Haridwar-Rishikesh

As a part of cademic national study tour, we at the faculty of IDPT-SCET ( Institute of Design , Planning & Technology), visited cities of Haridwar & Rishikesh , Uttarakhand to study various aspects of the city & building near river Ganga. Total 49 students of B.Arch –II, B.Arch-III, B.ID.-II, with 8 faculties departed by train on 13th December 2022, & reached on 14th December at 3:30 pm. On 13th December study area was visited & identified near Kankhal & Har ki Pauri area. On 15th December 5 different groups of students with 10 students & faculties went to allotted study area & started studying , analysing and documenting till 17th December 11 am. On 18th December 1:30 pm whole group departed for Surat & reached on Surat at 20th December 5:30 pm. Study Area 1. Sati Ghat area, Kankhal, Haridwar – This cluster includes 400 years old palace of Bihar Naresh now converted in school, 300 years old house near ghat , Gurudwara where 3rd Guru meditated & mythological Tilpaneshvar where lord Shiva stayed during marriage with Sati at sati ghat, Kankhal . This place has mythological importance as well as old building surrounded by Temples & Akhadaa. Study Area 2. Har ki Pauri area , Haridwar - A street having old house, commercial places, Prachin Gangaji temple & Bhagirathi temple at ghat of Har ki Pauri near Brahmkund, which is the main heart of Haridwar along with spiritual importance Study Area 3. Triveni Ghat area, Rishikesh – 700 m long stretch of Triveni ghat and a 150 year old house near that area & two cafes were studied. Study Area 4. Beatles Ashram, Rishikesh – Maharshi Mahesh Yogi’s entire ashram now known as Beetle’s ashram having 14 acre area built around 1960 which incorporates Mahrishi’s residence, chorasi kutia, 121 single & double two storied circular hut for meditators, temple, & other ashram area including kitchen , residence of beetles, artists, museum, post office ,press etc. was chosen. Study Area 5. Stretch between Janki zula & Raam zula near Ganga river towards Beatles ashram , Rishikesh – A whole stretch of 1 km of main area of Rishikesh was taken that includes cafes near Janki zula, Parmarth Niketan ashram, Geeta Bhavan 1, Geeta Bhavan 6 and Chotiwala restaurant. All areas were studied with reference to social, cultural needs, activities along river Ganga ghats, contour map with context to river ganga, analysis of spaces based on design & cluster, understanding old building materials, need of Ashram along with meditative spaces, Dharamshala & kutia as per design. Students & faculties also participated in Ganga Aarti at various Ghats. A case study of Pilibhit house , Haridwar near Ganga ghat which was about 400 year old mansion ,now converted in IHCL SeleQtions – Taj group of Hotels, was also studied by few students of B.ID & faculty members. As a part of gratitude and exchange of knowledge and a will to give back to society, at Kankhal school one of the faculty of IDPT-SCET also conducted session where super brain yoga & twin heart meditation based on Pranic Healing was taught to 150 school students & teachers. On last day after 12 noon students also visited other important temples & places like Mansa devi, other Ghats, Vishvakarma temple etc. Our study work was recognised, students were interviewed at Vishvakarma temple kankhal by local newspaper “Rashtriya Sahara”, Haridwar, which was released on 20th December 2022, mentioning study work of SCET students from Surat. Students & faculties enjoyed learning various study areas. May this glimpses & study nourish our brain, heart & soul further for future learning in life!!!