Master's Studio: Revitalizing the Heritage and Tourism of Pushkar, Rajasthan

PUSHKAR MASTER’s STUDIO PROJECT: Revitalizing the Heritage and Tourism of Pushkar, Rajasthan Project by Ar Aynul Inaya & Ar Swati Chaudhary

Elements Of Socio-Cultural Environment

SOCIO-CULTURE Sociocultural involves the social and cultural aspects of human environment History and Beliefs

Religion

Demographic

Trade

Family Structure

Language

EMPOWERMENT .....culture, cultural

mixing and production of modernity

CHANGES .....the social, legal and

political organisation of society and its transformation

Social Organization

Class Structure Source: freepik.com

LEGACIES .....beliefs, customs, heritage and historical background

Ways of the Cultural Expression

SOCIO- CULTURE STRUCTURE OF PUSHKAR

Age distribution

Language

SOCIAL ANTHROPOLOGY

Language, power and development Popular art and the international market of art Illiteracy and community-based development

History and Heriatge

of

various

cultural

Influence of the cultural innovation in the image of the country abroad

CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY Focuses on symbolism and values of the society

Cultural Traditions Intertwining components

Population size and rate of growth

Religion

It is relevant to how people function socially within the culture that surround them, today and in the past

Wealth and Income disparities

Comparative study of ways in which people live in different social and cultural environment

Social Cohesion

The study of customs, economics, political organizations, religion

Trade mobility and attitude to work

Cultural Mixing Intertwining components

of

various

cultural

Influence of the cultural innovation in the image of the country abroad

SOCIO-CULTURE

Values and Beliefs

Customs

1

CREATION OF PUSHKAR AND PUSHKAR LAKE According to Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma dispatched a swan with a lotus in its beak to drop at a place where he would perform a yagna. The place where the swan dropped the lotus was Pushkar and thus it is considered a major pilgrimage spot for Hindus.

The name Pushkar is derived from the word Pushp meaning flower and Kar meaning hand.

According to Padma Purana, the Pushkar Sarovar was created at the place where the lotus flower fell from the hands of Lord Brahma and touched the ground.

GAYATRI TEMPLE After Savitri cursed Brahma for his second marriage, the newly wed Gayatri, sacrificed herself on the other hilltop, to safeguard Brahma from the curse. This, hence, resulted in the establishment of the Paap Mochani Mandir on the hilltop, which later came to be known as the Paap Mochani Pahad.

Pushkar lake is believed as a holy lake. The lake has physical, cultural, economic and aesthetic importance. This holy water body is highly respected in terms of religious aspects, as people are connected spiritually with the lake. Millions of people take holy bath and perform other religious activities almost throughout the year.

SAVITRI TEMPLE Upon being angry with Brahma because of his second marriage with Gayatri for completion of fire rite or Yagna of Pushkar Sarovar, Savitri fled and settled on the hill top. Hence the hill came to known as the Savitri Pahad and the temple got established as Savitri Mandir. Since then the temple is devoted to the

BRAHMA TEMPLE

wife of Brahma, Savitri or Saraswati

It is said that a great fire sacrifice was organized and Brahma sent for his wife Savitri to accompany him. She was unavailable, so he married a beautiful young local girl, Gayatri, as he needed a consort for the puja (ritual). Savitri being displeased by Brahma’s act cursed that Brahma would never be worshipped anywhere else. Due to the reason, this is the only known temple in the world, where Lord Brahma is worshipped.

HISTORY & MYTHOLOGY

Source 1 : Sanrakshan Heritage Consultants, New Delhi Source 2 : Daily life on ghats of Pushkar Lake, Path is my Goal Images and maps Source : Author

2

Chronology:

Importance of chronological studies:

The primary aspect in chronology is synchronizing the events. It makes it feasible to tie a past event to the current time and compare it to other simultaneous events by synchronizing it.

Studying the chronological timeline also helps us in interpreting the influence of history on the present and the future events.

The order of events as they occur from the beginning of time to now.

Silver punched coins of Greek and Kushan era were found.

Inscriptions about Pushkar found in Sanchi Stupa and Padavleni caves near Nashik.

125 AD

400 BC

Pratihara rulers of Mandore had restored the Tirtha, repairing the ghats and restoring the embankments of the Sarovar.

600 AD

Chronology is important because the exact order in which events occur helps us to understand the causes as well as the effect of those events, and thereby allowing us to step back and view the ‘bigger picture’ of history ­— how and why the events unfolded in the way they did, and how they are related.

Parihara King Narhar Rao repaired and built ghats on its edge including the present day Swarup Ghat.

800 AD

1000 AD

King Vakpati Rai, the Chauhan king of Ajmer is said to have founded the city of Pushkar.

1100 AD

Savitri Temple was built by the Purohit of Maharaja Ajit Singh of Marwar.

The Varaha ji Temple was built by King Arnoraja, and who built the Ajmer’s Ana Sagar, and executed repairs to the Pushkar Sarovar.

Behariji’s Temple constructed by the Maharani of Jaipur.

1600 AD

Aurangazeb built a mosque after pulling down the Varaha ji Temple and the old temple of Kesho Rai in Gau Ghat.

A temple for Atmateshwar Mahadev was built in Choti Basti, Pushkar Mahadev Chowk.

1700 AD

CHRONOLOGICAL TIMELINE

Rangji Temple was built by Seth Puranmal Ganheriwal of Hyderabad.

1800 AD

After the British Colonial Era, the Town was put under the jurisdiction of Ajmer district and is now a major center for tourism and religious pilgrimage.

1970 AD

3

GRAPH 45000 40000 35000 30000 25000 20000 15000 10000 5000 Mythological Era

1000 - 1400 AD

400 - 900 AD

1900 - 2000 AD

1500 - 1900 AD

Graph represents the sudden development of structures from 1000 - 1400 AD.

CHRONOLOGICAL MAP Map showing the chronological order of buildings, communities, spaces evolved in due course of time. The study of historical records to establish the period of past years.

The mythological era had the ancient structures with unknown dayes Mythological Era

Sudden development of temples and heritage places took place in the 1000 1400 AD

400 - 900 AD 1000 - 1400 AD

After mughals destroyed many temples, the Rajputs again built those temples.

1500 - 1900 AD 1900 - 2000 AD

Many of these fall under Heritage Category that are preserved.

Source: Sanrakshan Heritage Consultants, New Delhi

CHRONOLOGICAL MAP - THROUGH AGES

4

Heritage Grade 3

Rangji Temple

Pushkar Palace

Mosque

Wonder

EMOTIONAL VALUE

ASI Protected

Gayatri Temple

Heritage Grade 2

Savitri Temple

Brahma Temple

Heritage Grade 1

Identity Continuity/ Integrity Spiritual/ Religious Symbolic Value Historic Age

CULTURAL VALUE

Scarcity Landscape Townscape Aesthetic/ Symbolic Technical Value Scientific Value

USE VALUE

Functional Value Economical Value Social Value Educational Value Political Value

Source: Sanrakshan Heritage Consultants, New Delhi

HERITAGE VALUE AND MAPPING

Public Value

5

CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY

Culture Heritage of Pushkar Peoples’ culture here are both shaped by the past and the various trends influencing societies. Cultural Heritage of Pushkar has kept people attached to its religion, traditions and beliefs.

