| Author | Sravat, Namita |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.HS-97-23 |
| Subject(s) | Pilgrims and pilgrimages--India--Uttar Pradesh
|
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. HS-97-23 |
| Abstract | Indian society is traditional and is sunk deep into customs, rites and rituals which obviously
have religion as the route and is paramount in day to day living. In all these rituals water plays
a major role of a purifier. As a consequence many religious towns have come up along the
river giving rise to a feature unique to Indian architecture - the ghats. One such town is
Haridwar which has developed around one focal point, the Har-Ki-Pairi ghat on the banks of
the river Ganga.
There is a myth that "during the battle between the Gods and the Demons, a drop of precious
nectar of immortality fell in Haridwar" making it one of the four venues for the auspicious
Kumbh Mela held after every twelve years. Now it is due in 1998 which will be the centuries
last Kmbh Mela attracting around 10 million pilgrims over the period of four months and
around 6 million on the main bathing day which will fall on 14111 Apr, 98.
The research is based on the case study of Haridwar town and on discussions with various
authorities responsible for organizing this faire. An attempt is being made here to develop
strategies regarding development of bathing ghats which is the main nuclei of Kumbh Mela
and some other issues and problems regarding pilgrims facilities. The impact of influx of
pilgrims on development of Haridwar town is also studied.
Use of GIS (Geographic Information System) application is recommended to do various
analysis regarding planning for Kumbh Melas. In Chapter-6, details are given about how GIS
analysis is useful by giving examples of its use in planning similar temporary events.
In the end recommendations come up regarding general arrangements for Kumbh Mela, the
bathing ghats, the temporary accomodation (tent cities) - especially with respect to tents in the
tent cities, and the use of GIS application. |
| Year | 1997 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. HS-97-23 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Human Settlement (HS) |
| Chairperson(s) | Yap, Kioe Sheng; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Tiwari, Vinod. K.;Kammeir, H. Detlef; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Government of Norway; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1997 |