Bageshwar

File:Bagnath Temple.jpg was erected in 1640 by King Laxmi Chand]]

Bageshwar's name is closely linked to its religious and mythological significance. The Bagnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, has been a revered site for centuries. According to the Manaskhand of the Shiva Purana, the temple and the surrounding town were established by Chandeesh, a servant of Lord Shiva.{{cite news|title=बागेश्वर में पार्वती के संग विराजते हैं भोलेनाथ|url=http://www.amarujala.com/uttarakhand/bageshwar/bageshwar-with-parvati-houses-the-bholenath|access-date=24 May 2017|work=Amar Ujala Bureau|publisher=Amar Ujala|date=22 February 2017|location=Bageshwar|language=hi}}{{cite news|title=शिव के गण चंडीश ने बसाया था इस नगर को, यहां है बागनाथ मंदिर|url=http://www.livehindustan.com/news/astrology/article1-bageshwar-bagnath-temple-kumaon-713569.html?seq=2|access-date=24 May 2017|work=livehindustan.com|publisher=Hindustan|date=23 February 2017|language=hi}}

Another popular legend involves Sage Markandeya, who is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva at this very spot. In one version of the legend, Lord Shiva blessed Sage Markandeya by appearing to him in the form of a tiger, which contributed to the region's strong religious and cultural identity.{{cite news|title=बाघ और गाय बनकर इस संगम पर घूमते थे भगवान शिव और पार्वती|url=http://www.amarujala.com/photo-gallery/dehradun/mythological-facts-about-bagnath-temple-bageshwar|access-date=15 October 2016|publisher=Amar Ujala|date=30 May 2016|location=Dehradun}}{{cite news|last1=Negi|first1=Sunil|title=कत्यूर व चंद शासकों के काल में बनी ऐतिहासिक इमारतें हैं उपेक्ष‍ित|url=http://www.jagran.com/uttarakhand/bageshwar-no-care-of-historical-buildings-at-bageshwar-16048260.html|access-date=24 May 2017|work=JNN|publisher=Dainik Jagran|date=18 May 2017|location=Bageshwar|language=hi}}

Bageshwar's history in the medieval period is tied to the powerful dynasties that ruled the Kumaon region. During the 7th century, Bageshwar was part of the Katyuri Kingdom and was situated near Kartikeypura, the capital of the Katyuri Dynasty.{{cite book|author=Omacanda Hāṇḍā|title=History of Uttaranchal|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7_Ct9gzvkDQC&pg=PA72|access-date=22 July 2012|year=2002|publisher=Indus Publishing|isbn=978-81-7387-134-4|pages=63–}} The Katyuris ruled the region until the death of Birdeo, the last ruler of the united Katyuris, in the 13th century. His death led to the fragmentation of the Katyuri kingdom into eight smaller princely states, with Bageshwar falling under the control of the Baijnath Katyurs, descendants of the original Katyuri kings.{{Cite book|last=Hāṇḍā, Omacanda, 1936-|url=http://worldcat.org/oclc/604045165|title=History of Uttaranchal|date=2002|publisher=Indus Pub. Co|oclc=604045165}}{{cite news|title=Home to ancient Katyuri culture|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/uttarakhand/community/story/237289.html|access-date=4 August 2016}}

The 10th century saw the rise of the Chand dynasty, founded by Som Chand, who displaced the Katyuris and established the new kingdom of Kurmanchal, later known as Kumaon.{{cite book|last1=Budhwar|first1=Kusum|title=Where Gods Dwell: Central Himalayan Folktales and Legends|publisher=Penguin Books India|isbn=9780143066026|language=en|year=2010}}{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Kumar Suresh|last2=India|first2=Anthropological Survey of|title=People of India|publisher=Anthropological Survey of India|isbn=9788173041143|page=35|language=en}}{{cite book|last1=Handa|first1=Madhu Jain By-O. C.|title=Art & Architecture of Uttarakhand|publisher=Pentagon Press|isbn=9788182744172|language=en|date=July 2009}} Som Chand's successors later moved the capital of Kumaon from Champawat to Almora in the 16th century, marking the establishment of the Chand dynasty's influence over the region.{{cite book|last1=Trivedi|first1=Vijaya R.|title=Autonomy of Uttarakhand|publisher=Mohit Publications|isbn=9788174450081|language=en|page=33|year=1995}}{{cite book|last1=Sharma|first1=Man Mohan|title=Through the valley of gods: travels in the central Himalayas|publisher=Vision Books|language=en|page=99}}{{cite book|last1=Bhattacherje|first1=S. B.|title=Encyclopaedia of Indian Events & Dates|publisher=Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd.|isbn=9788120740747|language=en|page=55|date=May 2009}}{{cite book|author=Omacanda Hāṇḍā|title=History of Uttaranchal|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7_Ct9gzvkDQC&pg=PA72|access-date=22 July 2012|year=2002|publisher=Indus Publishing|isbn=978-81-7387-134-4|pages=71–}}{{cite book|last1=Sen|first1=Siba Pada|title=The Sino-Indian Border Question: A Historical Review|publisher=Institute of Historical Studies|page=68|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bXUeAAAAMAAJ&q=established+his+capital+in++khagmara|access-date=8 September 2016|language=en|year=1971}}

