View source for Balasore

{{Use Indian English|date=March 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2025}}
<!-- See [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Indian cities]] for details -->
{{Infobox settlement
| name                   = Balasore
| official_name          = 
| other_name             = Baleswar
| settlement_type        = City
| image_skyline          = {{Photomontage
 |photo1a = Emami Jagannath Temple, Balasore, Odisha.jpg
 |photo1b = Khirachora Gopinatha Temple.jpg
 |photo2a = Chandipur.jpg
 |photo2b = QRSAM tested on 23 December 2019.jpg
 |photo3a = Balasore Rail Station.JPG
 |photo3b =
 |spacing = 1
 |color_border = white
 |color = white
 |size = 280
 |text = From Top; Left to Right: Emami Jagannatha Temple, Khirachora Gopinatha Temple, Chandipur Sea Beach, DRDO Integrated Testing Range and Balasore Railway Station
 }}
| image_alt              = 
| image_caption          = 
| nicknames              = 
| pushpin_map            = India Odisha#India#Asia
| pushpin_label_position = left
| pushpin_map_alt        = 
| pushpin_map_caption    = Location in Odisha, India
| coordinates            = {{Wikidatacoord|Q641098|region:IN-OR_type:city(144,000)|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type       = Country
| subdivision_name       = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1      = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type2      = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name1      = {{flagicon image|Orissa Flag(INDIA).png}} [[Odisha]]
| subdivision_name2      = [[Balasore district|Balasore]]
| established_title      = <!-- Established -->
| established_date       = 
| founder                = 
| named_for              = 
| government_type        = [[Nagar Palika|Municipality]]
| governing_body         = Balasore Municipality
| leader_title1          = [[Balasore (Lok Sabha constituency)|Member of Parliament]]
| leader_name1           = [[Pratap Chandra Sarangi]] ([[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]])
| leader_title2          = [[Balasore (Odisha Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Member of Legislative Assembly]]
| leader_name2           = [[Manas Kumar Dutta]] ([[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]])
| unit_pref              = Metric
| area_footnotes         = <ref name='balasoremunicipality'>{{cite web |title=Welcome to Balasore Municipality |url=http://balasoremunicipality.in/ |access-date=22 November 2020 |archive-date=27 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127142642/http://balasoremunicipality.in/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| area_total_km2         = 17.48
| area_rank              = 
| elevation_footnotes    = 
| elevation_m            = 16
| population_total       = 144373
| population_as_of       = 2011
| population_footnotes   = <ref name="Census2011Gov"/>
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_metro       = 177557
| population_rank        = [[List of cities in India by population|India 409th]], [[List of cities in Odisha by population|Odisha 7th]]
| population_demonym     = Baleswaria
| demographics_type1     = [[Language]]
| demographics1_title1   = Official
| demographics1_info1    = [[Odia language|Odia]]<ref name="langoff">{{cite web |title=52nd Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India |url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf |website=nclm.nic.in |publisher=[[Ministry of Minority Affairs]] |access-date=6 January 2019 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525141614/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf |archive-date=25 May 2017}}</ref>
| timezone1              = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1            = +5:30
| postal_code_type       = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code            = 756001–756xxx
| area_code              = 06782
| area_code_type         = Telephone code
| registration_plate     = OD – 01 (previously OR – 01)
| blank_name_sec1        = [[UN/LOCODE]]
| blank_info_sec1        = IN BLS
| website                = {{URL|http://baleswar.nic.in}}
}}

'''Balasore''', also known as '''Baleswar''',<ref>{{cite web |title=Baleswar |url=http://baleswar.nic.in |website=Government of Odisha |access-date=18 June 2023 }}</ref> is a city in the state of [[Odisha]], about {{cvt|215|km|mi|0}} from the state capital [[Bhubaneswar]] and {{cvt|240|km|mi|0}} from [[Kolkata]], in [[eastern India]]. It is the administrative headquarters of [[Balasore district]] and the largest city as well as health and educational hub of northern Odisha. It is best known for [[Chandipur, India|Chandipur]] beach.<ref>{{Cite web |title=THE TALE OF CHANDIPUR BEACH BEYOND THE VANISHING SEA |url=https://odishatourism.gov.in/content/tourism/en/blog-details/the-tale-of-chandipur-beach-beyond-the-vanishing-sea.html |access-date=20 March 2025 |website=odishatourism.gov.in |language=en}}</ref> It is also called 'missile city'.<ref>{{cite news |title=Missile city Balasore is karmabhoomu of Kalam: Modi |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/National/2016-06-02/Missile-city-Balasore-is-karmabhoomu-of-Kalam-Modi/232295 |access-date=10 June 2023 |work=[[The Hans India]] |agency=ANI |date=2 June 2016 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Profile: Balasore or Baleswara |url=https://sujogportal.odisha.gov.in/balasore/city/history/ |website=sujogportal.odisha.gov.in |access-date=10 June 2023 |archive-date=5 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605160327/https://sujogportal.odisha.gov.in/balasore/city/history/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The [[Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme]]'s Integrated Test Range is located 18&nbsp;km south of Balasore.