Tangible Heritage .....significant places that indicate history and culture

Concept is about how people interact as observed through social interaction, social relations and material artefacts.

Customs

Practices

Places

Artistic Symbols

Objects

Values

Intangible Heritage .....aspects that cannot be seen or

Cuisine

touched.

Historical Significance

Kalbeliya Dance

Intangible Heritage of Pushkar

Temples of Pushkar Source: e Rajasthan Tourism

Tangible Heritage of Pushkar

Holi Festival

Social Significance Social, spiritual and other community oriented values attributed to a place.

Aesthetic Significance

Pushkar’s Intangible Heritage plays a crucial part in shaping the city’s social context. The place has evolved as a blend of ages, with the tranquil touch of its historical background.

Pushkar Fair

The age or relationship of temples and palace here relates to historical era or events.

special sense of importance of a place, in terms of architecture, scale or design of the place.

Palaces

The spiritually matured city’s festivals, beliefs, and folk have a smidgeon of its history on everything around them.

Impact of Intangible Heritage It generates cutural knowledge It supports for economic wellbeing, community health and provides strategy for cultural tourism

Local Dialect

Folk Music

It helps to build-up inter-cultural relationship among communities It makes stronger the social value and expresses the cultural identity of particular community Source: Sanrakshan Heritage Consultants, New Delhi

Source: e Rajasthan Tourism

Tangible Heritage List

Artifacts

Pushkar Lake

Source: e Rajasthan Tourism

Source: e Rajasthan Tourism

Traditional Attire

Source: e Rajasthan Tourism

CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY

Temples

49

Ghats

53

House Temples

21

Dharamshalas

14

Ashrams

7

Others

106

TOTAL

250

Source: Sanrakshan Heritage Consultants, New Delhi

6

Pushkar is clearly one of the oldest cities in India and Rajasthan.

Its evolution revolves around the Hindu mythology as previously discussed.

Thus, the city can be said to have a major religious dominance than other Rajasthani cities. This dominance can be easily identified through its culture, traditional practices and heritage.

02

PILGRIMS

The pilgrims to Pushkar are mostly Indians who come during major festivals or religious activities.

The pilgrims prefer to visit only for the religious purpose with not much participation in recreational and/ or tourism activities.

03

TOURISTS

Cultural Background:

The tourists to the city usually consist of back-packers, who come here to spend a a day or two before moving to the next destination on the itenary.

People who visit Ajmer, often make it a point to visit this small town in passing.

Other visitors include academic researchers, school and college students on educational trips, etc.

They generally visit Pushkar to spend their leisure time in the city or for some work or business related visits.

05

GYPSIES

LOCALS

The city is mostly rural in character with not many urban set-ups and developments in the lifestyle of the locals.

The people mostly belong to the Brahmin sects while others are craftsmen, weavers, farmers, etc.

With the flourishing tourism sector, many people have now changed their occupations to guides, hotel owners, etc.

01

Source: Pushkar Culture, India Hotels.

Gypsies are the nomads who have been living in Rajasthan for centuries. They travel round the year throughout the deserts, without any place of permanent stay.

In Pushkar, a nomadic community called the Kalbeliyas, known for their dance and entertainment in the Royal Courts in ancient times, live in the deserts.

Now, they earn their living by entertaining and preforming for the tourists.

Source: A Gypsy Portrait: Pushkar, Rajasthan, India, Weekly Wonders.

04

HIPPIES

Westerners who are interested in Indian culture and Hinduism, often tend to stay in the town for longer pans like six months to a year.

The call Pushkar ‘a roamntic desert haven’ and play an important role in the acculturation process the city is undergoing.

They are not very religiously involved in the activities but tend to stay for experiencing the lifestyle.

Source: Pushkar! The Hippie’s Paradise, Tripoto; Pushkar: A spiritual and a hippie blend, Vijaya Nair on medium.com

CULTURE AND PEOPLE

Source: Interviews with visitors to Pushkar.

All the illustrations are created by author

Acculturation: With the rise in tourist activities and continuous influx of hippies and foreign visitors to the city, the local traditions and culture are being sacrificed.

The ancestral practices that had been followed are now on the verge of being forgotten and new influences from the Western world is having a negative impact in Pushkar.

7

The ‘ghoonghat’, ‘orhni’, or ‘ghunnnghta’ is a veil that covers the face and head using a ‘dupatta’ (scarf), saree ‘palu’ or similar loose piece of clothing is observed by married women to protect the ‘laaj’ or ‘lajja’, that translates to modesty.

It is a part of the Hindu religious practices and involves various rituals during the wedding ceremony like ‘muh dikhai’, etc. a

The ‘ghoonghat’, ‘orhni’, or ‘ghunghta’ is a veil that covers the face and head using a ‘dupatta’ (scarf), saree ‘palu’ or a similar loose piece of clothing that is observed by married women to protect the ‘laaj’ or ‘lajja’, that translates to modesty.

rm o h ic

t

samosa

a b l da

te

Being a part of the traditional Hindu cultural practice, women is Puskar are often seen to be wearing the veil.This is because the city is still very attached to the age-old customs and practices.

joo

Men in Pushkar usually wear ‘dhoti’ and ‘angarkha’, or ‘pyjamakurta’.

For everyday use, men wear ‘angarkhi’ (or, ‘puthia’), which is short and tied with laces, instead of buttons.

The outfit is incomplete without ‘pagri’ (turban or headgear). It’s about 2 m x 200 cm. The men consider it the pride and honor. The ‘pagri’ in Pushkar is colorful and tie-n-dye printed.

joo

The city is known for various prints and works like the ‘laharia’, ‘bandhej’, tie-n-dye, ‘chundri’, ‘mothra’, etc.

LIFESTYLE

ravan hatta

To impart royal elegance, antique borders and ‘gota-patti’ work are incorporated to the ghagra.

The ‘kanchli’, ‘choli’ or ‘kurti’ is colorful and are embellished with mirror-work, beads and sequins, coral and shells, and creative-cut work.

gal pa tti mirror-work, bandini prints

Traditional attire for Rajasthani women is ‘ghagra choli’ and ‘orhni’.

balni jhumka

ti

The ‘ghoonghat’, ‘orhni’, or ‘ghunnnghta’ is a veil that covers the face and head using a ‘dupatta’ (scarf), saree ‘palu’ or similar loose piece of clothing is observed by married women to protect the ‘laaj’ or ‘lajja’, that translates to modesty.

It is a part of the Hindu religious practices and involves various rituals during the wedding ceremony like ‘muh dikhai’, etc.

The ‘ghoonghat’, ‘orhni’, or ‘ghunnnghta’ is a veil that covers the face and head using a ‘dupatta’ (scarf), saree ‘palu’ or similar loose piece of clothing is observed by married women to protect the ‘laaj’ or ‘lajja’, that translates to modesty.

It is a part of the Hindu religious practices and involves various rituals during the wedding

8

DIWALI

CAMEL FAIR

The holy town of Pushkar is usually less crowded during the Diwali festival. The town and its activities move around in a slow-pace than rest of the country.

Diwali in Pushkar is known for the beautiful views of the Lake lighted up by ‘diyas’or earthen on the Ghats and the Lake’s periphery.