A major event in the history of Bageshwar occurred in 1791 when the Gorkhas, expanding their kingdom westward across the Kali River, invaded Kumaon, including Bageshwar.{{cite book|last1=Hamilton|first1=Francis|last2=Buchanan|first2=Francis Hamilton|title=An Account of the Kingdom of Nepal: And of the Territories Annexed to this Dominion by the House of Gorkha|publisher=A. Constable|url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_67gWAAAAQAAJ|quote=The name Rajapur is also mentioned over a number of ancient copper plates.|access-date=2 September 2016|language=en|year=1819}} The Gorkhas swiftly took control of the region and its administrative centers, including Almora, which was then the seat of the Kumaon Kingdom. However, Gorkha rule was short-lived. After the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–1816), the British East India Company defeated the Gorkhas and forced them to cede Kumaon to the British under the Treaty of Sugauli in 1816.{{cite book|last1=Lamb|first1=Alastair|title=British India and Tibet, 1766-1910|date=1986|publisher=Routledge & Kegan Paul|location=London|isbn=0710208723|edition=2nd, rev.}}{{cite book|last1=Martin|first1=Robert Montgomery|title=The History of the Indian Empire|publisher=Mayur Publications|language=en}}{{rp|594}}{{cite book|title=Summary of the operations in India: with their results : from 30 April 1814 to 31 Jan. 1823|date=1824|publisher=Marquis of Hastings}}{{cite book|last1=Cross|first1=John Pemble; foreword by J.P.|title=Britain's Gurkha War : the invasion of Nepal, 1814-16|date=2008|publisher=Frontline|location=London|isbn=978-1-84832-520-3|edition=[Rev. ed.]}}{{cite book|last1=Naravane|first1=M.S.|title=Battles of the honourable East India Company : making of the Raj|date=2006|publisher=A. P. H. Pub. Corp.|location=New Delhi|isbn=978-81-313-0034-3}}{{cite book|last1=Gould|first1=Tony|title=Imperial warriors : Britain and the Gurkhas|date=2000|publisher=Granta Books|location=London|isbn=1-86207-365-1}}

Under British rule, the Kumaon region, including Bageshwar, was integrated into the Kumaon Province governed by a chief-commissioner on non-regulation system.Robert Montgomery Martin, History of the Possessions of the Honourable East India Company, Volume 1, pg. 107 In 1891, this region was administratively divided into three districts—Kumaon, Garhwal, and the Tarai. These were later reorganized again, with Almora and Nainital becoming the headquarters for eponymous districts. By 1886, Bageshwar had a population of about 500 people, as recorded in 'The Himalayan Gazetteer' by Atkinson.{{cite book|last1=Atkinson|first1=Edwin Thomas|title=The Himalayan gazetteer|date=1973|publisher=Cosmo Publications|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GL-1AAAAIAAJ|access-date=28 August 2016|language=en}}

In the early 20th century, Bageshwar began to see some important infrastructural and administrative developments. In 1906, a dispensary was established in the town to provide basic healthcare services to the local population. Three years later, in 1909, a post office was set up, further enhancing the town's communication and administrative facilities.

Education also began to take root in the region. In 1926, a public school was established in Bageshwar, and it was later upgraded to a junior high school in 1933. These early efforts in education were pivotal in laying the groundwork for the town's later developments.

During this period, the British also conducted a survey for a potential rail link connecting Bageshwar with Tanakpur in 1902. However, the project was delayed due to the outbreak of World War I, and it was not pursued further during the British colonial period.{{cite news|title=Rail ministry stalls Tanakpur-Bageshwar link project - Times of India|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/Rail-ministry-stalls-Tanakpur-Bageshwar-link-project/articleshow/48365047.cms|access-date=4 August 2016}}{{cite news|title=टनकपुर-बागेश्वर रेल लाइन का 1902 में हुआ था आगाज!|url=http://hindi.pradesh18.com/news/uttarakhand/champawat/tanakpur-bageshwar-railway-line-was-opened-in-1902-1372405.html|access-date=9 September 2016|work=hindi.pradesh18.com|archive-date=18 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918112601/http://hindi.pradesh18.com/news/uttarakhand/champawat/tanakpur-bageshwar-railway-line-was-opened-in-1902-1372405.html|url-status=dead}} In the 1980s, following a visit from Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the British-era survey for a rail link between Bageshwar and Tanakpur was revisited, though the project did not proceed in the same manner as initially planned.

After India gained independence in 1947, Bageshwar was incorporated into the Almora district of Uttar Pradesh.Times World Atlas, 1967 Edition, Plate 30. In 1951, the town had a population of just 1,740 people and was part of the Kanda development block. This was a period of gradual development, with the consolidation of nine smaller villages into the Bageshwar State village in 1948. These villages would later form the nucleus of the town's urban growth.