==History==
Excavation at villages near Balasore has given evidence for three distinct cultural phases of human settlements, viz., [[Chalcolithic]] (2000–1000 BCE), [[Iron Age in India|Iron Age]] (1000–400 BCE) and early historic period (400–200 BCE).<ref>{{cite news |last=Barik |first=Satyasudar |date=3 July 2021 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/4000-year-old-settlement-found-during-odisha-excavation/article35109780.ece |title=4,000-year-old settlement found during Odisha excavation |work=The Hindu |access-date=1 March 2022 |archive-date=6 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106154023/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/4000-year-old-settlement-found-during-odisha-excavation/article35109780.ece |url-status=live}}</ref>

Baleswara district was part of the ancient [[Kalinga (historical kingdom)|Kalinga]] kingdom which later became a territory of [[Utkala Kingdom|Utkal]], till the death of [[Mukunda Deva]]. It was annexed by the [[Mughal Empire]] in 1568 and remained as a part of their suzerainty up until the 1700s.

The British [[East India Company]] (EIC) established a [[Factory (trading post)|factory]] at Balasore in 1633. In 1719, the [[Austrian East India Company|Trieste Company]] merchants established a trading post there.<ref>
Klemens Kaps, ''Mercantilism as private-public network: The Greppi Marliani company – a successful Habsburg Central European player in global trade (1769–1808)'' In: ''Mediterranean doubts Trading Companies, Conflicts and Strategies in the Global Spaces (XV-XIX Centuries)'' Edited By Daniele Andreozzi, New Digital Press, Palermo 2017. p. 90.
[https://www.academia.edu/33435780/Mediterranean_doubts_Trading_Companies_Conflicts_and_Strategies_in_the_Global_Spaces_XV-XIX_Centuries_Edited_By_Daniele_Andreozzi_New_Digital_Press_Palermo_2017?auto=download 50.]
</ref> As [[Kolkata|Calcutta]] rose in importance, Balasore became the center for [[maritime pilot|river pilot]] services for vessels seeking to ascend the [[Hooghli River|Hooghly River]]. The city was bombarded by forces of the [[East India Company]] during the [[Anglo-Mughal War (1686–1690)|Anglo-Mughal War]] in 1686, however, the company was repulsed by the [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] forces.

The old [[Pipili]] port was located near Baliapal, north of Balasore, along the coast near river [[Subarnarekha port|Subarnarekha]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Datta |first=Ansu |title=From Bengal to the Cape: Bengali Slaves in South Africa from 17th to 19th Century |publisher=Xlibris |year=2013 |isbn=978-1479773251 |location=USA |pages=42 |language=English}}</ref> The Portuguese arrived for trade and commerce, exporting Orissa products like rice, cotton and butter from [[Malaysia]] to [[Borneo]], and bringing Chinese products and spices from [[Indonesia]]. Balasore gave its name to a type of cotton muslin.<ref>{{cite web |title=Balasore - Bandoleer Dictionary of Traded Goods and Commodities 1550-1820 |url=https://www.british-history.ac.uk/no-series/traded-goods-dictionary/1550-1820/balasore-bandoleer |website=British History Online |publisher=University of Wolverhampton, 2007 |access-date=29 May 2025}}</ref>

The [[Marathas]], then occupied this part of [[Odisha]] and it became a part of the dominion of the [[Bhonsle]] [[Maratha]] Rajas of [[Nagpur]]. They ceded this part through the [[Treaty of Deogaon]] in 1803 and it became a part of [[United Kingdom|British]] [[Bengal Presidency]] until 1912.

Balasore as a separate district was created in October 1828 under the [[Bengal Presidency]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Balasore District |url=https://balasore.odisha.gov.in/about-district/history#:~:text=Balasore%2C%20as%20a%20separate%20District,is%20the%20Lord%20Chandaneswar%20Shrine.}}</ref> On 7 November 1845, all of [[Danish India]] was sold to the British to form a part of [[British India]].

With the creation of [[Bihar Province]], Odisha, along with Balasore district, was transferred from Bengal to Bihar. But with the creation of Odisha as a separate state on 1 April 1936, Balasore became an integral part of Odisha State.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Balasore |url=https://balasore.odisha.gov.in/about-district/history#:~:text=Balasore%2C%20as%20a%20separate%20District,is%20the%20Lord%20Chandaneswar%20Shrine.}}</ref>The [[Indian independence movement|national movement of independence]] surged ahead with the visit of [[Mahatma Gandhi]] in 1921. Similarly, [[Praja mandala movement|Praja Andolan]] was initiated against the ruler of [[Nilagiri State]]. The state of Nilagiri merged with state of Odisha in January 1948 and became a part of Balasore district. On 3 April 1993, [[Bhadrak district|Bhadrak]] sub-division became a separate district and from this day, Balasore remains a district of Odisha with two Sub-divisions namely Balasore and Nilagiri having eight [[Tehsils of India|Tehsils]], namely Balasore, Soro, Simulia, Nilagiri, Jaleswara, Basta, Baliapal and Remuna and 12 blocks namely Bhograi, Jaleswar, Baliapal, Basta, Balasore, Remuna, Nilagiri, Oupada, Khaira, Soro, Simulia and [[Bahanaga]]. The name of the district is being derived from the name of the town.