The streets and homes are decorated with colorful lights and rangolis.

The people while celebrating Diwali, gear up for the annual Camel Fair which the small city holds around this time of the year.

The Pushkar Camel Fair, also known as the Pushkar Festival is held every year during the month of Kartik, in the full moon week, ‘purnima’.

Visitors come in multitude to visit the town during the fair season to experience the country’s largest camel, horse, and cow fairs.

Livestock owners bring in their animals, all elegantly clothed and ornamented for trade.

The fair’s beauty is enhanced by entertaining events, activities and competitions between various communities of Rajasthan

Source: 5 places to celebrate Diwali differently in Rajasthan (2019), Zostel.

and other parts of the country.

The Fair also presents a galore of rich Rajasthani art, dance, and songs performed by turbaned men and women dressed in colourful

KARTIK PURNIMA

skirts.

During the festival of Kartik Purnima, which is generally considered as a part of Diwali, pilgrims visit the city in large numbers from around the country and abroad.

Among the 52 ghats of Pushkar Lake,

The devotees perform their ritual bath calles the Pushkar

one is known as Gobind Ghat which is

‘snan’ in the Lake, and visit the Brahma Temple to offer Pushkar is exceptionally known for its Hoil party. Its small size in terms of area,

prayers and stutis.

In the evening, thousands of ‘diyas’ are lit and floated on the Pushkar Lake with the

makes the festival feel wholesome as the whole city parties together and dances to the same music throughout at the same time.

marvelous that people from other

People from around the country and abroad visit the town during the festival.

religions also come to watch the

The visitors and locals harmoniously gather in the streets particularly the Badi

Source: Pushkar Mela 2020 during Kartik Purnima, Hindupad; Kartik Purnima in Pushkar, the larges market in India, Global-Geography.org

related to Sikh History.

On the occasion of Guru Purnima, pilgirms flock in large numbers to the

help of leaf boats. The sight is so

event.

GURU PURNIMA

Source: Pushkar Fair Rajasthan, Tour my India; All that you need to know about the Pushkar Camel Fair 2018: A Cultural Extravaganza, Heritage Hotels of India.

Basti area to celebrate the festival.

Pushkar Lake. After completing the Tirtha Yatra, it is stated that a dip in the Pushkar Lake is necessary, due to the high level of religious reasons

Also, Pushkar is home to the famous ‘kapde-faad’ Holi.

The foreigners especially enjoy the festival, as this gives them a first-hand experience of the Indian culture and festivals and also includes their presence.

of

Pushkar

Lake,

and

then proceed to the gurudwara to offer prayers.

Gau Ghat, Brahma Ghat, and Varah Ghat are also very

Source: Interviews with tourists to Pushkar All the illustrations are created by author.

HOLI

popular

among

the pilgrims on this occasion.

Source: Pushkar snan on Guru Purnima in Pushkar Lake, Patrika; Guru Purnima in Ajmer, Amarujala.

FESTIVALS AND PRACTICES

9

Pooja at Atmateshwara Maha Shivratri Mahadev Temple and dip in the Lake.

Pooja at Brahma Temple Holi among others.

Pooja, Pandal and Feast at Brahma Utsav Brahma Temple.

Paap Mochini Fair and Pooja at Paap Fair Mochini Temple. `Vaishaka Shukla Pooja at Brahma Temple.

Poornima

March

Floating Population of Pushkar is due to the Festivals and Fairs celebrated there.

March

Guru Pooja at Gobind Ghat among July Poornima others.

Pooja at Brahma Temple and July Teej ka Mela Fair in the town.

March

Indian Pilgrims Foreigners (Tourists + Hippies)

April May

People on the streets pointing towards the difference in local and foreign population

Indian Tourists

On most occasions, the Floating Population overpowers the Locals, causing an adverse effect on the local culture and lifestyle.

March

February

January/ February

January

0 December

0

January

November

5,000

October

10,000

September

10,000

August

20,000

July

15,000

June

30,000

April

20,000

March

40,000

February

25,000

January

50,000

December

30,000

November

60,000

October

Somavati Holy dip in the Lake.

Amavasya

35,000

September

Pooja, Pandal and Feast at Makar Brahma Temple and dip in Sankranti the Lake.

70,000

August

List of Festivals and Fairs in Pushkar

40,000

July

• Also the many fairs and festivals add to the socioeconomic growth by providing numerous jobs.

80,000

June

• Pushkar’s thriving culture and history adds to the significant socio-cultural growth by bringing in a massive influx of floating population comprising of pilgrims and tourists.

45,000

May

Pushkar’s Floating Population:

90,000

April

Floating Population of any city refers to the temporary and fluid migrations of people in the name of pilgrimage, tourism, business, education, etc. They are not included in the census but influences the demographics of the city.

Indian and International Floating Population after Pandemic (2020)

May

Indian and International Floating Population before Pandemic (2010)

Floating Population:

Before COVID-19 Lockdown After COVID-19 Lockdown

90,000 80,000 70,000

Analysis:

60,000

Raksha Pooja at Brahma Temple Bandhan among others.

July/August

50,000

Ganesh Pooja at Brahma Temple.

Chaturthi

• The main reason for the monthly change in floating population is tied to the various festivals and rituals celebrated in the town year round.

August

40,000

• It was observed that the maximum change in floating population was in the months from September to March because of festive season in Hinduism.

September

30,000

FLOATING POPULATION ANALYSIS

Comparison of Floating Population before and after Pandemic

March

February

January

December

November

November

Gopa Astmi

October

October/ November

September

Kartik Procession and Fair in town, Poornima & Pooja at prominent temples Mela and dip in the Lake.

0 August

October

10,000

July

Shahi Snaan Dip in the lake by Saints.

September/ October

• The floating population which concentrated in the foreigners was noted to be a high during the Holi festival, while the Indians frequented during the Kartik Poornima and the Pushkar Mela.

June

Shraadh Pooja at Ghats.

September

20,000

May

Jagidanion ka Ladies singing folk music.

Mela

• Apart from the festivals, various melas and fairs that take place in the city also bring in changes in the number and attribute to the economic upbringing of the town.

April

Savitri Temple Fair and pooja at Savitri Fair Temple.

Inference:

Being a small town, religious tourism plays a major role in the temporary migrations into the city, especially by the pilgrims, hippies and tourists. The massive influx of floating population sometimes results in a larger-than-carrying-capacity situation with not much planned infrastructure to support the ingress.

Source: Collection of Domestic Tourism Statistics For the State of Rajasthan, Ministry of Tourism (Market Research Division) Government of India All the illustrations are created by author

10

Acculturation in Streets

Acculturation CHANGE IN CULTURE initiated by the conjunction of two or more autonomous cultural systems.

Acculturation in Pushkar is due to the heavy influx of the Floating Population all round the year.

Acculturation on the streets is evident through the adoption of Western wears like jeans, cameras, and tape recorders as status symbols. Common in young males of Pushkar, a large number of them wear jeans, shirts, and caps either bought from tourists or presented to them.

The Ghats form the main place for worship and rituals. They usually include a brief prayer celebrating the sacredness of the Tirtha, or commemorating events like Shraadh.