In 1955, Bageshwar was officially declared a town under the UP Town Area Act of 1914, and the first Town Area Committee was constituted in 1957. Over the years, the town's infrastructure continued to improve, and in 1968, it achieved the status of a Municipal Council. One of the significant developments was the introduction of a water supply scheme in 1975, which was designed to cater to a population of 6,000 people by 1997.{{cite book|title=Perspective Plan of Bageshwar District-2021|url=http://tcpomud.gov.in/divisions/erp/Bageshwar%20Report/introduction.pdf|publisher=Government of Uttarakhand|access-date=29 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911032826/http://tcpomud.gov.in/divisions/erp/Bageshwar%20Report/introduction.pdf|archive-date=11 September 2016|url-status=dead}}

Education saw further progress post-independence. In 1949, a private high school was opened in memory of Victor Mohan Joshi, and it was upgraded to an Inter College in 1967. In addition, the first women's primary school was established in the 1950s, and a women's public high school opened in 1975. The opening of the Government Degree College in 1974 by Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna marked another important milestone in the educational development of Bageshwar.

on 15 September 1997, Bageshwar became an independent district, carved out from Almora, with its own administrative headquarters. The district's formation was spearheaded by the then Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Mayawati. In 2000, following the creation of Uttarakhand as a separate state, Bageshwar became part of the newly formed Uttarakhand state. On November 9, 2000, following the creation of Uttarakhand as a separate state, Bageshwar became a part of the new state.{{cite web|title=About Us|url=http://uk.gov.in/pages/display/115-about-us|publisher=Government of Uttarakhand|access-date=17 July 2012}}

In recent decades, Bageshwar has continued to evolve, with advancements in infrastructure, education, and public services. Its religious and cultural significance remains a major attraction, with the Bagnath Temple continuing to draw devotees from across the region. The strategic location of Bageshwar also positions it as an important town in the Kumaon region, with an emphasis on enhancing connectivity, security, and local development. The formation of the district, the expansion of educational institutions, and the improvement of transportation networks have all contributed to the town's growth.

File:Bageshwar in 2006.jpg

Bageshwar is located at {{coord|29.49|N|79.45|E}}[http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/39/Bageshwar.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc. - Bageshwar] in Bageshwar District in Uttarakhand. It is situated 470 km North-East of the National Capital New Delhi and 332 km South-East of the State Capital Dehradun. It lies in the Kumaon division{{cite book|title=Kumaon Himalaya|publisher=Shree Almora Book Depot|isbn=9788190020992|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pWs-AgAACAAJ&q=almora|language=en}} and is situated 153 km North-East of Nainital, the Headquarters of Kumaon. Bageshwar is situated in a valley of the Kumaon Hills of the Central Himalaya range.{{cite book|title=Illustrated Atlas of the Himalaya|publisher=India Research Press|isbn=9788183860376|language=en|year=2006}} It has an average elevation of 934 metres (3,064 feet). The chief trees are the Chir Pine, Himalayan Cypress, Pindrow Fir, alder, sal or iron-wood, and saindan. Limestone, sandstone, slate, gneiss and granite constitute the principal geological formations.

Its climate is characterized by relatively high temperatures and evenly distributed precipitation throughout the year. In summer, Bageshwar is largely under the influence of moist, maritime airflow from the western side of the subtropical anticyclonic cells over low-latitude ocean waters. Temperatures are high and can lead to warm, oppressive nights. Summers are usually somewhat wetter than winters, with much of the rainfall coming from convectional thunderstorm activity; tropical cyclones also enhance warm-season rainfall in some regions. The coldest month is usually quite mild, although frosts are not uncommon, and winter precipitation is derived primarily from frontal cyclones along the polar front. The Köppen Climate Classification subtype for this climate is "Cfa" (Humid Subtropical Climate).

{{wide image|Bageshwar Panorama 01.jpg|1100px|align-cap=center|Panoramic view of Central Bageshwar with Saryu river in the foreground. The Saryu-Gomati Confluence (far left), Bagnath Temple (left), Saryu Ghat (center), Nileshwar Mountain (right) and Saryu Bridge (far right) are also visible.}}

The average temperature for the year in Bageshwar is {{convert|20.4|°C|°F|abbr=on}}. The warmest month, on average, is June with an average temperature of {{convert|27.3|°C|°F|abbr=on}}. The highest temperature ever recorded was 38 °C, recorded on 5 June 2017.{{cite news|title=सोमवार को सबसे गर्म रही बागेश्वर घाटी|url=http://www.amarujala.com/uttarakhand/bageshwar/14966857976-bageshwar-news|access-date=24 June 2017|work=Haldwani Bureau|publisher=Amar Ujala|date=5 June 2017|location=Bageshwar|language=hi}} The coolest month on average is January, with an average temperature of {{convert|11|°C|°F|abbr=on}}. The average amount of precipitation for the year in Bageshwar is {{convert|48.1|in|mm|abbr=on}}. The month with the most precipitation on average is July with {{convert|13.0|in|mm|abbr=on}} of precipitation. The month with the least precipitation on average is November with an average of {{convert|0.2|in|mm|abbr=on}}. There are an average of 63.6 days of precipitation, with the most precipitation occurring in August with 15.3 days and the least precipitation occurring in November with 0.8 days.