Balasore is where the famous Indian independence activist Jatindranath Mukherjee, also known as [[Bagha Jatin]], was injured and died fighting the British.<ref>{{cite news |date=9 September 2018 |title=Bagha Jatin: Bagha Jatin's man-eater slaying 'kukri' to be on display on Sunday |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/bagha-jatins-man-eater-slaying-kukri-to-be-on-display-on-sunday/articleshow/65739351.cms |last=Dasgupta |first=Priyanka |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=13 April 2020 |archive-date=14 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914090113/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/bagha-jatins-man-eater-slaying-kukri-to-be-on-display-on-sunday/articleshow/65739351.cms |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Geography==
===Climate===
Balasore has a tropical climate characterised by high humidity and hot temperatures throughout the year. The summers, which last from March to May, are particularly hot, with temperatures often reaching up to 40&nbsp;°C. May is typically the hottest month of the year in Balasore. The winter season, which runs from December to February, is relatively cooler with an average temperature range of 16&nbsp;°C to 27&nbsp;°C. Monsoon season starts in June and lasts until September, bringing heavy rainfall to the city. Balasore's proximity to the Bay of Bengal makes it vulnerable to cyclonic storms during the monsoon season. The average rainfall in the district is around 1568.4&nbsp;mm, which is largely due to the monsoon season.{{cn|date=June 2025}}

{{Weather box
| location = Balasore (1991–2020, extremes 1901–2012) 
| metric first = yes
| single line = yes
| width = auto
| Jan record high C = 35.6
| Feb record high C = 38.7
| Mar record high C = 41.6
| Apr record high C = 46.0
| May record high C = 46.7
| Jun record high C = 46.1
| Jul record high C = 39.9
| Aug record high C = 36.7
| Sep record high C = 36.2
| Oct record high C = 36.1
| Nov record high C = 34.8
| Dec record high C = 33.6
| year record high C = 46.7
| Jan record low C = 7.2
| Feb record low C = 6.7
| Mar record low C = 11.7
| Apr record low C = 16.6
| May record low C = 18.4
| Jun record low C = 20.0
| Jul record low C = 20.0
| Aug record low C = 21.3
| Sep record low C = 20.3
| Oct record low C = 15.5
| Nov record low C = 8.9
| Dec record low C = 6.7
| year record low C = 6.7
|Jan high C = 	26.9
|Feb high C = 	30.2
|Mar high C = 	33.9
|Apr high C = 	36.0
|May high C = 	35.8
|Jun high C = 	34.1
|Jul high C = 	32.4
|Aug high C = 	31.9
|Sep high C = 	32.3
|Oct high C = 	31.9
|Nov high C = 	30.3
|Dec high C = 	27.5
| year high C = 	32
|Jan low C = 	14.0
|Feb low C = 	17.7
|Mar low C = 	21.9
|Apr low C = 	24.6
|May low C = 	25.8
|Jun low C = 	26.1
|Jul low C = 	25.7
|Aug low C = 	25.6
|Sep low C = 	25.2
|Oct low C = 	23.2
|Nov low C = 	18.8
|Dec low C = 	14.6
| year low C = 	22.0
| rain colour = green	
| Jan rain mm = 	19.3
| Feb rain mm = 	28.8
| Mar rain mm = 	31.9
| Apr rain mm = 	65.0
| May rain mm = 	154.5
| Jun rain mm = 	262.5
| Jul rain mm = 	293.7
| Aug rain mm = 	313.4
| Sep rain mm = 	299.0
| Oct rain mm = 	206.3
| Nov rain mm = 	29.7
| Dec rain mm = 	6.7
| year rain mm = 	1710.7
| Jan rain days = 	1.1
| Feb rain days = 	1.6
| Mar rain days = 	1.8
| Apr rain days = 	4.6
| May rain days = 	6.7
| Jun rain days = 	10.6
| Jul rain days = 	14.3
| Aug rain days = 	15.1
| Sep rain days = 	12.2
| Oct rain days = 	6.7
| Nov rain days = 	1.5
| Dec rain days = 	0.6
| year rain days = 	76.7
|time day = 17:30 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]	
| Jan humidity = 	63
| Feb humidity = 	61
| Mar humidity = 	63
| Apr humidity = 	68
| May humidity = 	70
| Jun humidity = 	74
| Jul humidity = 	78
| Aug humidity = 	79
| Sep humidity = 	79
| Oct humidity = 	76
| Nov humidity = 	71
| Dec humidity = 	65
|year humidity = 	71
|source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]]<ref name=IMDnormals>
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240408025145/https://www.imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf
| archive-date = 8 April 2024
| url = https://www.imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf
| title = Station: Balasore Climatological Table 1991–2020
| work = Climatological Normals 1991–2020
| publisher = India Meteorological Department
| access-date = 17 July 2024}}</ref><ref name=IMDextremes>
{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205042509/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf |archive-date=5 February 2020 |url=https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf |title=Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012) |publisher=India Meteorological Department |date=December 2016 |page=M159 |access-date=10 January 2021}}</ref>
}}Balasore has been ranked 7th best “National Clean Air City” under (Category 3 population under 3 lakhs cities) in India.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 September 2024 |title=Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024 |url=https://prana.cpcb.gov.in/ncapServices/robust/fetchFilesFromDrive/Swachh_Vayu_Survekshan_2024_Result.pdf |website=Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024}}</ref>

