Globalization in Varanasi: Preserving Heritage Through Social Entrepreneurship
-By Shashank Shekhar Khandelwal
Varanasi, formerly known as Kashi, is India’s oldest city and a center of infinite devotion, worship, and beliefs. Every year, millions of people go to Kashi for its famed ghats, temples, and cuisine. However, since globalization invaded Kashi, things have shifted. For better or worse? Opinions vary.
Modernization of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple:
Consider the Kashi Vishvanath Temple, a magnificent temple steeped in devotion, religion, and beliefs that date back five millennia or more. Devotees frequently find themselves in a trance of devotion here. The temple’s ambiance provides an ideal spiritual experience.
However, compared to the past, much has changed. Kashi Vishvanath Temple is no more a modest temple near the ghats with hundreds, if not thousands, of pilgrims. The new, established corridors give a more systematic manner to manage the large number of devotees that attend each day. Furthermore, these corridors provide numerous opportunities for businesses to service their guests.
The Ghats, heart and soul of Varanasi:
However, the development of these passageways necessitated the removal of space from the ghats that link to the temple. Varanasi’s ghats are more than just riverbank steps; they are crucial to the city’s cultural and spiritual life. Each ghat carries its own historical and religious importance. They host religious rites and ceremonies. Varanasi’s spiritual and communal life revolves around the ghats. One of the most famous rituals is the Ganga Aarti, in which devotees congregate at dawn and sunset to see an elaborate ceremony honouring the River Ganges.
Challenges arising from urbanisation:
With the growth of urban infrastructure, many of these ghats have undergone modifications and deterioration. The building of new avenues and commercial businesses has come at the expense of these holy sites. The once-beautiful ghats are now damaged by concrete constructions, diminishing the available area for rites and festivities. This not only upsets traditional rituals, but also reduces the aesthetic and historical significance of the ghats. Furthermore, rising commercialization and modernity have raised environmental concerns. The ghats, which were traditionally maintained clean via community initiatives, now face waste management difficulties. The flood of tourists and the expansion of businesses has resulted in a considerable increase in garbage and pollution along the riverside and river. The sacred River Ganges, which carries tremendous religious significance, is contaminated as a result of irresponsible garbage disposal methods. The degradation of the ghats has an impact on the lives of many local communities. Boatmen, monks, and craftsmen who have traditionally relied on the ghats for revenue confront new problems as a result of shifting dynamics and urbanisation. Traditional crafts and trades that developed around the ghats are under threat, as modern enterprises and sellers gradually take over.
Efforts for Preservation and Sustainable Development
In response to these issues, efforts have been made to repair and protect the ghats. Government initiatives, such as the Namami Gange project, and non-profit organisations have taken steps to clean up and revitalise the riverside and river. These initiatives seek to strike a balance between modernity and preservation, ensuring that Varanasi’s spiritual and cultural core is not lost via urban growth. However, the route to sustainable growth is not straightforward. It demands the combined initiative and planning of numerous agencies and parties. To achieve this balance, eco-friendly activities, ethical tourism, and preserving the ghats’ historical value are all important.
Conclusion:
Globalisation has given modernity and improved infrastructure to Varanasi, but it has also created considerable obstacles to preserve its historic ghats. The degradation of ghats highlights the importance of careful design that balances the city’s rich cultural legacy with industrialization. Striving for a balanced coexistence of tradition and progress will guarantee that Varanasi remains a timeless centre of devotion, worship, and beliefs for future generations.