{{Weather box

| location = Bageshwar, India

| metric first = yes

| single line = y

| Jan high C = 17.2

| Feb high C = 19.5

| Mar high C = 25.0

| Apr high C = 30.7

| May high C = 33.7

| Jun high C = 32.9

| Jul high C = 29.4

| Aug high C = 28.9

| Sep high C = 28.7

| Oct high C = 27.4

| Nov high C = 23.6

| Dec high C = 19.1

| year high C = 26.4

| Jan mean C =11.0

| Feb mean C =13.1

| Mar mean C =18.1

| Apr mean C =23.6

| May mean C =26.8

| Jun mean C =27.4

| Jul mean C =25.4

| Aug mean C =26.8

| Sep mean C =24.2

| Oct mean C =21.3

| Nov mean C =16.8

| Dec mean C =12.7

| year mean C =20.5

| Jan low C =4.9

| Feb low C =6.7

| Mar low C =11.2

| Apr low C =16.5

| May low C =19.8

| Jun low C =21.8

| Jul low C =21.5

| Aug low C =21.3

| Sep low C =19.8

| Oct low C =15.2

| Nov low C =10.0

| Dec low C =6.3

| year low C =14.6

| precipitation colour =

| Jan precipitation mm = 32.9

| Feb precipitation mm = 35.1

| Mar precipitation mm = 30.1

| Apr precipitation mm = 24.4

| May precipitation mm = 43.7

| Jun precipitation mm = 157.0

| Jul precipitation mm = 328.9

| Aug precipitation mm = 328.2

| Sep precipitation mm = 178.4

| Oct precipitation mm = 42.5

| Nov precipitation mm = 6.0

| Dec precipitation mm = 13.6

| year precipitation mm = 1220.8

| unit precipitation days =

| precip days colour =

| Jan precipitation days =2.7

| Feb precipitation days =2.9

| Mar precipitation days =2.8

| Apr precipitation days =2.1

| May precipitation days =3.0

| Jun precipitation days =8.1

| Jul precipitation days =14.2

| Aug precipitation days =15.3

| Sep precipitation days =8.3

| Oct precipitation days =2.3

| Nov precipitation days =0.8

| Dec precipitation days =1.1

| year precipitation days =63.6

| Jand sun =10.9

| Febd sun =11.6

| Mard sun =12.4

| Aprd sun =13.3

| Mayd sun =14.1

| Jund sun =14.5

| Juld sun =14.3

| Augd sun =13.6

| Sepd sun =12.7

| Octd sun =11.8

| Novd sun =11.1

| Decd sun =10.7

| yeard sun =12.6

| source 1 = Weatherbase{{cite web|title=Bageshwar, India Travel Weather Averages (Weatherbase)|url=http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=596055&cityname=Bageshwar-Uttarakhand-India|website=Weatherbase}}

}}

{{Pie chart

|thumb = left

|caption = Religions in Bageshwar (2011){{cite web|title=Bageshwar District Religion Data - Census 2011|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/data/religion/district/581-bageshwar.html|website=www.census2011.co.in|access-date=5 August 2016}}

|label1 = Hinduism

|value1 = 93.34

|color1 = Orange

|label2 = Islam

|value2 = 5.93

|color2 = Green

|label3 = Sikhism

|value3 = 0.25

|color3 = DarkKhaki

|label4 = Christianity

|value4 = 0.26

|color4 = DodgerBlue

|label5 = Buddhism

|value5 = 0.01

|color5 = Yellow

|label6 = Jainism

|value6 = 0.02

|color6 = Brown

|label7 = Other or not religious

|value7 = 0.19

|color7 = Black

}}

{{Historical population

| sources = {{cite book|title=Process of urban fringe development: A model|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=buz5csyXFmwC|publisher=Concept Publishing Company|last=Gopi|first=K.N|year=1978|access-date=6 August 2013}}{{cite web|title=Uttarakhand (India): Districts, Cities, Towns and Outgrowth Wards - Population Statistics in Maps and Charts|url=http://www.citypopulation.de/php/india-uttarakhand.php|website=www.citypopulation.de}}{{cite book|title=2011 census, BAGESHWAR|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0508_PART_B_DCHB_BAGESHWAR.pdf|access-date=4 August 2016}}

| 1951 | 1740

| 1961 | 2189

| 1971 | 4314

| 1981 | 4225

| 1991 | 5772

| 2001 | 7803

| 2011 | 9079

}}

According to the 2011 census of India, Bageshwar has a population of 9,079 comprising 4,711 males and 4,368 females. Males constitute approximately 55% of the population and females 45%. The sex ratio of bageshwar is 1090 women per 1000 men,{{cite web|title=bageshwar-district-glance|url=http://www.uttarakhandguide.com/bageshwar/bageshwar-district-glance/|access-date=5 August 2016}} higher than the national Average of 940 women per 1000 men.{{cite news|title=लिंगानुपात की स्थिति चिंताजनक- Amarujala|url=http://www.amarujala.com/uttarakhand/bageshwar/the-situation-alarming-sex-ratio-hindi-news|access-date=5 August 2016}} The City ranked 4th in Uttarakhand in terms of Sex Ratio.{{cite news|title=Uttarakhand: Sex Ratio as per Census 2011|url=http://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/uttarakhand-sex-ratio-as-per-census-2011-1392448534-1|access-date=5 August 2016|date=15 February 2014}} Bageshwar has an average literacy rate of 80%, higher than the national average of 72.1%; with 84% of the males and 76% of females literate. 11% of the population is under 6 years of age. 2,219 people belong to the Scheduled Castes while the population of people belonging to Scheduled Tribes is 1,085. Bageshwar had a population of 7803 according to 2001 Census{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.phpstad=A&state5=999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-date=2004-06-16|title= Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)|access-date=2008-11-01|publisher= Census Commission of India}} and 5,772 according to the 1991 census.