==Demographics==
{{Historical populations
|1872|18263
|1881|20265
|1891|20775
|1901 |20880
|1911 |21362
|1921 |17037
|1931 |17843
|1941 |19405
|1951 |22851
|1961 |33931
|1971 |46239
|1981 |65779
|1991 |101829
|2001 |127358
|2011 |140000
|source = [[Census of India]]<ref>{{citation|title=Census of India 1901 vol.6-A (Lower Probinces of Bengal and their leudatoties); pt.2 (Imperial tables) |date=1902 |url=https://archive.org/details/in.gov.ignca.30991/page/n7/mode/1up |page=16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title = Population growth of ULBs in Orissa (1901 – 2001) |url=http://rcueslucknow.org/states/Compendium%20of%20Urban%20Data%20(Orissa)/_21_%20POPULATION%20GROWTH%20OF%20ULBs%20IN%20ORISSA%20_1901-2001_.pdf
|website=The Regional Centre for Urban & Environmental Studies (RCUES)}}</ref>}}
According to [[2011 Indian Census]], Balasore (municipality + overgrowth) had a total population of 144,373, of which 73,721 were males and 70,652 were females. Population within the age group of 0 to 6 years was 14,773. The total number of literates in Balasore was 113,418, which constituted 78.6% of the population with male literacy of 81.7% and female literacy of 75.3%. The effective literacy rate of 7+ population of Balasore was 87.5%, of which male literacy rate was 91.0% and female literacy rate was 83.8%. The [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes]] population was 15,812 and 9,291 respectively. Balasore had 30460 households in 2011.<ref name="Census2011Gov">{{cite web |title=Census of India: Balasore |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=441206 |website=www.censusindia.gov.in |access-date=16 January 2020 |archive-date=28 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928125058/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=441206 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Religion===
{{Pie chart
|thumb = right
|caption = Religious Demographic in Balasore Municipality (2011)<ref>{{cite web |title=C-01: Population by religious community |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11387/download/14500/DDW21C-01%20MDDS.XLS |website=Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India |access-date=25 June 2024}}</ref>
|label1 = [[Hinduism]]
|value1 = 83.01
|color1 = orange
|label2 = [[Islam]]
|value2 = 14.97
|color2 = green
|label3 = [[Christianity ]]
|value3 = 1.64
|color3 = blue 
|label4 = Others
|value4 = 0.38
|color4 = black
}}

