Tarbha

Tarbha (also known as Tarabha, sometimes called "Ulta Bharat" or Opposite India) is a Notified Area Council in Subarnapur district in the Indian state of Odisha.

The name Tarbha apparently came from Tera Bhaya (तेराह भेया), or 13 brothers. In the Gauntia (ଗଁତିଆ) (The Village Head) system thirteen brothers were the Gauntia (Village Heads) of this small town. Later on this village was named Terabhaya and then modified to Tarbha (Official)/Tarabha/Tarva. The River Nibruti (ନିବୃତି) passes by one side of town, separating its two districts, Bolangir and Sonepur. Many residents participated in the Indian Freedom Movement.

as of 2012 India census, Tarbha had a population of 12,886. Males constitute 51% of the population. Tarbha has an average literacy rate of 68%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 78% and female literacy is 58%. 12% are under 6. Tarbha is a Block, Police Station, Tahashil, Panchayat and NAC.

The town hosts a mixture of castes, with the majority working as goldsmiths, brassmiths and weavers. The majority are either service holders or businessmen. Most businessmen here are either Marwari or Weavers. Meher constitute the majority of Weavers people. A market complex is organised every Sunday and a daily market provides the people with their daily food. The market is popularly known as Tarbha Hat.

A. E. S. College provides science and arts education. The most influential institute is the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, which is situated in the middle of town providing National Level studies to JNV Entrance selected students. It provides education from 6th to 10th. Saraswati Sishu Vidya Mandir provides up to 10th. Two High Schools (one each for boys and girls), one English Medium School, 8 U. P. Schools.

Tarbha is a sacred place for Muslims, however the majority are Hindus. All festivals are celebrated in a grand way. The Tarbha Rath Yatra is very important in the locality. Celebrants pull the chariot of Lord Jagannath from Rathapara to Durgamandap, a distance of nearly 1 km. The annual festival is Nuakhai Parab, which is observed on the next day to Sri Ganesh Chaturthhi. Tarbha hosts more than twenty temples. The club culture (in which local youth voluntarily work for the people) that is disappearing from many villages is still powerful in Tarbha. Friend's Recreational Cultural Center (FRCC, Durgamandap), Nabajyoti Club (Rathapara), Bapuji Club (Bandhapara), Geetha Pathagar (Malipara) contribute.

Rice is the main component of the diet. Mudhi (Puffed Rice) and Snacks like Samosa, Vada, are commonly consumed. Tarbha is also famous for its few type of snack called Chaka Pitha (made of rice and Potato with several spices) and Chaul Bara (Rice Pakoda). The recipe of Chaul Bara is spread to many places but Chaka Pitha is the uniqueness of Tarbha till now.

Tarbha is a holy place for both Hindus and Muslims. People from all religions celebrate their festival peacefully. The major festivals being organized here are Nuakhai, Ratha Yatra (Very famous in the locality), Durga Puja, Ganesh Puja, Vishwakarma Puja. In the Shravan Month according to the Hindu Calendar, Many "Bolbam Bhaktas" come to the Lord Shiv Temple in order to fulfill their dreams.

Tarbha is one of the few places in India where Hindus and Muslims enjoys all festivals together irrespective of religion. All the people are in harmony with each other.

Fakir Baba, popularly known as Tarbhawale Baba, came to Tarbha as a preacher. He was born to a Muslim family on 20 June 1831 in Kandhar, the capital of Afghanistan. His Islamic name was Aulade Ghause Azam Allajush Saha Sayad Abdul Sakkur Khan Rehmattullla Alleh. After coming to Tarbha the people called him Fakir Baba or Tarbhawale Baba. He was known for his charitable works. He died on 16 March 1984 10:05 PM at the age of 154. In his memory there is a Dargah, named Ziarat Dargah in Tarbha. So Tarbha is also known as Tarbha Sharif. Every year Lakhs of Muslims come to Tarbha to receive his heavenly blessing.

Since last few years, some of the citizens have joined the Christian community. Recently, a church is created at Oriya Pada as the number of followers of Christianity have been increasing.