Out of total population, 2,771 were engaged in work or business activity. Of this 2,236 were males while 535 were females. In census survey, worker is defined as person who does business, job, service, and cultivator and labour activity.{{cite web|title=Worker (Census Definition) - Arthapedia|url=http://www.arthapedia.in/index.php?title=Worker_(Census_Definition)|website=www.arthapedia.in|access-date=5 August 2016}} Of total 2771 working population, 78.06% were engaged in Main Work while 21.94% of total workers were engaged in Marginal Work.{{cite web|title=Bageshwar City Population Census 2011 - Uttarakhand|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/data/town/800323-bageshwar.html|website=www.census2011.co.in|access-date=5 August 2016}}

Hinduism is practiced by 93.34% of total population and is the religion of the Majority in Bageshwar. Other Religions include Islam (5.93%), Sikhism (0.25%), Christianity (0.26%), Buddhism (0.01%) and Jainism (0.02%).

Kumaoni is the majority first language, although Hindi and Sanskrit{{cite news|last=Trivedi |first=Anupam |title=Sanskrit is second official language in Uttarakhand |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NorthIndia/Sanskrit-is-second-official-language-in-Uttarakhand/Article1-499467.aspx |access-date=29 July 2012 |newspaper=Hindustan Times |date=19 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120201065836/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NorthIndia/Sanskrit-is-second-official-language-in-Uttarakhand/Article1-499467.aspx |archive-date=1 February 2012 }} are the official languages of the state. English is also spoken by a small number of people.

The Bageshwar Assembly seat is reserved for a person belonging to the Scheduled Castes. Chandan Ram Das from Bharatiya Janata Party is the present MLA OF Bageshwar.{{cite book|title=Election Results 2012, Uttarakhand State.pdf|url=http://ceo.uk.gov.in/files/Election2012/RESULTS_2012_Uttarakhand_State.pdf|access-date=4 August 2016}} Bageshwar is a "Nagar Palika Parishad" (Municipal Council) city in district of Bageshwar, Uttarakhand.{{cite web|title=Panchayats, Municipalities and Corporations in Bageshwar District.|url=http://www.indiastudychannel.com/India/localbodies/Index.aspx?DistrictId=529|website=IndiaStudyChannel.com|access-date=5 August 2016}} The Bageshwar city is divided into 7 wards,{{cite web|title=Nagar Palika Parisad Bageshwar|url=http://election.uk.gov.in/SEC_Voters_PDF_2013/Bageshwar/nagar%20palika%20parisad%20Bageshwar/nagar%20palika%20parisad%20Bageshwar.html|access-date=16 June 2017}} for which elections are held every 5 years.{{cite web|title=Bageshwar City Population Census 2011 - Uttarakhand|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/data/town/800323-bageshwar.html|website=www.census2011.co.in|access-date=5 August 2016}} The Bageshwar Nagar Palika Parishad has population of 9,079 of which 4,711 are males while 4,368 are females as per report released by Census India 2011. Suresh khetwal from Independent candidate is the Mayor of Bageshwar.{{cite web|title=Detailed Result: Bageshwar|url=http://secresult.uk.gov.in/frmDetails.aspx|access-date=16 June 2017}} Bageshwar Nagar Palika Parishad has total administration over 2,054 houses to which it supplies basic amenities like water and sewerage. It is also authorized to build roads within Nagar Palika Parishad limits and impose taxes on properties coming under its jurisdiction. The Uttarakhand Power Corporation Ltd. (UPCL) is responsible for supply of electricity in the city. Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd. generates electricity from the 8.5 MW electric sub-station at Bageshwar. The Notified Area Committee, Bageshwar is responsible for approval of building plans after getting no objection certificate from various departments like Jal Nigam, PWD, Electricity Board and Health Department etc.

File:PINDARI GLACIERMAPENGLISH made by Sumita Roy.png trek route; Bageshwar acts as a starting point for many trekking routes notably being to Pindari, Kafni and Sunderdhunga Glacier]]

Bageshwar's largest economic sectors include agriculture, trade, transportation, municipal, tourism and resource extraction. Copper Utensils and Carpets were listed as the two most important industrial commodities produced in Bageshwar in the 2011 Census of India.{{cite book|title=District Census Handbook: Bageshwar Part XII-A, Series 06|publisher=Directorate of Census Operations, Uttarakhand|page=410}} Large portions of the local economy of Bageshwar depend on its geographical location and surrounding natural resources. Per capita income of Bageshwar was Rs 22709 in 2015.{{cite book|last1=Mehra|first1=Ajay K.|title=Party System in India|publisher=Lancer Publishers LLC|isbn=9781935501671|page=247|language=en}} Bageshwar is a major tourist destination and acts as a starting point for many trekking routes notably being to Pindari, Kafni and Sunderdhunga Glacier. It also lies along the path to Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage.{{cite book|last1=Chamaria|first1=Pradeep|title=Kailash Manasarovar on the Rugged Road to Revelation|publisher=Abhinav Publications|isbn=9788170173366|page=41|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kMyL80uBsEUC|access-date=14 December 2016|language=en|year=1996}}