===Languages===
{{Pie chart
|thumb = right
|caption = Languages spoken in Balasore Municipality (2011)<ref>{{cite web |title=C-16 City: Population by mother tongue (town level) |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10247/download/13359/DDW-C16-TOWN-STMT-MDDS-2100.XLSX |website=Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India |access-date=25 June 2024}}</ref>
|label1=  [[ Odia language| Odia]]
|value1= 72.39
|color1 = saddlebrown 
|label2=  [[Urdu]]
|value2 = 13.56
|color2 = green 
|label3 = [[Bengali language|Bengali]]
|value3 = 5.65
|color3 = pink
|label4 = [[Santali language|Santali]]
|value4 = 3.85
|color4 = Turquoise
|label5 = [[Hindi]]
|value5 = 3.66
|color5 = orange
|label6=  Others 
|value6=  0.89
|color6 = Black
}}
The official language of Balasore is [[Odia language|Odia]] which is also the most commonly spoken language of the city. It is followed by [[Urdu]], [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[Santali language|Santali]] and [[Hindi]] in the descending order per the number of speakers.<ref>{{cite web |title=C-16 Population By Mother Tongue – Town level |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16T/DDW-C16-TOWN-STMT-MDDS-2100.XLSX |website=census.gov.in |access-date=30 August 2020 |archive-date=8 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208012827/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16T/DDW-C16-TOWN-STMT-MDDS-2100.XLSX |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Government and politics==
The [[Member of parliament (India)|MP]] from Balasore Parliamentary Constituency is [[Pratap Chandra Sarangi]] of [[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]], who won the seat in the Indian general elections of 2019. The [[Odisha Legislative Assembly|MLA]] from Balasore Vidhan Sabha Constituency is [[Manas Kumar Dutta]] of BJP, who won the seat in the [[2024 Odisha Legislative Assembly election|2024 legislative election]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Balasore Election Result 2024 LIVE Updates Highlights: Manas Kumar Dutta of BJP Wins |url=https://www.news18.com/elections/balasore-election-result-2024-live-updates-highlights-assembly-winner-loser-leading-trailing-mla-margin-8916659.html |work=News18 |date=4 June 2024 |access-date=30 October 2024}}</ref> Previous MLAs from this seat were [[Swarup Kumar Das]] (BJD), who won in the 2020 bye-elections; [[Madanmohan Dutta]] (BJP), who won the seat in 2019; Jiban Pradip Das ([[Biju Janata Dal|BJD]]), who won this seat in 2009, Arun Dey ([[Communist Party of India (Marxist)|CPM]]) in 2004, [[Gopa Narayan Das]] of [[Indian National Congress|INC]] in 1985 and Kartik Chandra Rout of [[Janata Party|JNP]] in 1977.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://archive.eci.gov.in/March2004/pollupd/ac/states/s18/Partycomp14.htm |title=State Elections 2004&nbsp;– Partywise Comparison for 14-Balasore Constituency of Orissa |publisher=Election Commission of India |access-date=23 September 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080217040021/http://archive.eci.gov.in/March2004/pollupd/ac/states/s18/Partycomp14.htm |archive-date=17 February 2008 }}</ref> Balasore is part of [[Balasore (Lok Sabha constituency)]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2000/background/S18/Orissa_AC_Dist_PC.pdf |title=Assembly Constituencies&nbsp;– Corresponding Districts and Parliamentary Constituencies of Odisha |publisher=Election Commission of India |access-date=23 September 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051108040424/http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2000/background/S18/Orissa_AC_Dist_PC.pdf |archive-date=8 November 2005}}</ref>

===Civic Utility / Amenities / Services===
==== Healthcare ====
Balasore government hospital was the city's first hospital. Also, it has a newly established Government Medical College at Remuna named after Fakir Mohan Senapati (FM Medical College).<ref>{{cite news |title=State's 7th Government medical college opens in Balasore |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2018/sep/04/states-7th-government-medical-college-opens-in-balasore-1867326.html |access-date=3 June 2023 |work=The New Indian Express |date=4 September 2018 |archive-date=9 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109073251/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2018/sep/04/states-7th-government-medical-college-opens-in-balasore-1867326.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Economy==
Balasore is the main city in the District of Balasore. The district has four major revenue sources&nbsp;– industries, agriculture, fishing and tourism with its base in Chandipur.<ref name="Chandipur.">{{Cite news |publisher=www.ucnews.in |title=In Orissa: Chandipur, the retreating sea and river mouth |date=26 September 2016 |access-date=16 February 2017 |url=http://www.ucnews.in/news/2401-3185852062547426/in-orissa--chandipur--the-retreating-sea-and-river-mouth.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217061731/http://www.ucnews.in/news/2401-3185852062547426/in-orissa--chandipur--the-retreating-sea-and-river-mouth.html |archive-date=17 February 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Many small and large scale industries are located both within the city limits as well as the outskirts. Balasore Alloys Limited,<ref name="Balasore Alloys Ltd.">{{Cite news |title=Balasore Alloys Limited |date=30 November 2015 |access-date=16 February 2017 |url=http://www.business-standard.com/company/balasore-alloys-811.html |work=[[Business Standard]] |archive-date=16 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216221053/http://www.business-standard.com/company/balasore-alloys-811.html |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Emami]] Paper Mills,<ref name="Emami Paper Mills">{{Cite news |last=Laha Roy |first=Tasmayee |date=30 November 2015 |title=Emami Paper Mills now forays into packaging board trade |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/indl-goods/svs/paper-/-wood-/-glass/-plastic/-marbles/emami-paper-mills-now-forays-into-packaging-board-trade/articleshow/49978372.cms |work=Economic Times |access-date=16 February 2017 |archive-date=16 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216213510/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/indl-goods/svs/paper-/-wood-/-glass/-plastic/-marbles/emami-paper-mills-now-forays-into-packaging-board-trade/articleshow/49978372.cms |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Oriplast]], and [[Birla Tyres]] are some of the major industries based in Balasore. It is one of the richest cities of Odisha. The main markets of Balasore are Nua Bazara, Motiganj, FM Square, Vivekananda Marga, Station Square, ITI Chhaka, Kachehri Road, Town Hall and Nua Shahi.

