Search

Religion, Revival, Rejuvenation: The River and its People

Nupur Prothi Khanna
Dec 6, 2015
2 min read

Image : Haridwar

Rivers in our context are imbued with sacred associations continuing to this day in their significance as a part of culture and religion of people residing by their side. The interface of rivers and human settlements has always evolved out of the spiritual and utilitarian needs and outlook of the people who interact with this space. This correlation between water and society can still be found in a number of historic towns across India. Interaction of people with the river at ghats has sustained our water based heritage over centuries and has continued to face immense pressures of high footfall especially during festivals and ceremonies.

Beyond the sacred association of water and its significance to human survival, the planning and design of riverfront space has also been critical in making the river accessible to people from the most densely used or occupied parts of the city, linking the river visually and conceptually to the city, and providing social and cultural attractions along the riverfront.

Learning about our rivers and their relationship with the people provides us with important lessons for preserving their health and maintaining their sanctity. Their importance in providing ecosystem services and their place in Indian culture as subject of reverence implies that we should strive to protect them.

The concept of water and society to us means a participatory landscape that comprises of themes of Religion, Revival and Rejuvenation. In today’s time, landscapes are constantly evolving and so is the complex interrelation between the river and mankind.

This series of photographs of Indian riverfronts, or Ghats, aims to bring out the relationship between man and the river.