Bageshwar has traditionally been a major gateway for trade with Central Asia and Tibet. It carried on a brisk trade between Central Asia and Kumaon, and was described in The Imperial Gazetteer of India as "one of the main outlets for the Tibetan traffic".{{cite book|last1=Hunter|first1=W. W.|title=The Imperial Gazetteer of India|date=1883|publisher=Trubner & Co.|location=London|page=414|edition=Second}} The Bhotiya traders travelled to Tibet and sold their wares at major fairs in Bageshwar, Gyanema and Gartok.{{cite book|last1=Roy|first1=Tirthankar|title=India in the World Economy: From Antiquity to the Present|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=9781107009103|page=156|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mBBAqsMkqaAC|access-date=14 December 2016|language=en|date=18 June 2012}} The city was once rich in agriculture and animal husbandry. Besides growing crops, people were mainly engaged in sheep rearing. However, agriculture and sheep rearing in Bageshwar have suffered as villagers, who are increasingly joining armed forces, after retirement are settling down in Bageshwar town instead of their native villages.

The traditional Uttarayani festival organised since centuries on the banks of the Sarju and Gomati rivers was the main place where woollen outfits made by Saukas of Munsiyari were brought form higher valleys for ages, thus strengthening trade links between the two communities.

As of 2006, Bageshwar had a total of 6 Health Care units including four Hospitals (Two Allopathic, one Ayurvedi and one Homeopathic), one Maternity & Child welfare centre and one Community Health Centre.{{cite book|last1=Indusnettechnologies|first1=Goutam Pal, Dipak K S, SWD|title=Statistical Handbook, District of Bageshwar, Uttarakhand, India|url=http://bageshwar.nic.in/contents/listing/2|access-date=29 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911212208/http://bageshwar.nic.in/contents/listing/2|archive-date=11 September 2016|url-status=dead}} Bageshwar has a total of Five Nationalized Bank's, Two Post Offices, One Telegraph Office, 80 PCO'S and 1844 Telephone Connections. Mobile Communication services are provided by Private companies like Vodafone, Airtel, Idea, Reliance etc.

File:Chanchari dance.jpg

Many classical dance forms and folk art are practised in the city. Some well-known dances include Hurkiya Baul,{{cite news|title=बागेश्वर में हुड़किया बोल के साथ रोपाई की धूम|url=http://www.livehindustan.com/uttarakhand/bageshwar/story-planting-with-hoddia-bole-in-bageshwar-1141653.html|access-date=24 June 2017|work=livehindustan.com|language=hi}} Jhora-Chanchri and Chholiya.{{cite web|title=Folk Dances Of North India|url=http://www.culturalindia.net/indian-dance/folk-dances/north-india.html|publisher=culturalindia.net|access-date=29 July 2012}} Music is an integral part of the Kumaoni culture. Popular types of folk songs include Mangal and Nyoli.{{cite web|title=Folk Songs of Uttarakhand|url=http://www.aboututtarakhand.com/Know-Abouts/Folk-Song/Folk-Songs.html|publisher=aboututtarakhand.com|access-date=29 July 2012}} These folk songs are played on instruments including dhol, damau, turri, ransingha, dholki, daur, thali, bhankora, mandan and mashakbaja. Music is also used as a medium through which the gods are invoked. Jagar is a form of spirit worship in which the singer, or Jagariya, sings a ballad of the gods, with allusions to great epics, like Mahabharat and Ramayana, that describe the adventures and exploits of the god being invoked. Ramleela has been staged annually during the autumn festival of Navratri since 1948 in Bageshwar.{{cite news|title=78 बरस पुरानी है बागेश्वर की रामलीला|url=http://www.amarujala.com/uttarakhand/bageshwar/21506185474-bageshwar-news|access-date=27 September 2017|publisher=Amar Ujala|date=23 September 2017|location=Haldwani|language=en}}

The primary food of Bageshwar is vegetables with wheat being a staple. A distinctive characteristic of Kumaoni cuisine is the sparing use of tomatoes, milk, and milk based products. Coarse grain with high fibre content is very common in Kumaon due to the harsh terrain. Another crop which is associated with Kumaon is Buckwheat (locally called Kotu or Kuttu). Generally, either Desi Ghee or Mustard oil is used for the purpose of cooking food. Simple recipes are made interesting with the use of hash seeds Jakhya as spice. Bal Mithai is a popular fudge-like sweet. Other local dishes include Dubuk, Chains, Kap, Chutkani, Sei, and gulgula. A regional variation of Kadhi called Jhoi or Jholi is also popular.Subodh Upadhyay, An Essence of Himalaya, a book about Uttarakhand cuisine

File:Bagnath Temple, Bageshwar.jpg was erected in 1640 by King Laxmi Chand]]

File:Temples of Baijnath, Uttarakhand, India.jpg; 20 km northwest to Bageshwar]]

File:Chandika Temple Bageshwar 03.jpg stands at a distance of about half a kilometre from Bageshwar.]]

