| Anandapur | |
| Settlement Type: | Town |
| Pushpin Map: | India Odisha#India |
| Pushpin Map Caption: | Location in Odisha, India |
| Coordinates: | 21.21°N 86.11°W |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: |  India |
| Subdivision Type1: | State |
| Subdivision Name1: | Odisha |
| Subdivision Type2: | District |
| Subdivision Name2: | Kendujhar |
| Leader Title: | MLA |
| Leader Name: | Abhimanyu Sethy (BJD) |
| Unit Pref: | Metric |
| Elevation M: | 43 |
| Population Total: | 35043 |
| Population As Of: | 2001 |
| Population Density Km2: | auto |
| Demographics Type1: | Languages |
| Demographics1 Title1: | Official |
| Demographics1 Info1: | Odia |
| Timezone1: | IST |
| Utc Offset1: | +5:30 |
| Postal Code Type: | PIN |
| Postal Code: | 758 021 |
| Area Code Type: | Telephone code |
| Area Code: | 06731 |
| Registration Plate: | OR-09/OD-09 |
Anandapur (ଆନନ୍ଦପୁର) is a town and a municipality of Kendujhar district in the state of Odisha, India.
The name Anandapur (called as A+nda+Pur) derives from आनन्द सहर which in Sanskrit means the "city of happiness". During the period of Raja Govinda Bhanja, it was known as Athagarh.
Anandapur is located at . It has an average elevation of 43m (141feet). The town is situated on the bank of Baitarani River which flows on the southern side of the town. Madhubana is a well-known picnic place among the locals. The place like a small hill situated in the banks of Baitarani and has tall pine like trees. The scenery of Madhubana attracts people from nearby small villages during New Year. Anandapur barrage attracts people.
Anandapur experiences three distinct seasons: summer, monsoon and winter. Typical summer months are from February to June, with maximum temperatures ranging from 35 °C to 45 °C. May is the warmest month in Anandapur, although summer doesn't end until May. The town often receives heavy thundershowers in May and the humidity level remains high. During the hottest months, the nights are usually very warm due to high humidity. The monsoon lasts from June to September, with moderate/high rainfall and temperatures ranging from 15 °C to 35 °C. Winter begins in October; the daytime temperature hovers around 28 °C (82 °F) while night temperature is below 15 °C for most of December and January.
Most of the people depend on agriculture. Nowadays, most of people are inclined towards the business of transportation of iron ore mined from upper Keonjhar area meant for exports via Paradip Port through trucks and dumpers. Many of them are managing their livelihood by the means of small businesses. The most recent trend has been that many of younger generation are migrating to other states looking for jobs or opting for jobs in nearby steel plants of Kalinganagar (in neighbouring Jajpur district) after a degree or diploma in technical skill based education. As a result of all these, the per capita income of individuals has grown nowadays. Some people depend on businesses of handicraft and weaving. The town is known for its tasar silk handicraft. The political status is very complicated here and nowadays more and more people are being engaged in political and social works.
Anandapur is situated in the strike line of coastal and hilly regions. It is surrounded by green hills and situated on the bank of river Baitarani which is a sacred river of India. Also known as Budha Ganga, it is considered one of the oldest rivers in India. During the ruling of Keshari dynasty in Odisha many temples of Shiva were constructed. Along the banks of this river many temples of Lord Shiva can be found. The Jhadeswara temple, Balunkeswara Temple, Uttareswara temple, Kundeswara temples and others are here. The Kushaleswara Temple was built by Jajati Keshari. However, the town is well known for its Jagannath Temple known as "Dadhibaman Temple" which is the main temple of the town; and the culture of the town is deeply influenced by the rituals of this temple.
India census, Anandapur had a population of 35,043. Males constituted 51% of the population and females 49%. Anandapur had an average literacy rate of 72%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 57% of the males and 43% of females literate. 12% of the population was under 6 years of age.[1]
The city of Anandapur is managed by the Anandapur Municipal Council (AMC). However, it is also a sub-division of Keonjhar district, hence there is a sub-divisional officer (SDO) who governs the overall city.
The MLA from Anandapur (SC) Assembly Constituency is Bhagirathi Sethi (BJD), who won the seat in State elections of 2014. He previously represented this area until 2004 through BJP and later has migrated to BJD. Former Odisha state congress president Jayadeb Jena had won earlier from here in 1995 and in 1985, and also as INC(I) candidate in 1980. He was previously the PCC president and secretary of PCC, Odisha. Bhagirathi Sethi of Biju Janata Dal had won in 2009, Dasarathi Jena of JD in 1990, and Makar Sethi of JNP in 1977.[2]
Anandapur is part of Keonjhar (Lok Sabha constituency).[3]
With addition to Ratha Jatra and Bahuda Jatra of the Dadhibaman Jagannath Temple, every year the people here celebrate the Baruni Jatra. While Deogaon is known for the Jagara (Maha Sivaratri) festival around the Kushaleswara Temple, Kantipal celebrates Dola Purnima (Holi). Kantipal Behera Sahi celebrates Gaja Laxmi Puja every year. Idols of goddess Laxmi is worshipped during this event. The event continues for 3–5 days, and a fair for it is set up in Anandapur during that period attracting people from nearby small villages.
Ananadapur is connected by road from Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. NH-20 is the major national highway that runs through this area. The nearest railway station is Jajpur Kendujhar road. Buses and auto rickshaws run frequently from Anandapur to various surrounding rural villages. It is connected to Bhadrak and Baleswar by SH-53.