===Industry===
In an effort to bring industry, trade and commerce to a common meaningful platform, the [[Confederation of Indian Industry]], with local chambers like North Orissa Chamber of Commerce and Industry,<ref name="North Orissa Chamber of Commerce and Industry">{{Cite news |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/integrated-textile-park-proposed-in-the-odisha-114070801220_1.html |title=North Orissa Chamber of Commerce and Industry |first=Nirmalya |last=Behera |date=8 July 2014 |work=[[Business Standard]] |access-date=16 February 2017 |archive-date=16 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216212526/http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/integrated-textile-park-proposed-in-the-odisha-114070801220_1.html |url-status=live}}</ref> serve as an interface to fight for the rights and issues concerning the industrial scenario so as to contribute to the development of the state as a whole. Members from both public and private sectors work closely with the government for the expansion of business opportunities, enhancing efficiency and competitiveness and to work on policy issues. Located in Januganj, Balasore, NOCCI is essentially a business park with a massive exhibition hall, a separate residential block with hotel and restaurant facilities and an extended building called the industry facilitation center<ref name="Industry Facilitation Center">{{Cite web |url=http://www.nocci.in/industryfacilitation.html |title=North Orissa Chamber of Commerce and Industry |website=www.nocci.in |access-date=16 February 2017 |archive-date=10 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310010237/http://www.nocci.in/industryfacilitation.html |url-status=live}}</ref> specifically for industrial training. NOCCI comprises about 100 member units and six affiliated associations of the industrial units. NOCCI is instrumental in the promoting the initiative of the Department of Industrial Promotion and Policy, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India (GoI)<ref>{{Cite web |publisher=nocci.in |title=NOCCI Balasore Infrastructure Company |access-date=16 February 2017 |url=http://nocci.in/noccinew/about_iius.html |archive-date=3 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103000909/http://nocci.in/noccinew/about_iius.html |url-status=live}}</ref> through a scheme of Industrial Infrastructure Upgradation.

The [[Indian Ballistic Missile Defense Program]]'s Integrated Test Range is located 18&nbsp;km south of Balasore. The [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] developed many different missiles such as [[Nag (missile)|Nag]], [[BrahMos]], [[Agni (missile)|Agni Missile]] among others here.

==Culture/Cityscape==
{{More citations needed section|date=June 2023}}
Balasore culture is a blend of traditional festivals, food, and music. The city offers a cosmopolitan and diverse lifestyle with a variety of food, entertainment, available in a form and abundance comparable to that in other cities. Balasore residents celebrate both Western and Indian festivals. [[Diwali]], [[Holi]], [[Muslim holidays|Eid]], [[Christmas]], [[Navaratri]], [[Good Friday]], [[Vijayadashami|Dussehra]], [[Muharram]], [[Ganesha Chaturthi]], [[Durga Puja]], [[Raja (festival)|Raja]] and [[Maha Shivaratri]] are some of the popular festivals in the city. The akhada Arts Festival during durga puja is a unique culture of Balasore. Wedding ceremony of Lac Coated Dolls (also known as Jaukandhei) which has a rich ethical and ritual values in maintaining peaceful conjugal relationship in the family while bringing the health, wealth and prosperity to an individual's home is an important part of Balasore's folk culture.

===Festivals===
*[[Durga Puja|Durga puja]], the festival of goddess Durga, is very popular in Balasore. Idols are worshipped in many streets and localities. In this city, Durga puja is famous for its idols, with localities trying to outsmart each other by constructing more attractive idols. Indeed, the whole city comes to a standstill on [[Ashtami]], [[Navami]] and on [[Dashami]], burning of effigy of the demon [[Ravana]] (the eighth, ninth and tenth days of Durga puja), as people travel all over the city appreciating all the idols, is put forth by the neighbourhoods.
*[[Kali Puja]], Just after Durga puja gets over, Balasore gears up with all it's vigour to celebrate Kali puja on the auspicious day of Diwali, amidst the bursting of [[firecrackers]].
*Kartikeshwara/Kumara puja: [[Murugan|Kartikeshwara/Kumara]] is the eldest son of [[Lord Shiva]].
*Kite-flying is also celebrated with much enthusiasm and energy in the city. Kite-flying culminates with the [[Makara Sankranti]], with kite-flying competitions being held all over the city.
*All the other regular Indian festivals like [[Ganesha Chaturthi]], [[Vasanta Panchami]], [[Holi]], [[Eid ul-Fitr]], [[Good Friday]], [[Ratha Yatra]], [[Diwali]], [[Christmas]] and the numerous Hindu festivals are also celebrated.