Hinduism is practiced by 93.34% and is the religion of the Majority in Bageshwar therefore Various Temples are situated in Bageshwar.{{cite web|last1=Indusnettechnologies|first1=Goutam Pal, Dipak K S, SWD|title=Temples: District of Bageshwar, Uttarakhand, India|url=http://bageshwar.nic.in/pages/display/54-temples|website=bageshwar.nic.in|access-date=5 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160720051000/http://bageshwar.nic.in/pages/display/54-temples|archive-date=20 July 2016|url-status=dead}} the major one being:

• Bagnath Temple

At the junction of the rivers, Gomati and Sarju stands a large temple with its conical tower. Here is the shrine of Bageswar or Vyagreswar, the, "Tiger Lord", an epithet of Lord Siva. This temple was erected by the Kumaun king, Laxmi Chand, about 1450 A.D.,{{cite web|url=http://www.onlytravelguide.com/uttaranchal/spiritual/bagnath-temple.php |title=Bagnath Temple (Bageshwar)|publisher=onlytravelguide.com}} but there is a Sanskrit inscription there of a far earlier date. The temple is flooded with devotees on the annual occasion of Shivratri. This place has a cluster of temples. Prominent among these temples are the Bairav temple, Dattatrey Maharaj, Ganga Mai temple, Hanuman temple, Durga temple, Kalika temple, Thingal Bhirav temple, Panchnam Junakhara and the Vaneshwar temple.

• Baijnath Temple

Baijnath Temple is located on the left bank of the Gomti river. This is a shiv temple which was built by a Brahmin widow.{{cite web |title=Temples in Bageshwar |url=https://bageshwar.nic.in/temples/}}

• Chandika Temple

A temple dedicated to Goddess Chandika stands at a distance of about half a kilometre from Bageshwar. Every year, the temple bustles with activity as the devout congregate here to offer pujas to the deity during the Navratras.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}

• Sriharu Temple

Another important temple, the Sriharu temple, is situated at a distance of about 5 km from Bageshwer. The devotees believe that prayers for wish fulfilment here never go in vain. Every year, a large fair is organised on the Vijya Dashmi day following the Navratras.

• Gauri Udiyar

This is situated 8 km from Bageshwer. A large cave, measuring 20 m x 95 m is situated here, which houses the idols of Lord Shiva.

File:NH309A Bageshwar.jpg (former UP SH 37) connects Bageshwar to Almora.]]

Pantnagar Airport, located in Pantnagar is the primary Airport serving entire Kumaon Region. The Government is planning to develop Naini Saini Airport in Pithoragarh{{cite news|last1=Prashant|first1=Shishir|title=Govt seeks Rs 25 cr from Centre for Naini-Saini airport|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/govt-seeks-rs-25-cr-from-centre-for-naini-saini-airport-112121202003_1.html|access-date=4 August 2016}} which once developed will be much nearer. Indira Gandhi International Airport, located in Delhi is the nearest international Airport.

Kathgodam railway station is the nearest railway station. Kathgodam is the last terminus of the broad gauge line of North East Railways that connects Kumaon with Delhi, Dehradun, and Howrah. A new Railway line connecting Bageshwar with Tanakpur has been a long-standing demand of the people of the region.{{cite news|last1=Prashant|first1=Shishir|title=Demand for Tanakpur-Bageshwar railway line resurfaces|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/demand-for-tanakpur-bageshwar-railway-line-resurfaces-111111100007_1.html|access-date=4 August 2016}}{{cite news|title=Tanakpur-Bageshwar rail project need of the hour|url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/state-editions/dehradun/tanakpur-bageshwar-rail-project-need-of-the-hour.html|access-date=4 August 2016|work=www.dailypioneer.com}}{{cite news|title=ex mp tamta demands three railway lines|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/uttarakhand/ex-mp-tamta-demands-three-railway-lines/46393.html|access-date=4 August 2016}} the tanakpur-Bageshwar rail link was first planned by British in 1902. However the project was stalled by Railway ministry in 2016 citing the commercial viability of the rail line.{{cite news|title=Tanakpur-Bageshwar rail line commercially not viable: Suresh Prabhu – RailNews Media India Ltd|url=http://www.railnews.co.in/tanakpur-bageshwar-rail-line-commercially-not-viable-suresh-prabhu/|access-date=4 August 2016|work=www.railnews.co.in|archive-date=21 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821234137/http://www.railnews.co.in/tanakpur-bageshwar-rail-line-commercially-not-viable-suresh-prabhu/|url-status=dead}} There have also been speculations about another railway line, that would connect Bageshwar to Chaukhutia via Garur.{{cite news|title=चौखुटिया-गरुड़ से बागेश्वर आएगी रेल: टम्टा|url=http://www.livehindustan.com/uttarakhand/bageshwar/story-chaukhootia-garuda-to-come-from-bageshwar-railway-tamta-1490570.html|access-date=15 September 2017|publisher=Hindustan|date=11 September 2017|location=Bageshwar|language=hi}}

