Hanumāngarh, India
Region: Rajasthan
Geographic Coordinates: 29.583300, 74.316700
Temperature Range: 30.0°C to 45.0°C (86°F to 113°F)
Climate: Hot summers, mild winters, and monsoon season from June to September.
Population: 129654
Language: Hindi
Hanumangarh is a city in the northwestern state of Rajasthan, India. It sits on the banks of the river Ghaggar and is renowned for its cultural heritage and historical significance. The city was founded by Bhati Rajput ruler Rao Bhoj in 1488 AD and was formerly known as Bhatner. The name Hanumangarh was given to this place after a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman was constructed here. The temple still stands today, Attracting devotees from all over India. Along with this, There are several other temples and religious sites worth visiting.
One of Hanumangarh’s significant attractions is its ancient fort that has witnessed numerous battles during different periods under various dynasties such as Bhati Rajputs, Mughals, Marathas, Sikhs and Britishers etc., Making it an emblem of bravery and resilience. Apart from its historical significance, Hanumangarh also boasts a rich cultural heritage with folk music and dance forms like Ghoomar, Kalbelia etc., Being an integral part of local culture that have been passed down through generations. In recent times, Hanumangarh has emerged as an important hub for agriculture due to its fertile land producing crops like wheat, Mustard etc., In abundance.
It also serves as an important center for trade with neighboring states like Punjab & Haryana. Another interesting aspect about Hanumāngarh is its unique architecture style reflecting a blend of Rajputana style with Mughal influence visible in several buildings including temples, Havelis (mansions), Forts etc., That dot the cityscape. To conclude, Hanumāngarh offers a glimpse into Rajasthan’s rich history & culture. With ancient fortifications, Temples, Festivals, Fertile farmlands,&unique architecture, This city has something to offer everyone. It’s worth exploring this lesser-known but equally fascinating part of India.
Important Landmarks
- Bhatner Fort
- Kalibanga Archaeological Site
- Brahmani Mata Temple
- Gogamedi Fair
- Shri Thakurji Temple
- Lohagarh Fort
- Bhadrakali Temple
- Mukteshwari Devi Temple
- Hanumangarh Museum
- Talwara Lake
Primary Industries
- Agriculture
- Textile manufacturing
- Small-scale industries such as pottery and handicrafts
- Trade
The city is known for its production of:
- Cotton crops
- Wheat crops
It also has a significant market for the trading of:
- Grains
- Oils
- Spices
- Other agricultural products
The textile industry in Hanumāngarh produces:
- Cotton fabrics that are exported to various parts of the country
Additionally, there are several small-scale industries that produce:
- Pottery items like earthenware pots
- Handicrafts made from wood or metal
- The ancient town of Bhatner, now known as Hanumāngarh, was an important center of the Indus Valley Civilization.
- The area around Hanumāngarh has been inhabited since prehistoric times and has witnessed several historical events.
- The town played a significant role during the Mauryan Empire and was ruled by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC.
- In medieval times, Hanumāngarh was ruled by various Rajput clans such as Bhatti Rajputs, Rathore Rajputs, and Jat Sikhs.
- During the Mughal era, Hanumāngarh served as an important outpost on the northern frontier of India and saw many battles between Mughal forces and local rulers.
- Notable people associated with Hanumāngarh include Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner who built several palaces and forts in the region during his reign in the early 20th century.
- Another notable figure from Hanumāngarh is Dr. Hargobind Khorana who won Nobel Prize in Medicine for his work on DNA sequencing in 1968.
- In recent times, Hanumāngarh has become a hub for agriculture with vast areas under cultivation for crops like wheat, cotton, mustard etc., making it an important agricultural center in Rajasthan state of India.
- Bhatner Fort
- Kalibangan Archaeological Museum
- Brahmani Mata Temple
- Gogamedi Fair Grounds
- Hanumangarh Fort
- Shri Gogaji Mandir
- Shri Ramdev Mandir
- Shri Balaji Dham
- Shree Sanwaria Seth Temple
- Lohagarh Fort
- Gangaur Festival: This festival is celebrated in the month of March-April and is dedicated to Goddess Gauri, the consort of Lord Shiva. Women dress up in traditional attire and carry idols of the goddess on their heads while singing devotional songs.
- Teej Festival: Another festival dedicated to Goddess Parvati, Teej is celebrated during the monsoon season (July-August). Women fast and pray for marital bliss and prosperity.
- Holi: The festival of colors, Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Hanumangarh as well as all over India. People throw colored powder at each other, dance to music, and enjoy festive delicacies.
- Diwali: The festival of lights, Diwali marks the victory of good over evil and is celebrated with diyas (lamps), firecrackers, sweets, and family gatherings.
- Rajasthan Day: Celebrated on March 30th every year since 1949 when Rajasthan was formed as a state in India; this day commemorates Rajasthani culture through various cultural programs such as folk dances & music performances.
- Bikaner Camel Festival: Although not located in Hanumangarh but nearby city Bikaner; it’s an annual event that takes place every January showcasing camel races & polo games along with colorful displays of Rajasthani culture including folk dances & music performances.
- Nagaur Cattle Fair: Another event located near Hanumangarh City; this fair takes place annually during January-February where traders from across Rajasthan come together to trade cattle such as cows, buffaloes & camels while also enjoying cultural events like folk dances & music performances along with a variety of food stalls selling local delicacies like mirchi bada (spicy snack).
- Rajasthani Thali at Hotel Surya Mahal: This restaurant serves a variety of vegetarian dishes from Rajasthan, including dal bati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and ker sangri.
- Punjabi Food at Hotel Aroma: This restaurant is known for its delicious Punjabi food like butter chicken, tandoori chicken, and naan.
- Chaat at Shree Balaji Chaat Bhandar: This street food joint is famous for its chaat items like golgappe, papdi chaat, dahi bhalla etc.
- Lassi at Moolchand Lassi Wale: This place is famous for its creamy lassi which comes in different flavours like mango and rose.
- Chinese Food at The Imperial Restaurant: The Imperial Restaurant serves a variety of Chinese dishes such as noodles, Manchurian and spring rolls.
- Street Food at Hanumangarh Bazaar: Hanumangarh Bazaar offers a wide range of street foods such as kachori samosa , chole bhature etc that are worth trying out!
- Hanumangarh Fort Park is a scenic park located inside the Hanumangarh Fort, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
- Kalibangan Archaeological Museum and Park is an archaeological museum and park that displays ancient artifacts from the Indus Valley Civilization.
- Bhatner Fort Park is a well-maintained park situated within the historic Bhatner Fort, featuring various trees, plants, and walking trails for visitors to enjoy.
- Nehru Park is a popular public park that offers a playground, walking paths, and picnic areas for families to enjoy.
- Gogamedi Fair Grounds are vast open spaces used for hosting cultural events and fairs throughout the year.
- Pilibanga Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area that houses diverse flora and fauna such as blackbucks, chinkaras (Indian gazelles), Indian hares, desert foxes and more.
- Ghaggar River Bank Parks comprise several parks along the banks of Ghaggar river which runs through Hanumāngarh city offering picturesque views for visitors to go on nature walks or have picnics by the riverside.