Ashoknagar Kalyangarh

Under British rule, During the period of World War II, Ashoknagar Kalyanagarh was site of a British Royal Air Force Airbase. The site that became Ashoknagar Kalyanagarh was a RAF airfield known by the name of Baigachi Airfield. Four RAF hangars still stand, the remnants of a bygone era. After World War II, the airfield and hangars went into disuse. After India became independent, Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, the then CM of West Bengal, developed the airfield into a planned city. The site was initially known as "Habra Urban Colony". Later, its north-east portion was named "Kalyangarh" and then its south-west portion was named "Ashoknagar".

Ashoknagar is located at 22.833°N 88.633°E / 22.833; 88.633.

The climate is tropical — like the rest of the Gangetic West Bengal. The hallmark is the Monsoon — from early June to mid-September. The weather remains dry during the winter (mid-November to mid-February) and humid during summer.

Temperature : 39.5 °C in May(Max) and 10.3 °C in January(Min)

Relative Humidity: Between 55% in March & 98% in July

Rainfall: 31mm(Normal)

As per the 2011 Census of India, Ashoknagar Kalyangarh had a total population of 121,592, of which 61,236 (50%) were males and 60,356 (50%) were females. Population below 6 years was 9,091. The total number of literates in Ashoknagar Kalyangarh was 103,492 (91.99% of the population over 6 years). [3]

As of 2001 India census,[4] Ashoknagar Kalyangarh had a population of 111,475. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Ashoknagar Kalyangarh has an average literacy rate of 79%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 53% of the males and 47% of females literate. 9% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Predominantly this is a domestic town. People move to capital cities and industrial areas like Kolkata, Kalyani, Barrackpore, etc. to earn their livelihood. Normal markets and business have grown to cater the needs of the citizens of this town. The three main market complexes within this town are Golbazar Market Complex, Kachua Agricultural Market Complex and Building More Super Market Complex. Kalyanagarh Bazar also the important market for the citizens of this town. Besides, there are several self-help groups, women folks, artisans and craftsmen who are engaged in small scale production of jewellery boxes, garments and different kinds of decorative items.

The city has a very high literacy rate, 92.45%, according to the 2011 census. There are high schools for girls and boys, as well as a large number of primary schools (government and private).

• Nataraj Cinema Hall
• Saheed Sadan

This city can be considered as one of the cultural hubs of West Bengal. Renowned theatre groups like Ajantrik, Avijatri, Annesha, Nattya Mukh, Ashoknagar Bratyajon and Aaharnish are based out of this town. These groups organize theatre festivals throughout the year mostly during the winter season. These festivals allow the culturally rich people from the city, nearby towns and villages to witness the great performances from different theatre groups from all over the state, different states and even groups from across the border of Bangladesh. The name of the city's main theater hall is 'Saheed Sadan'. Which is one of the biggest auditorium in district.

• Millennium Science Park

• Sanghati Park

• 19 no. Forest

• Uttar Kochua Khalpar

• State Bank of India
• Union Bank of India
• Punjab National Bank
• Bank of India
• UCO Bank
• Indian Bank
• Axis Bank
• Life Insurance Corporation of India
• Muthoot Finance
• Bangiya Gramin Vikash Bank
• Bandhan Bank

Ashoknagar was once a bastion of Left politics. The area witnessed the food movements of 1959 and 1966. Refugee, students', teachers' and Naxal movements kept the locality politically vibrant till 1977. When the assembly segment was created for the first time in 1967, it was won by Dr. Sadhan Sen of the CPI, who also won the seat in 1969. Nani Kar of CPI (M) defeated Keshab Chandra Bhattacharjee of INC/Ind in 1991, 1987, 1982, 1977 and 1971. Keshab Chandra Bhattacharya of Independent defeated Nani Kar of CPI (M) in 1972. In 1996, Nirod Roy Choudhury of CPI (M) defeated Dhiman Roy of AITC. After the sudden death of Nirod Roy Choudhury, Badal Bhattacharjee of BJP defeated the CPIM candidate Rekha Goswami in 1998. In 2001, Sharmistha Dutta of CPI (M) defeated Ashok Krishna Dutta of AITC. Satyasebi Kar of CPI (M) won the Ashoknagar assembly seat in 2006, defeating Dhiman Roy of AITC. Dhiman Roy of AITC defeated Satyasebi Kar of CPIM in 2011 assembly election. In 2016, Dhiman Roy of AITC defeated Satyasebi Kar of CPI (M) again.

Major festivals observed at Ashoknagar include Durga puja, Laxmi puja, Saraswati puja, Manasa puja, Shitala puja, Ratha yatra, Bishwakarma puja, Shivratri and Diwali. Ashoknagar is known for big Durga Pujas as well as the Kali Puja venues. But Kalyangarh region is well known for its Jagadhatri Puja.

Dr. Bidhanchandra Roy Kriyangan or commonly known as '3no. Stadium' is the main sports ground which is facilated with two galleries for the crowd to sit. The "Ashoknagar Sports Association (ASA)" serve as its governing body. They organise cricket and football matches. Several prominent players have emerged from this region of different games, who have made the country proud. Two swimming pools and well-equipped gymnasium "Sutanu" here. With the help of government, many clubs have modern facilities for bodybuilding. There are also training camps for Athletes and Karate.

• "District Census Handbook North Twenty Four Parganas, Census of India 2011, Series 20, Part XII A" (PDF). Page 289 -Map of Habra I CD Block. Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal. Retrieved 1 June 2018.