File:Bus Station Bageshwar.jpg

Bageshwar is well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand state and northern India. The major roads passing through Bageshwar include NH 109K, NH 309A, Bareilly-Bageshwar Highway,{{cite news|last1=Tiwari|first1=Mrigank|title=CM opens much-awaited gateway to U'khand, enjoys ride too|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bareilly/CM-opens-much-awaited-gateway-to-Ukhand-enjoys-ride-too/articleshow/49444370.cms|access-date=11 April 2017|agency=TNN|work=The Times of India|date=18 October 2015|location=Bareilly}} and the Bageshwar-Someshwar-Dwarahat road. Uttarakhand Transport Corporation runs Buses from Bageshwar bus station to Delhi, Dehradun, Bareilly and Almora;{{cite web|last1=Dehradun|first1=NIC, Uttarakhand State Unit|title=Routes|url=http://utc.uk.gov.in/pages/display/65-routes|website=utc.uk.gov.in|access-date=5 August 2016|archive-date=9 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809193936/http://utc.uk.gov.in/pages/display/65-routes|url-status=dead}} while K.M.O.U (Kumaon Motor Owner's Union){{Cite web |title=Kumaon Motor Owners Union Limited,KMOU,Travel Service Uttarakhand |url=http://kmoultd.com/history.htm |access-date=2022-07-22 |website=kmoultd.com}} runs 55 buses on various routes to Haldwani, Almora, Takula, Berinag, Pithoragarh, Didihat and Gangolihat.{{cite news|title=ठप रहा केमू बसों का संचालन|url=http://www.amarujala.com/uttarakhand/bageshwar/operation-of-kupu-bus-stop|access-date=27 March 2017|work=Amar Ujala|publisher=Amar Ujala|date=26 March 2017|location=Bageshwar|language=en}} Taxis and Private Buses, mostly run by K.M.O.U, connect Bageshwar to other major destinations of Kumaon region.{{cite web|title=Bageshwar Transportation - Car, Train, Bus & Taxi, Bageshwar Local Transport - MakeMyTrip|url=https://www.makemytrip.com/holidays-india/transportation-in-bageshwar.html|website=www.makemytrip.com|access-date=5 August 2016}} A Sub Regional Transport Office is located in Bageshwar{{cite web|last1=Dehradun|first1=NIC, Uttarakhand State Unit|title=State Transport Department, Government Of Uttarakhand, India|url=http://transport.uk.gov.in/pages/view/22/43-registration-authorities-of-uttarakhand-state-|website=transport.uk.gov.in|access-date=5 August 2016}} where Vehicles are registered by the number UK-02.{{cite web|last1=Dehradun|first1=NIC, Uttarakhand State Unit|title=District Registration Numbers: State Transport Department, Government Of Uttarakhand, India|url=http://transport.uk.gov.in/pages/display/68-district-registration-numbers|website=transport.uk.gov.in|access-date=5 August 2016}}

A new bus station was inaugurated on 19 February 2020.{{cite news |last1=Pioneer |first1=The |title=Slew of developments launched in Bageshwar |url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2020/state-editions/slew-of-developments-launched-in-bageshwar.html |access-date=3 December 2020 |work=The Pioneer |language=en}} The Bageshwar roadways bus station, located in Bilona, was constructed over a period of two years at an estimated cost of INR Two Crore.{{cite news |title=रोडवेज बस स्टेशन का लोकार्पण 19 को |url=https://www.amarujala.com/uttarakhand/bageshwar/roadways-bus-station-will-be-inaugurated-on-19th-bageshwar-news-hld372373676 |access-date=3 December 2020 |work=Amar Ujala |language=hi}}

There are mainly government-run, private unaided (no government help), and private aided schools in the city. The language of instruction in the schools is either English or Hindi. The main school affiliations are CBSE, CISCE or UBSE, the state syllabus defined by the Department of Education of the Government of Uttarakhand. There are Eleven junior basic schools, three senior basic schools, two higher secondary schools and one post-graduate college to serve the needs of the population. The teacher-student ratio in Bageshwar is 1:47. Bageshwar has an average literacy rate of 80%, with 84% of the males and 76% of females literate.

The first public school in Bageshwar was started in 1926, which was made junior high school in 1933. Another private high school was opened in 1949 in memory of Victor Mohan Joshi, which became an Inter College in 1967. The first women's primary school started in the 1950s and women's public high school started in 1975. A new Government Degree College was inaugurated in 1974 by the then Chief Minister Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna.

Kumaon Kesari Pandit Badridutt Pandey Government PG College is located here.

• Bishni Devi Shah, Indian freedom fighter

• Bageshwar district
• Kumaon Division
• Uttarakhand

{{Wikivoyage}}

• [http://210.212.78.56/bageshwar/ Bageshwar city, Official website]{{Dead link|date=October 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
• [http://bageshwar.nic.in Official website of Bageshwar district]

{{Reflist|25em}}

{{Bageshwar district}}

{{Kumaon}}

{{Municipalities of Uttarakhand}}

Category:Cities and towns in Bageshwar district