===Places of interest===
[[File:AAD Launch Crop.jpg|thumb|200px|Missile launch in [[Abdul Kalam Island]], Chandipur]]
[[Chandipur-on-sea]] is a seaside resort famous for its mile long beach. It is a unique beach&nbsp;– the tide comes to the shore only four times a day, at fixed intervals. At a distance of 30&nbsp;km south-west is [[Panchalingeshwar]], a temple and scenic spot high on a mountain. The presiding deity there, Shiva, cannot be seen. One has to touch and feel the statue as it is behind (submerged under) a waterfall. About 33&nbsp;km south-west of Balasore, the town Santaragadia has the Bisweswara temple situated on a hill. The town is surrounded by hills on all sides. Nearby is Khulia village, a settlement of aboriginals. Around 30&nbsp;km south-east of Balasore is a port named Dhamara.
*[[Kshirachora Gopinatha Temple]], situated at Remuna, approximately 7&nbsp;km from the main town of Balasore, was built by King [[Narasingha Deva I|Langula Narasimha Deva]], who also built the famous temple at [[Konark]]a. Khirochora Gopinatha Temple is notable for its mythological story about how it was built there. The prashad of Krishna – the khira – is famous. 
*The [[Biranchinarayana Temple, Palia]], AstaDurga, and Bhudhara Chandi are some other temples located in the region.
*Jagannatha Temple, Remuna is a newly built temple in the area, the architecture of which is influenced by the famous Jagannatha Temple of Puri. It is the recent favourite tourist spot concerning the region.
[[File:Jagannatha Temple Nilagiri.JPG|thumb|200px|Jagannatha Temple Nilagiri]] [[File:Bhusandeswara Temple Chandaneswara Baleswara.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Bhusandeswara Temple]]
*There is a Jagannatha Temple in [[Nilagiri]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://baleswar.nic.in/history_culture.htm |title=Balasore Official Website |access-date=13 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721165338/http://baleswar.nic.in/history_culture.htm |archive-date=21 July 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> which is one of the prominent Jagannatha temples of [[Odisha]]. Lord [[Jagannath]]a, [[Balabhadra]] and [[Subhadra]] are worshipped here. Every year, [[Ratha Yatra]] is performed with all the deities.
*[[Panchalingeswar Temple]] is a temple near a picnic spot in [[Balasore district|Baleswar]]a which is located 30&nbsp;km from Balasore.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.orissa-tourism.com/bsore.html |title= Orissa-Tourism.com :: DESTINATIONS :: BALASORE |access-date=13 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726211824/http://www.orissa-tourism.com/bsore.html |archive-date=26 July 2011}}</ref> There is a state tourism Pantha Nivas in Panchalingeswara for tourists. Panchalingeswara is surrounded by hills and forests.
{|
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Pancalingeswara Temple Nilagiri.JPG|thumb|800px|Panchalingeswara Temple]]
|}
*[[Bhujakhia Pir]], situated at sunhat at the heart of the city is the tomb of Sufi saint Aasthana Sharif Hazrat Pir named as Bhujakhia Pir. The most interesting thing is that both Muslims and Hindus jointly worship pir baba.
*[[Baba Bhusandeswar Temple]] is one of the largest Shiva Lingams in the World is in [[Bhograi|Bhogarai
]] village of Balasore district, Odisha which is located 100&nbsp;km from Balasore. The 12 feet long and 14 feet width lingam is carved out on a black granite and only half of the lingam is visible. The other half has remained buried for years. The diameter of the lingam is 12 feet and has three parts. The middle portion of the lingam is octagonal in shape, about 12 feet in diameter and nearly four feet in height. The Lingam slightly leans towards the right side.
*Mitrapur Jagannath Mandir is known as second Puri temple in Odisha.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}
*Dublagadi Sea Beach is a recently explored gem near the city where one can observe a magnificent dawn turning the white sands of the beach, red. In winter time, especially after or before two days of the new moon, you can watch the fluorescent sea waves under the bright open sky. Recently, many camps have been opened in this area by the local villagers to enjoy a stay in the lap of mother nature. The villagers maintain the area's cleanliness and the well-being of the environment.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://odishatourism.gov.in/content/tourism/en/blog-details.html?url=bagda-dublagadi-beach-an-off-beat-weekend-destination |title= BAGDA-DUBLAGADI BEACH AN OFF-BEAT WEEKEND DESTINATION :: DESTINATIONS :: Dublagadi |access-date=15 October 2022 |archive-date=15 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015135824/https://odishatourism.gov.in/content/tourism/en/blog-details.html?url=bagda-dublagadi-beach-an-off-beat-weekend-destination |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Transport==
[[File:Balasore Rail Station.JPG|thumb|206x206px|Balasore railway station]]

===Air===
The nearest airport is [[Biju Patnaik Airport]] in [[Bhubaneswar]] which is 200&nbsp;km from Balasore. [[Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport]] in [[Kolkata]] is 254&nbsp;km from Balasore.