The impact of tourist notions of sexuality is another driving force. Sexual encounters with female tourists, rumored to be frequent, is a general topic of discussion among the youth of Pushkar.

With the rise of international tourist influx, the pandas are now inclined towards cultural commoditization and often Pooja as a performance for them, in spite of their religious exclusion and only for the large sums of Daan that they give.

Most worrying to the local community is the alleged use of drugs by tourists and their penetration as a marketable commodity.

Reasons for Acculturation: It may be the consequence of direct cultural transmission; It may be derived from non-cultural causes, such as ecological or demographic modification induced by an impinging culture; It may be delayed, as with internal adjustments following upon the acceptance of alien traits or patterns; or It may be a reactive adaptation of traditional modes of life.

Religious Acculturation: Primarily involves the youth of the religious minority who negotiate their religious identity, beliefs, and practices while living in a multicultural context with different religious or secular groups.

Acculturation in Ghats

The ‘pandas’ whose livelihood depends on the proceeds of the religious activities, have an extensive clientele of pilgrims that they cater to.

The Pooja for tourists also has a few transformation it is shorter and is recited in Pidgin English with a few Sanskrit verses here and there for the feel.

Acculturation in Markets Pushkar’s markets and streets strongly reflects a shift from ethnic handicrafts and goods catering to Indian pilgrims to the production of tourism ware.

These include the utilitarian items, like embroidered saddlebags reincarnated as cushion covers, to luxury items produced locally specifically for the tourism market, like carpets.

The markets also see a demand in toilet paper rolls, a basic requirement for most Western tourists.

Even the cuisine, has transformed from the traditional Rajasthani flavours to a local repertoire of bland foods like pancakes, brown bread, spaghetti, macaroni, salad, fruit juice, pizza, etc. to suit the non-Indian palates.

Inference: Pushkar Fair, 2011

Guru Poornima, 2011

Holi, 2012

For every 1 local there were 39 visitors visiting the town.

For every 2 locals there were 21 visitors visiting the town.

For every 2 locals there were 19 visitors visiting the town.

The impact of tourism has been quiet considerable on the local economy and occupational structure, in the rituals and traditions of the religious town. The relation between religion and tourism needs equally addressing from the perspective of the tourists as well as the mediation of locals.

Source: MEDIATED RESISTANCE Tourism and the Host Community, by Christina A. Joseph and Anandam P. Kavoori, University of Georgia, US

ACCULTURATION

11

MAPPING OF SACRED PLACES

Gayatri Mata Temple

Also known as Paap Mochani Mandir is another devotion to the Lord Brahma’s wife Savitri.

Source: e Rajasthan Tourism

Naya Rangji Mandir 1976 The temple was built in early 20th century in typical Dravidian style with few Mughal elements

Brahma Temple

Source: e Rajasthan Tourism

14th Century This temple is dedicated to creator God, Brahma and is the most prominent shrines of Pushkar.

Source: e Rajasthan Tourism

Varah Ji Temple (1123-50)A.D. Varaha Temple which was built in the 12th century was destroyed by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

Source: e Rajasthan Tourism

Mosque (1658-1707) A.D. Aurangzeb also broke an old temple of Kesho Rai near the Gau (Cow) Ghat and built a mosque in its place.

Source: Pushkar and Ajmer, One Day Travel

Savitri Mandir 1835 A.D. The temple of Savitri is built on the south-west of the lake on Savitri Pahad by the Purohit Ajit Singh of Marwar Source: Sanrakshan Heritage Consultants, New Delhi

SACRED PLACES

Puruhita Chamunda Mata Shakti Peeth Mandir Considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites of Hindus, this temple is the 27th Shakti Peeth of the 52 known all over the world.

Source: Sanrakshan Heritage Consultants, New Delhi

Gurudwara 19th Century This place was visited in the past by the two most famous Sikh Gurus – Guru Gobind Singh and Guru Nanak Dev during their travel to Rajputana States in 1706.

12

Temple Town Culture

Pushkar city grew out of the Temple Town Culture, therefore people’s lifestyles, daily activities, occupations, and sources of income are all influenced by the city’s cultural customs.

The city is noted for its cultural heritage, which has evolved as a spiritual and economic basis for the community.

Role of Pushkar as a Temple Town

Economies around Temples

Temples acted as the center for economic, social and political activities.

The temple is not only confined to its religious image, but transcends and serves as an epicenter for the economies of the temple towns.

Temple based Settlement Pattern in Pushkar

Temple as Consumer of Goods

The functionaries of the temple may be classified: those providing spiritual services, those involved in administration, providers of manual services and artists. the staff and maintaining the accounts of the temple.

The religious centres are associated with many artisans and traders. Temples encourage local trade, industries and markets.

Temple as Employer

The temples provided services, both spiritual and material. Provision of food and providing lodging facilities in their vast spaces or mandapams, to its devotees is considered a material service.

Temple as a Producer

It developed in the organic pattern, with different centres within the city.

Legend

“Temples are regarded as the guiding principle of urban morphology as they dictated the developments of urban centres

Pushkar has grown as a temple town.

Temples/ Heritage of Pushkar

First the temples were placed and then the temporary commercial shops popped out from the street in an organic manner.

Buildings/ Settlement Density of Settlement around Temples

Temples also served as nuclei for the development of settlements in these towns. The Brahma Temple and Varah Temple being the main centre.

around temples”

Each centre was oriented towards a temple or palace that served as a hinge for the centre.

Vegetation From the temple or palace, straight roads cut at right angles and extend into these centres.

Source: Image Illustration, Shutterstock

SYMBOLISM OF THE CITY

13

The 3 Parikarmas

1) Varah Mandir

Tilora

TEMPLES/ SITES IN ROUTE OF 7.5 KOS PARIKARMA

2) Neelkanth Mahadev Mandir

According to legend, Lord Brahma instructed all devotees present at the yagna (fire rite) to perform the Parikrama, or circumambulation of the Sarovar and sacred landscapes. Devotees and pilgrims still do the Parikrama around the Sarovar as part of this sacred ceremony.

Devnagar 17 Kanas

The practise of Parikarma is still practised by the people and is still acknowledged as a sacred ritual by local and national tourists who come to Pushkar primarily for its spiritual and religious values.

