Dhenkanal district is one of the centrally located districts in Odisha. It lies between Longitude: It is bordered by Kendujhar and Angul districts to the north, Jajpur district to the east, Cuttack district to the south and Angul district to the west.The district comprises mainly plains, however there are several discontinuous hill ranges in the district and along its southern border. The Brahmani River is the main river of the district.
Centrally located on the Geo-Political map of Odisha, Dhenkanal District is surrounded by beautiful wild lives and forests.The District is situated on the Cuttack-Sambalpur road (NH 55) and on the Cuttack-Sambalpur or Baranga-Sambalpur railway line. The Dhenkanal District touches the boundary of Kendujhar district on its north, Cuttack district on south and bounded by Jajpur District on the east and Angul District on its west. It is commonly believed that the Dhenkanal District owes its name to a Savara chief named ‘DHENKA’ who formerly ruled over in this tract. Dhenkanal District covers an area of 4452 Sq Km. It has a vast area covered with dense forests and a long range of hills.
Dhenkanal is a Municipality city in district of Dhenkanal, Orissa. The Dhenkanal city is divided into 23 wards for which elections are held every 5 years. The Dhenkanal Municipality has population of 67,414 of which 34,864 are males while 32,550 are females as per report released by Census India 2011.
Dhenkanal District consists of 1237 Villages, 212 Gram Panchayats, 8 Tehsils, 3 Notified Area Councils or NACs & and 15 Police Stations. Northern Revenue Division is the controlling authority controlling the administration of Dhenkanal District and DIG of Police, Northern Central Range at Talcher controls this District & law and order.
As per Educational Institutions are concerned, Dhenkanal District is famous all over the world for Indian Institutes of Mass Communication (IIMC). Educational Institutes like Dhenkanal College, Dhenkanal Law College, Brajanath Badajena High School, Sarangadhar High School, Kamakhyanagar and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Sarang are in the Dhenkanal District. Other major Technical Institutes imparting Technical Education are also located in the District like Indira Gandhi Institute of technology, Sarang, Govt. Polytechnic, Dhenkanal, Govt. ITI, Synergy Institute of Engineering and Technology, Odisha Institute of Engineering and Technology and Pathani Samanta Institute of Engineering and Technology.
The river Brahmani controls the drainage of the district and it’s tributaries. Brahmani is the second longest river in Orissa and flows through the district in a general east-west direction. It divides the district into two halves. Initially, the river flows in a north-south direction, then follows a northwest-southeast course and subsequently changes to northeast-southwest direction. Finally, it changes to a northwest-southeast course near the eastern border of the district. Most part of the district falls within It’s basin. The Brahmani is perennial in nature with a nominal flow during the summer season. It’s important tributaries are Ramiala Nadi, Nigre Nadi, Purajhor Nadi etc. The smaller streams show dendritic pattern while the major river and it’s tributaries show sub-parallel drainage, indicating structural control.
The history of Laxmi Puja at Dhenkanal is more than 50 years old. The colourful decoration, temporary markets, music & dance programmes etc. are the part of this Puja celebration which continued for 11 days starting from Kumara Purnima. It now becomes a traditional grand yearly celebration in which people from all religions, castes, tribes participate in it. At last a grand combined procession & crackers competition are being organized on the immersion day. Thousands of people not only from Dhenkanal District, but from whole State come to Dhenkanal to enjoy the Laxmi Puja during this festive time.
A place of scenic beauty, Saptasajya is situated at a distance of about 11 km to the south of Dhenkanal town. According to legends, Pandavas spent some days of their incognito life (Agnuata vasa) in these hills. The temple of Raghunath, built in honor of Lord Rama, Laxman and Sita by Rani Ratnaprava Devi of Dhenkanal attracts large crowds every year on the day of Ramanavami, in the month of March-April. A small spring flowing close by enhances the beauty of the place. It is an ideal place for picnic and relaxation.
67 km from Dhenkanal and 30 km from Kamakshyanagar, Dandadhar is the site of an irrigation project on the river Ramial- an ideal place for outings. Its blue expanse of sparkling waters caged in a sun-bathed valley is a thrill for the searching eyes. Best for Picnic during Winter (December- February).
Sixty-seven kms from Dhenkanal, 23 kms from Angul and 3 kms from Talcher, is the Anantasyi image of Lord Vishnu, on the rocky bed of the river Brahmani at Saranga. The hoods of Ananta, the serpent king spreads over the head of Lord Vishnu as the crown and cover. The primal lotus, housing Brahma, the creator, originates from Vishnu-s navel, the Supreme Being enjoying deep delight of his cosmic sleep in the waters of the river Brahmani.
