Āsansol, India
Region: West Bengal
Geographic Coordinates: 23.680000, 86.990000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 40.0°C (68°F to 104°F)
Climate: Varied.
Population: 563917
Language: Bengali
Asansol is a city in West Bengal, India, Known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The Kalyaneshwari Temple and Nehru Park are popular attractions. Asansol has a history of coal mining but has shifted towards steel manufacturing and textiles. The city also boasts several educational institutions offering quality education to students from all over India. Asansol’s cuisine reflects its diverse cultural heritage with influences from Bengali and North Indian cuisine. Popular dishes include macher jhol, Chholar dal, Luchi with alur dom. Asansol has good connectivity with major cities like Kolkata through railroads and highways via the Asansol Railway Station.
Overall, Asansol offers tourists an opportunity to experience traditional Indian culture while also providing modern amenities for those looking for comfort during their stay.
Important Landmarks
- Kalyaneshwari Temple
- Nehru Park
- Maithon Dam
- Burnpur Riverside Promenade
- Ghagar Buri Chandi Temple
- Satabdi Park
- Piyala Kalibari Temple
- Joychandi Pahar
- Kazi Nazrul Islam Park
- Garh Panchkot Fort and Temples
Primary Industries
- Coal mining: Asansol is renowned for its coal mining industry, which is the primary source of employment in the region.
- Steel industry: The city boasts several steel plants like SAIL’s IISCO Steel Plant and ECL’s Burnpur plant.
- Railways: Asansol serves as an essential railway junction that connects Kolkata to other parts of the country.
- Power generation: The city houses multiple power plants such as Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) and West Bengal Power Development Corporation Limited (WBPDCL).
- Cement manufacturing: A few cement manufacturing companies operate in Asansol, including ACC Ltd and Burnpur Cement Limited.
- Textile industry: There are some textile mills located in the city that produce fabrics and garments.
- Automobile industry: Several automobile dealerships sell cars, bikes, and other vehicles in Asansol.
- Education sector: The city has numerous schools, colleges, and universities catering to students from across India.
- Retail sector: Many retail stores sell various products ranging from food items to electronics goods within Asansol.
- Healthcare sector: Several hospitals provide medical services to people residing in the area as well as nearby regions.
Noteable History
- The Chittaranjan Locomotive Works, established in 1950, is one of India’s largest locomotive manufacturing units and a major contributor to Asansol’s economy.
- The Bengal Iron Works, founded by Prince Dwarkanath Tagore, played a significant role in transforming Asansol into an industrial hub during the 19th century.
- Kazi Nazrul Islam spent a significant part of his life in Asansol and is considered one of its most notable residents due to his accomplishments as a poet, writer, and musician.
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose visited Asansol during his struggle for Indian independence and addressed public gatherings here.
- Mahatma Gandhi also visited Asansol during his nationwide tour to mobilize support for Indian independence.
- Jitendra Nath Roy was born in Asansol and played an active role as a prominent freedom fighter from Bengal during India’s struggle for independence.
- Sushil Kumar Dhara was a renowned Bengali author who hailed from Asansol and wrote extensively on social issues affecting rural India.
- Swami Vivekananda delivered lectures on spirituality and social reform during several visits to Asansol.
- Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s Brahmo Samaj movement had significant impact on religious reforms across Bengal including areas around present-day Asansol.
- Maharishi Debendranath Tagore (1817-1905) founded Shantiniketan which later became Visva-Bharati University; he was a great social and religious reformer who played an important role in the cultural and educational development of Bengal.
Museums and Things To See
- Nehru Park
- Kalyaneshwari Temple
- Maithon Dam
- Ghagar Buri Chandi Temple
- Burnpur Riverside Park
- Satabdi Park
- Dishergarh Power Supply Company Museum
- Joychandi Pahar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Sarbamangala Temple
- Asansol Science Centre and Planetarium
Cultural Events
- Durga Puja is the most celebrated festival in Āsansol, held in October. The city comes alive with pandals, lights, music and dance.
- Kali Puja is an important religious festival celebrated during Diwali to worship Goddess Kali.
- Bhai Phonta is a unique festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters where sisters apply tilak on their brother’s forehead as a symbol of love and respect.
- Chhath Puja is a popular Hindu festival observed by some communities in Āsansol which involves offering prayers to the Sun God for good health, wealth and prosperity.
- Basant Panchami marks the beginning of spring season when people worship Goddess Saraswati to seek her blessings for success & wisdom.
- Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated by Muslims at end of Ramadan fasting month with prayers at mosques followed by feasting on delicacies such as biryani & kebabs with family & friends.
- Holi brings together people from all religions to celebrate this vibrant occasion which signifies victory over evil forces through colors, sweets, music & dance.
- Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is an auspicious day where siblings exchange gifts, sweets along with tying sacred thread called ‘Rakhi’ on brother’s wrist which symbolizes love & protection among siblings.
Cuisine
- Chhappan Bhog: A well-known vegetarian restaurant serving North Indian and South Indian dishes.
- Biryani House: A must-visit place for biryani lovers, offering delicious biryanis with various meat options.
- Saffron: A multi-cuisine restaurant that serves Chinese, Continental, and North Indian delicacies.
- The Yellow Chilli: A fine-dining restaurant that serves contemporary Indian cuisine with a modern twist.
- Hotel Anandamayee: Famous for its Bengali sweets like rasgulla, sandesh, and mishti doi.
- Dhaba Express: Known for its Punjabi-style food such as butter chicken, dal makhani, and tandoori roti.
- Royal Darbar Restaurant & Banquet Hall: Offers a blend of Mughlai and Bengali cuisine in a luxurious ambiance.
- Café Coffee Day: One of the most popular coffee chains in India with several outlets in Āsansol serving coffee-based beverages along with snacks and sandwiches.
- Nehru Park
- Kulti Park
- Burnpur Riverside Park
- Chittaranjan Locomotive Works Sports Complex
- Satabdi Park
- Children’s park in Mohishila Colony
- Narsingh Bandh Wildlife Sanctuary
- Maithon Dam and Lake for boating and fishing activities
- Joychandi Pahar for trekking and adventure sports
- Gopalpur Zoo for wildlife viewing and bird watching