Chawandiya

Banseli

Kishanpura Goyla

15

Ganaheda

Nand

10

Nedaliya

12 11 14 3537 3313 32 1 33 36 23 4 5 6 34 9 7 8 Pushkar 31 26

30 Motisar

16

18 Leela Seori 20 22

21

3) Atmateshwar Mahadev Mandir 4) Gupteshwar Mahadev Mandir 5) Bhuteshwar Mahadev Mandir 6) Bihari Ji Ka Mandir 7) Uttarmukhi Balaji 8) Chaturnath/ Bavan Bhairav Mandir 9) Brahma Mandir 10) Kapaleshwar Mahadev Mandir 11) Kalika Mata Mandir 12) Paap Mochani Mandir 13) Hanuman Baoli 14) Bhat Baye/ Ganesh Kund 15) Madhya Pushkar 16) Shudha Vapi/ Gaya Kund 17) Jyestha/ Budha Pushkar 18) Lal Bihari Radha Madhav Mandir

24 23

19) Kapileshvar Mahadev/ Kapil Muni Ashram 20) Pandeshvar Mahadev

27

21) Gau Mukh

28

22) Panch Kund

Surajkand

23) Jamadagni Kund 24) Devrani Jethani Baori 25) Pushkarani/ Shivanand ashram 26) Vamadev Gufa 27) Vishwamitra Ashram/ Gadh Baye Narol 28) Agastya Muni Gufa 29) Shri Ram Jharokha

Kharekhari

30) Puruhita/ Chamunda Mata Shakti Peeth

3 Parkarmas or KOS Yatra Visiting Sacred Locations

31) Mahaprabhu Ji ki Baithak 32) Parshuram Dwar

Pushkar

Madhya Pushkar

33) Brahma Ghat

Budha Pushkar

7.5 KOS PARIKARMA

34) Yagna Ghat

Ajaysar

24 KOS PARIKARMA Source: Sanrakshan Heritage Consultants, New Delhi

7.5 KOS PARIKARMA ROUTE

84 KOS PARIKARMA

Temples/ Sites in route of Parikarma 7.5 KOS Parikarma route

35) Badri Narayan Mandir 36) Ranganath Venugopal/ Purana Rangji Mandir 37) Gau Ghat 38) Ram Lakshman Mandir

14

17

16

19

1) Ghati Ke Balaji

18

Tilora

2) Pandeshvar Mahadev

Devnagar Kanas 20

Chawandiya

Banseli

Kishanpura 14

9

Goyla

Ganaheda

Nedaliya 2 Leela Seori

Pushkar 4

8

1

3 Nand 13

5) Jamadagni Kund 6) Puruhita/ Chamunda Mata Shakti Peeth 7) Ajaipal 8) Brahma Mandir 9) Kapaleshwar Mahadev Mandir 10) Kanbaye 11) Karkreshwar Mahadev Mandir 12) Makreshwar Mahadev Mandir 13) Nanda Prachi Saraswati Sangam 14) Nandrai Mata 15) Shiva Mandir, Thanvala 16) Bhairav Mandir, Thanvala 17) Makrol Mata Mandir

20) Budha Pushkar

Motisar

10

4) Panch Kund

19) Lomesh Rishi/ Rojadi Mata

6

11

3) Gau Mukh

18) Vaidyanath Mahadev Mandir

5

12

TEMPLES/ SITES IN ROUTE OF 24 KOS PARIKARMA

15

Surajkand

Kharekhari

3 Parkarmas or KOS Yatra Visiting Sacred Locations Pushkar

Madhya Pushkar

Budha Pushkar

7.5 KOS PARIKARMA

Ajaysar

24 KOS PARIKARMA Source: Sanrakshan Heritage Consultants, New Delhi

24 KOS PARIKARMA ROUTE

7

84 KOS PARIKARMA

Temples/ Sites in route of Parikarma 24 KOS Parikarma route

15

7 8

9

5 6

10 11

TEMPLES/ SITES IN ROUTE OF 84 KOS PARIKARMA

2) Kakreshvar-Makreshvar Mandir

Tilora

Devnagar 13

Chawandiya

14

Banseli

16

Kanas

15 Nedaliya 22 Leela Seori

Kishanpura 4

1) Kanbaye

12

Pushkar

Goyla

Ganaheda

4) Nandrai Mata Mandir 5) Shiva Mandir , Thanvla 6) Bhairav Nath Mandir, Thanvla 7) Bada Asan 8) Baval Mata Mandir 9) Vaidyanath Mahadev Mandir 10) Makrol Mata Mandir / Markandey Ashram 11) Lomash Rishi/ Rojari Mata 12) Badar Mata 13) Jyestha/ Budha Pushkar 14) Madhya Pushkar 15) Shuddha Vapi/ Gaya Kund 16) Bhat Baye/ Ganesh Kund 17) Ardhachandrashekhara Mahadev Mandir, Ajmer 18) Nimbarkacharya, Salemabad

Nand 3

3) Nanda Prachi Saraswati Sangam

19) Ated Mata, Ajmer

2

20) Kalpvriksha, Sardhana

Motisar 1,28

21) Gauri Kund, Sardhan 22) Lal Bihari Radha Madhav Mandir

Surajkand

23) Ghati ke Balaji Mandir 24) Bhanvta Devi Mandir 25) Kudki 26) Ajaipal 27) Pushkar Raj 28) Kanbaye

Kharekhari

3 Parkarmas or KOS Yatra Visiting Sacred Locations Pushkar

Madhya Pushkar

Budha Pushkar

7.5 KOS PARIKARMA 26

24 KOS PARIKARMA Source: Sanrakshan Heritage Consultants, New Delhi

84 KOS PARIKARMA ROUTE

84 KOS PARIKARMA

20

Ajaysar

Temples/ Sites in route of Parikarma 84 KOS Parikarma route

16

Social Anthropology

MOTIVATING COLLECTIVISM

Social Anthropology is largely concerned with the study of society and focuses on people in groups and the interaction of those in groups, their attitudes and their behavior.

Social contact also helps to build friendships between hosts and guests, who use positive word of mouth about hosts after returning home.

The important management areas are overall sociocultural impact management and the host-guest encounter points like: goods and service purchasing, face to face interaction for sharing ideas and information, side by side at activities

GHATS

STREETS

CHOWKS

Social cohesion in Pushkar

BASIS OF INTERACTION The interaction between the two groups is dependent on the following:

ACCULTURATION EFFECTS

The nature and extent of social, cultural and economic differences between tourists and hosts The ratio of visitors to residents

Acculturation is a process of adaptation and adjustment.

When local people entertain tourists, they adapt tourists’ needs, attitudes and values and ultimately start following them.

This is frequent in the less sophisticated societies where, stronger culture dominates the weaker. But, the diffusion of innovation of cultural components in a social framework depends on compatibility, advantage, and complexity of the cultural objects.

The distribution and visibility of tourist developments The extent of foreign and local employment

HYBRID CULTURE The western and native culture together has emerged into a new culture, which is called the hybrid culture.

SOCIAL INCLUSION

The examples include borrowing artificial elements and adding them to traditional dance, music, events and activities; serving hybrid cuisine instead of traditional salads and three course meals instead of appetisers in the evening show; and opening bar and disco.

Despite their cultural loss, local people are feeling happy due to their best life and wealth. They feel tourists provide them benefits not the local people so they have to satisfy tourists.

SOCIAL COHESION SOCIAL CAPITAL

SOCIAL MOBILITY

Source: Measuring cross country differences in scial cohesion by Christopher Garroway and Johannes Jutting

SOCIAL ANTHROPOLOGY

17

Social, religious and Cultural activities that are part of daily routine of Pushkar around the lake Pushkar Lake is revered by Hindus as the holiest lake on the country. The Hindu Tirtha Yatra, or pilgrimage, is regarded to be incomplete without a visit at this lake.

Over 500 temples, and 52 bathing ‘ghats,’ which are a set of steps up to the lake, encircle the lake.

The Pushkar Lake is the centre of people’s lives in Pushkar.

The importance of the lake is a dominant component in people’s lifestyle and culture, from day to day activities to festivities.

Pushkar Lake is significant for both locals and tourists in terms of social interaction and important town events.