===Rail===
[[Balasore railway station]] is an important station on the [[Howrah-Chennai main line]] of the [[South Eastern Railway zone|South Eastern Railway]]. The distance to Kolkata is approximately 254&nbsp;km, while the distance to Bhubaneswar is about 206&nbsp;km. A branch line to [[Baripada]] starts from [[Rupsa, India|Rupsa]], near Balasore. Balasore is connected to different parts of India through trains. There are frequent trains to Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, Brahmapur, Mumbai, Kolkata, New Delhi, Chennai, Guwahati, Bangalore, Puri, Pondicherry, Ernakulam. 
[[File:BLS station n GZB WAP-7.jpg|thumb|221x221px|Balasore Railway station and Rajdhani express]]

===Road===
{{mapframe|frame=yes|type=point|zoom=SWITCH:4,6,10|switch=zoomed out, zoomed mid, zoomed in}}
Balasore has well developed roadways. National Highway 16 and National Highway 18 pass through the city. A part of the [[Golden Quadrilateral]] project, this highway runs from [[Chennai]] to [[Kolkata]]. Intra-city transport comprises [[cycle rickshaw]]s and [[auto rickshaw]]s. City bus services commenced in Balasore on 15 August 2017. The bus terminus is at Sahadev Khunta and thousands of private buses ply to hundreds of destinations every day. Many luxurious A.C buses ply to Bhubneswar, Kolkata and other nearby cities daily.

==Education==
[[File:Statue of Fakir Mohan Senapati.JPG|thumb|right|200px|Statue of [[Fakir Mohan Senapati]]]]
Balasore is the main education hub of Northern Odisha with many engineering schools and colleges and the [[Fakir Mohan University]], named after novelist [[Fakir Mohan Senapati]] who hails from this town of Odisha. [[Fakir Mohan Medical College and Hospital]] was established in 2018 to boost the medical facility in Balasore and Northern Odisha.

===Technical colleges/institutions===
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*[[Balasore College of Engineering and Technology]]

===Universities/colleges===
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*[[Balasore Law College]]
*[[Fakir Mohan Medical College and Hospital]]
*[[Fakir Mohan University]]
*[[Jhadeswar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Balasore|Jhadeswar Institute of Engineering & Technology]]
*[[Sagar College of Science]]

===Schools===
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*[[D.A.V. Public School]], Samalpur, Balasore <ref>{{cite news |title=Photos: Doodling India's Women |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-SJB-12823 |access-date=13 April 2022 |work=Wall Street Journal |date=15 November 2013 |archive-date=13 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413112124/https://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-SJB-12823 |url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Maharishi Vidya Mandir]]
*[[Modern Public School]], Kuruda

==Sports and entertainment==
{{unreferenced section|date=June 2023}}
Cricket is the most popular sport in the city. The city is also represented by the Balasore Baghas in the Odisha Premier League. Apart from cricket, people here love the game of football, volleyball and other sports.

=== Permit Field ===
It is a mini stadium located in front of District Hospital in the heart of the town known to host District and State level Cricket and Football matches. Many people come here for an early morning walk or doing yoga. This place has given birth to many sports personalities of Balasore. This place is maintained by Balasore Athletic Association.

=== Reserved Police Line Ground ===
It is a big ground which belongs to the Balasore Police Department and is maintained by them. It is used as a parade ground during various occasions. Many athletes come here for training purpose. General Public is allowed for morning walk.

=== Zilla School Stadium ===
It is a mini stadium which is situated near the Balasore Zilla School and is known to host various events such as Trade Fairs, District's Annual Fest and games like Cricket or Football. The stadium remains open for general public and is a popular spot for locals to engage in outdoor activities such as jogging, walking and playing cricket.

=== ITI Field ===
It is a very popular ground which is widely known for hosting mega events such as the famous EXPO and Pallishree Mela Balasore, which are popular events in the town. In addition to these events, ITI Field also plays host to several other government-sponsored events throughout the year. One of the standout features of ITI Field is its cleanliness and well-maintained appearance, which has helped to establish it as a go-to place for outdoor events in Balasore. With its versatile facilities and prime location, ITI Field is poised to continue as one of the town's most popular event venues for years to come.

=== Entertainment ===
Balasore has several cinemas playing films in Odia, Hindi, and English languages.

==Notable people==
<!---♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their own article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦---> 
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦--->
*[[Gopanarayan Das]] (1948–2022), MLA
*[[Manoj Das]] (1934-2021), novelist, short story writer and [[Padma Bhushan]] awardee
*[[Reela Hota]], [[Odissi]] dance performer, educator and producer
*[[Radhanath Ray]], Odia poet
*[[Fakir Mohan Senapati]], Odia writer and poet

==See also==
{{Portal||India|Denmark}}
*[[Rocket launch site]]s
*[[Indian Space Research Organisation]]
*[[Thumba|Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station]]
*[[Chandipur, Odisha|Chandipur]]
*{{Wikivoyage inline|Chandipur}}
*{{Wikivoyage inline|PanchaLingeswar}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Balasore}}
{{EB1911 poster|Balasore}}

*[http://balasorecity.com/ Online Information Center of Balasore]
*[http://baleswar.nic.in/ Baleswar District website]

{{Odisha}}
{{Balasore district}}
{{Industrial hubs in Odisha |state=collapsed}}
{{Danish overseas empire}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Balasore| ]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Balasore district]]
[[Category:Port cities and towns in India]]
[[Category:Danish India]]
[[Category:Hindu–German Conspiracy]]