the locals have several stories to narrate about the freedom struggle. It would be unfair to narrate the stories here as the first-hand experience of listening to the accounts narrated by the people of Dhenkanal is simply intriguing. While listening to the brave deeds a feeling of patriotism starts welling up in the heart of the listener.
After remembering our forebears who laid down their lives for the freedom of the Oriya-speaking people move towards the loftiest peak of the Kapilash range which houses the enshrines of the temple of Lord Shiva Chandrasekhar at a height of about 457 metres. According to legend, thousands of devotees throng the hills on Mahasivaratri.
The hills of the district have several caves and ruins of mediaeval forts which are regularly visited by pilgrims. A majority of the caves are associated with Pauranic episodes. You will also relish the Science Park and the Deer Park on the foothills. If you find an elderly local he will narrate to you how freedom fighters lied low in the caves and jungles during the freedom struggle. Tikarapara at the Satkosia Gorge of the Mahanadi river boasts of the Gharial Sanctuary in neighbouring district. The dense forest is filled with colourful wildlife and is a thrill to the explorer.
Make sure you visit the famous religious headquarters of Mahima Dharma, Joranda Houses- samadhi of Mahima Gosain, preacher of the Mahima Cult. The district has other sacred temples like Gadi Mandira, Sunya Mandira and Dhuni Mandira. In Dhenkanal you can’t miss to catch a glimpse of the ‘Kualo’ – a housing containing a plethora of temples dedicated to Lord Kanakeswar, Baidyanath, Paschimeswar, Balunkeswar and Kapileswar which still preserve the earliest specimens of the deities.
After visiting the temples and the hills one should travel to Saptasahaya located 11 km from the city. The place has also marked itself in the history as locals narrate that the ‘Pandavas’ spent several days in the Saptasahaya Hills during their Agnuata Vasa. One should also visit the temple of Raghunath which attracts a large number of devotees on Ramanavami. A natural spring flowing adjacent to the temple area enhances the beauty of the place. The exquisite place will refresh your body, mind and soul.
If you are not running out of time you can also make a visit to the Ladagada village where Lord Kalpabruksha had been given shelter under an age-old banyan tree. After paying homage to the Lord one should move to Dandadhar an irrigation site on the river Ramial. The crystal-clear water and the reflection of the sun will surely win your heart.
On your return back home families and friends will be expecting gifts from you. You have several options to purchase exotic craft and arts for your loved ones. The district has a very splendid tradition of superb metal work. Highly-skilled artisans in the villages who reside in villages of Sadaibereni, Sadar Badamuktapasi, Bhubana, Khajuriakata and Hindol have earned international reputation for their metal art. While you can buy readymade exotic metal pieces you can also order for fresh idols of the craft which you plan to gift to someone special or decorate your home with. If metal works seem to fit into budget you can plan to buy some woodcraft from Gondia. The village is famous for its marvellous wood carvings by artisans who execute the best work. You also have the option of getting hold of a terracotta piece or two.
The district’s bamboo work is famous across the country. You can get the finest gifts like a winnowing-fan at a very good price!