Ghats during Morning

Ghats during Afternoon

Ghats during Evening

The early morning starts with bathing activity at ghats then followed with pooja.

Temples are closed in afternoon, pilgrims prefer waiting at ghats.

In evening people play music or sing and enjoy their evening at Jaipur ghat.

Morning walk around the lake is quite common among the locals.

The most active ghats are Brahma ghat, Tarani ghat, Varah ghat, Gau ghat.

They perform or do some small activities to keep themselves entertain, like playing music, chatting, taking bath etc.

Ghats have some small shops related to religious activities and fish food to feed fishes in Holy Lake.

People generally come to ghats for sunset view in the evening both the locals and foreign tourist.

In evening just before the sunset, aartis start at five main ghats.

The aartis start from Gau ghat.

Busy Intensity of Usage Source: Author

Worshipping Points

Holy Dip Points

Sunset View Point

Foreign Tourist cluster Points

Morning walk route of people High usage area during day

High usage area during evening

Movement pattern along the ghats

Brahma and Savitri Ghat

Varah Ghat

Jaipur Ghat Source: Author

DAILY LIFE ON GHATS AROUND PUSHKAR LAKE

18

The Activities on Ghats

Connection with the Pushkar Lake Source: Author

The ghats are a thin sliver of public space between the dense city and the lake.

The legendary, performed, and historic components of intangible and tangile cultural heritage contained by the cultural environment of the ghats are interpreted.

The three parts are intertwined narratives that serve as a backdrop for followers to reenact, thus keeping ancient traditions alive and well.

The daily life of people revolve around the Pushkar Lake. The ghats possess the image of “associative cultural landscape”. The cultural landscape of the ghats evolved in a spatiotemporal order created from self-organized systems of worship and pilgriage.

Morning

Evening

From morning to evening, people’s daily lives have shaped the Pushkar Lake into a hub of social interaction and cohesion for both locals and visitors.

From morning aarti along the parikarma route to sunset aarti along the ghats, all of the locals’ daily routines and tourist activities along the ghats have formed a strong bond with the lake, which serves as a social place for both locals and pilgrims.

People gather for morning prayer

Locals playing instruments for tourists on the ghats

People sitting at Jaipur Ghat for sunset view

SYMBOLISM OF THE CITY

Locals follow the parikarma path for morning walk

Pilgrims and locals bathing in lake

Role of Pushkar Lake

People sitting for peace and view along the ghats

for Social Cohesion between Locals and Tourists Pilgrims coming to ghats to perform rituals

Both locals and pilgrims gather for evening aarti

Ghats are the Public Spaces for Social Cohesion imbued with cultural appeal. It has a strong influence in defining the lifestyle of the inhabitants of Pushkar Ghats are seen as sites of cultural memory in Pushkar.

Each ghat has its own small loop of heritage trail that connects with its historical buidlings and temples.

Ghats here have their socio-religious historical importance and are thus used for spiritual activities by the people.

From sunrise to sunset the daily routine of people here revolves around the Pushkar lake, from morning walk to the the aarti in evening time.

From sunrise to sunset the daily routine of people here revolves around the Pushkar lake, from morning walk to the the aarti in evening time.

Source: Author

19

PUBLIC SPACES

Malino ka Chowk

Historical Places

Varaha Chowk

Brahma Chowk

Religious Places

Socio Cultural Spaces

Major Chowks

Historical Places Religious Places Socio-Cultural Spaces Chowks of the city Source: Sanrakshan Heritage Consultants, New Delhi

PLACES FOR SOCIAL COHESION IN THE CITY

20

Elderly men sitting at the chaukhat of the house and conversing, a common sight in Pushkar streets connecting the main market area.

Men sitting outside a shop reading newspapers and discussing.

Men chatting with each other, sitting on a worn out stone bench along one of the streets connecting the chowks.

MALINON KI CHOWK VARAHA CHOWK

Women chatting in the middle of a market street.

Men relaxing away from the afternoon Sun on a bench in a deserted market street.

Street Character & Frontages influence Social Cohesion between people BRAHMA CHOWK

Streets connect people living in different areas.

The typology of streets determine the movement pattern of locals and tourists. They offer the maximum interaction between the locals and the tourists.

The market streets in the town see a varied influx of people and witness more traffic and interaction than a residential street which remains quiet and free of activities from the visiting influx.

Some streets form an axis to facilitate the inhabitants to move in a certain direction for social and cultural purpose.

The main market street that connects the Brahma Chowk and Varaha Chowk is also easily accessible from the Ghats through Gau Ghat, etc., while also facilitating the Parikarma activities.

Also the street frontages are used as a place for social interaction. For instance, in the above images a few of the interactions are clearly occurring with the availability of a bench or shade from the Sun that becomes a catalyst for people to pause and strike a conversation.

The streets connect to big open spaces (chowk) where gathering takes place like in Malino ki Chowk Streets are the center of commerce for pilgrims who came in large number for the feel of the ambiance of the sacred place.

Some streets heading to major temples like Brahma Temple and Varaha Temple are highly commercialized and has been converted into the main market street with time as previously mentioned.

Image Source: Pushkar Streets | KyleMerriman.com and Pushkar (Rajasthan, India) – Dame on a Plane

COHESION OF PEOPLE IN STREETS AND CHOWKS

21

Workforce Participation: no. of workers, genderwise participation, etc.

Worker Characteristics:

Unemployment:

rate and reasons for main workers, unemployment. marginal and seasonal workers, etc.

Employment Profile

Trade & Commerce

Wholesale Trade:

Retail Trade: no. of shops, typology, street vendors, hawkers, etc.

market streets, commercial corridors, typology, etc.

ECONOMY GENERATORS IN PUSHKAR

: agriculture

Community based like Trusts, etc.

What is Economy?

• Economics is the study involved in the manufacture, allocation, and the use of goods and services.

• Economy is the state of a country or region in terms of the production and consumption of goods and services and the supply of money.

Importance of Economic studies: • Economics is important for many areas of society.

• It can help improve living standards and make society a better place.

• Economics is like science in that it can be used to improve living standards and also to make things worse.

• It partly depends on the priorities of society and what we consider most important.

cottage industry :

: construction

shops & business :

Systems of Economic Control

Private Ownership

: trade & export

industries & manufacturing : : transportation & communication

Government and Public Control

tourism :

: hospitality

occasional events : Sectors contributing to people’s employment; e.g.: primary sector (agriculture, animal husbandry, etc.), secondary sector (manufacturing and production) and tertiary sector (trade & commerce, transportation, etc.).

ECONOMIC STUDIES

Occupational Structure

Industrial Sector

Large & medium scale industries: manufacturing and production.

Small scale industries:

textile, food industries, etc.

Household/ cottage industries:

handicrafts, pottery, weaving, etc.

22

Religious Activities:

Overcrowding in the Ghats and ceremonial activities like taking a dip in the Lake, floating away flowers and lanterns on the water surface are some common threats that the pilgrims pose to the ecology of the Lake.

These activities although religious have a very adverse effect on surroundings and act as a constraint from the cultural practices.

Kalbeliyas: The Kalbeliyas have been excluded from the main Pushkar Town for many years now. Originally nomads, they are still forced to thrive in the outskirts in temporary structures with no basic amenities.

Their location outside the town is a main constraint to their livelihood and poor living conditions.

Congestion and ease of usage

Role of management authorites

Hygiene, pollution, contamination

Influence of design of Ghat

Safe access to water

Usage Pattern & need of pilgrims

Floating Population: 100,000

Before COVID-19 Lockdown

80,000

40,000

20,000

The existing heritage layer around the lake is protected by ASI and State Archeology, and the monument has a 100m protected area and a 200m restricted area, as per the criteria.

No construction can be done in the protected area, and permits from the relevant authority are required for the reserved area unless the development is for the social good.

Heritage Layer

Existing Buildings

Road Network

Kalbeliaya Settlement

Vegetation

Observed Concentration of Israeli Activities

CONSTRAINTS

Protected Area

Reserved Area

As a result, the alternatives for development of the area around the lake are limited.

February

January

December

November

October

September

Heritage Layer:

August

0 April

This influence can be overpowering and can be a threat to the locals.

60,000

June

The locals especially the Purohit Community have always felt conflicted about the Israeli influence in the town’s working and religious activities.

After COVID-19 Lockdown

May

The Israeli tourists have made this holy city a mini-Israel. There is even a Chabad house located on the main street near the historic gurdwara here.

July

Mini Israel:

The influx of tourists coming to Pushkar is never stable. This fact that the population fluctuates throughout the year does not provide a precise estimate of the services and facilities that will be required.

The resources of the city are not enough to cater the needs of flux of tourists during the Pushkar Fair leading to a lack of civic amenities, a drawback in the city.

Image Sources: Pushkar Streets | KyleMerriman.com and Pushkar (Rajasthan, India) – Dame on a

22

Fair Grounds The grounds that remain empty and unused for most part of the year can be planned to assist other recreational and cultural activities that can bring in tourist influx and generate employment.

Agricultural Lands The vast spans of agricultural lands in the town and its close proximity to big cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Bombay poses as an opportunity to export the horticulture produce outside Pushkar.

Rose Production The agro-climatic conditions, cheap labor, good soil quality, availability of land and the rise in demand for rose extracts in perfumery and cosmetics industry for production are some opportunities favoring rose cultivation to reach new markets.

Online Marketing The increased tourism activities and the development of new demands domestic and international, for the handicrafts, roses, etc. from Pushkar has also opened up the potential for online marketing.

Floating Population The main economy generators are the Hippies who stay for longer periods than the pilgrims who come seasonally. The locals who come in contact with them can work on trading with the native countries of the hippies as well as work on their MO.

Local Skills in Handicrafts

Heritage Layer

Existing Buildings

Pushkar Fair Ground

Structures in Proximity to Lake

Agriculture Land

Road Network

POTENTIALS

The skills in making handicrafts like utensils, jewelry, bags and clothes are very profound and have a unique sense of crafting. These techniques and products can be a major influence in markets in India and abroad.

16

MISSION

TO AUGMENT THE SOCIO-CULTURAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES WHILE INTEGRATING THE PHYSICAL AND RECREATIONAL ELEMENTS IN THE TOWN, INSTILLING IN THE VISITORS AS WELL AS THE LOCALS A SENSE OF BELONGING.

To improve on the social cohesion between tourists, pilgrims and Lake and enhance the active and passive recreational activities in the streets of Pushkar.

POTENTIAL

VISION STATEMENT:

The spaces in the alleyways and Ghats pose an opportunity to enhance social interaction as they experience the maximum flux.

OBJECTIVES, STRATEGIES AND GOALS

• To transform the neglected and barren Ghat spaces as multi functional by adding seating spaces, illumination, etc.

• Incorporating physical elements in the streets Wof Pushkar • To enhance recreational activities and interaction between the people.

• To revamp the neglected areas within buildings and in neighborhood into a social space for interaction and sports activities.

• Providing green spaces in the desolate Ghats and alleyways to develop a connection between the users and the environment.

• To frame policies regulating the cleanliness and maintenance of the Ghats.

• To propose development and maintenance by community participation from stakeholders and locals in the spaces around the Lake.

POLICY FRAMEWORK

To enhance the historical significance by educating about the heritage and architecture of the town.

Promotion and education about the art forms and culture of the historic town of Pushkar.

Organizing a Weekly Fest entertaining the local artists and craftsmanship

The town has rich history in the form of both tangible and intangible heritage.

The uniqueness of the craftsmanship, cuisine and handiwork in Pushkar town has always lured in enthusiasts and critics.

The annual Pushkar Fair points out that people from around the world are interested in the cultural activities and events that take place in the town.

• Proposal of a Cultural Walk in the town.

• To propose a heritage trail serving in the lines of recreation and education.

• To train and appoint guides/volunteers with knowledge of local history and routes.

• To employ various para-transit in the walk providing barrier-free, ease of access to all.

• To provide and maintain the basic amenities like drinking water, clear signage, seating spaces, toilets, lighting and illumination along the route.

• To promote Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) between locals, stakeholders and government bodies as a promising approach for financing, developing, operating, and maintaining the historic significance of the town.

• To identify existing places providing cultural experiences through events and activities in the town.

• Organizing workshops and create skill sharing opportunities for the tourists to indulge and experience the local art forms first hand.

• Revival of local craftsmanship on the verge of extinction.

• To strengthen the artisan community by engaging the tourists in immersing with their everyday life, while employing the trail to boost the economy.

• To design a space for holding a Weekly Cultural Fest that can act as a mini Pushkar Fair.

• To reduce the difference between the heavy influx during the annual Fair and the influx in other times of the year.

• To create a space that can be multi-purposed to use for celebration and other ceremonies in the town.

• To enhance the idea of social cohesion between the locals and the visitors along the lines of cultural performances and entertainment.

• Developing the trail as a sustainable tourism asset.

• To encourage and revive the folk dance and music forms through contests and performances.

• Organizing events where tourists learn the craft, make and sell their handmade products as a form of immersion.

• Creating opportunities for the Kalbeliya tribes who remain unemployed for most of the year except during the Cattle Fair.

35

REJUVENATE RELATIONSHIP WITH GHATS

INTERVENTIONS • The area along the ghats will be developed as a social space for both locals and visitors.

• The developed region along the ghats will also provide heritage value to the area that is now underutilised.

• This feature will serve as the city’s main attraction.

• The parikarma route will benefit from the developed area near the ghats.

NEIGHBOURHOOD LEVEL SOCIAL SPACES

• Developing social spaces at the neighbourhood level in between streets and residential areas.

• These social spaces can be used by locals for gathering purpose and meetings.

• This proposal aims to bridge this gap by creating spaces where the children can play and recreate.

• Also, Proposing a multi-functional space, serves for organizing a weekly festival that showcases the arts and crafts of the town, different cultural performances and recreational opportunities.

CULTURAL & EDUCATIONAL TRAIL

• The city with its long history is also known for its vibrant culture that has been passed down the ages as skills and techniques in handicrafts, fabric dyeing, etc.

Places for Cultural & Educational Trail

Cultural & Educational Trail

Weekly Fest- Multifunctional Space

Potential area around the Ghats

Provision for space around ghats

Heritage Trail

Interpretation Centre

Sites in Heritage Trail

STRUCTURE PLAN

• The trail will be entirely based on experiences and learning.

• This will operate like a Cultural Eco-tourism.

• The city has multitude of historical structures and rich heritage that deserve recognition and appreciation.

HERITAGE TRAIL

Source: Author

• A Cultural and Educational Trail can be proposed that connects different cultural elements of the town.

• Proposing a heritage trail that connects the main heritage buildings along with the neglected structures and to help understand the sacredness and the archaeological significance.

• This will keep the tourists and the stakeholders aware and help in keeping the premises clean and also avoid undesired activities.

Source: Author

36

EASE OF MOVEMENT PLACE MAKING

EASE OF CROSSING AT CLUSTER POINTS

Social

Spaces

Place Making

ADDING ELEMENTS TO MANAGE TRAFFIC FLOW

ADDING SIGNAGES ALONG THE TRAILS

Lake &

Recreation

Heritage/

Culture

DEVELOPING SOCIAL SPACES IN BETWEEN STREETS

ADDING PAUSE POINTS AT GHATS

PUBLIC SPACE INTERVENTIONS

RELATIONSHIP FOR DEVELOPING SOCIAL SPACES

RECLAIM PUBLIC SPACES - SITTING SPACE IN STREETS AND MARKETS

INTERVENTION STRATEGIES

ADDING LANDSCAPED AND GREEN AREAS TO GHATS

CONNECTING HERITAGE THROUGH CULTURAL & HERITAGE TRAIL

37

Gazebo providing a better view of lake Extended deck along the ghats acta viewpoint Green space to enhance liveliness of the ghats

Exhibition of Culture

Sacred Character

Shade and Comfort

Social Cohesion

Enhancing for Locals Religious

Serene

Protection of Publicness

Accessibility

Enlivening Relationship to Water

Connect to Precinct Parikarma path

The infrasturcture is adapted to the native architectural elements and existing cultural heritage.

To cater the tourism in the city, the lake front properties act as a hub of tourist amenities as well as social and economic infrastructure. A confluence of the local culture and tourist amenities will make this a socially active space.

Adding green elements to the Ghats will enhance the liveliness to it.

Green patches along the Ghats

Gazebos as spaces for relaxing and social interaction

Pause points in the Ghats

REJUVENATION OF GHATS

38

brahma temple

the one and only Brahma Temple in the world

This complex alone takes more than an hour to explore completely

there is no other notably large temples of the Varaha form of Lord Vishnu varaha temple

an architectural marvel in the small town of Pushkar

The old temple is another architecture marvel

royal guest house - turned luxurious heritage hotel

interiors boast of traditional and intricate Rajasthani handiwork

rangji temple

The ghats

the trail also includes the Jaipur Ghat known for its sunset views across the water

200

400

the sunset point: the hill facing the Western horizon is known for its sunset views Man mahal

run by Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation

the proposed gazebos along the landscaped platforms bring the visitors closer to the lake

HERITAGE TRAIL

100

The top of the hill provides a view of the city and the lake from above

Dravidian style in the new temple complex the evening aartis on the Ghats is another mesmerizing sight

0

the Ghats form direct contact with the Lake, holding a lot of significance for pilgrims and the locals

cable cars to go up the mountain while providing a full view of the city

the cable cars as well as the stepped pathway both can be used for ascending and descending SAVITRI TEMPLE

a staircase with red sandstone cladding leading the way down will be repaired for descending

39

a

b

• Cycles and e-rickshaws as transit modes • Mostly vehicular zones of the town

HERITAGE TRAIL: DETAILS

• Designed queue area • Provided seating spaces • Kiosk designed for vendors • Detail- a

• Provided seating spaces • Kiosk designed for vendors • De-congestion strategies applied • Vegetation provided • Detail- b

• Illumination along the residential streets

• Provided seating spaces • Kiosk designed for vendors • Vegetation provided • Amenities like public toilets and drinking water

• Provided seating spaces on the Ghats • Landscaping done to improve the vistas • Repaired Ghats

• Cable cars to reach the top of hill • As well as the stepped pathway that winds along the hill

40

Rangrej Dyeing & Fabric Printing

Jatin Handicraft

Brahma Market Lane

Guru’s Designer Jewellery

Satnam Enterprises Recycled Handmade Paper Interpretation Centre

Silverclasses Jai & Viky

Parampreet Restaurant

ELEMENTS ALONG THE CULTURAL TRAIL

Weekly Fest as a multi-functional space

CULTURAL TRAIL

Adding greenery and space for rest in the market area of the the Cultural Trail

Pawan Restaurant

Promoting space for kiosk and hawkers along the trail

Providing benches along the trail that will also act as an element for social cohesion

Managing parking congestion in the streets by including sitting spaces

41

Proposal for a space for holding a Weekly Fest near the Mela Ground of Pushkar.

The spaces is designed to hold a mini Mela every week so as to decrease the tourist influx load on the host community when the annual Pushkar Mela is held in November. .

The design aims to provide the Kalbeliya community with a livelihood even during the other times of the year by providing a space for their performances and showcasing their craftsmanship.

The space can also be used for other purposes of festivities and celebrations. It is a multi-funtional space that can accommodate even wedding ceremonies and the like.

AREA: 5.7 acres.

LAND USE: Other Community Facilities, Public & Semipublic.

The space also has opportunities for setting up shops and inducing commercial-cumrecreational activities during the Fest.

Saptotsav

SAPTOTSAV: UTSAV SAAL BHAR

0 5 10

20m

PROPOSAL FOR WEEKLY FEST

43

Interpretation Centre

Weekly Fest- Multi functional space

Cultural Trail

Rejuvenating Ghats

Heritage Trail

PROPOSED SITE PLAN

Exhibition Space

Plaza

Social Cohesion Spaces

Sitting spaces

Greenery

Cycling stands

Dance/ Music

Illumination

Gazebo

Shops

Washroom

Cable Train

Food

Drinking water

44

Conclusion

Heritage Preservation

Relation to Naturre

Sense of Community

Pushkar is one of the most sacred cities of India, with a rich past religiously, socially and historically till date. Today Pushkar is known for may things like the Brahma Temple and Lake, Camel Fair, culture and also as the Hippie Town of Rajasthan. Israelis and other Westerners make it a point to take Pushkar into their itenaries while visiting the country.

Some of the challenges in preserving Pushkar’s character include the diversity of interests, significant encroachment on public land, and weak and inadequate local legislation.

Site planning and management should take into account what is deemed non-essential information, such as the hidden significance of rituals and the sacredness assigned to nature that may be seen in everyday behaviours, such that a new cultural approach encourages the use of non-essential knowledge.

Vending cooperatives, for example, will engage local communities and strengthen the local economy.

Rejuvenation of the ghats will improve their barren appearance by adding flora, while simultaneously maintaining ecological balance and maintaining the sacred landscape’s ethos.

Public spaces should be reclaimed as peace plazas and meeting areas with the potential for growth and revitalization of the city’s culture.

Heritage protection can serve as an empowering tool for local populations as well as a spiritual growth opportunity for visitors.

45

PUSHKAR Ar Aynul Inaya aynulinaya96@gmail.com | LinkedIn Ar Swati Chaudhary swatichaudhary2020@gmail.com | LinkedIn