Reflection of a spiritual vision
- Vol.36(8), August
- New Delhi Burda Media India Private Limited 2019
- 62-72p.
The scale of everything related to the Mela is massive and this camp despite being the largest, is known for its macro to micro detailing. From conceptualising a new theme every three years to showcase the varied architectural heritage of India, to the detailing up to soft furnishings, while giving equal importance to hygiene and a focus on ease of maintenance, the aim was for a perfect camp. Being a winter Kumbh, work at the Mela had to be executed in freezing temperatures and adding to the challenge, the land for the camp was allotted merely 30 days before the Mela commenced, due to the changing course of the Ganges River on the bed of which it was established.
The camp designs are conceptually rooted in Indian tradition. The focus was on using rich, decorative carvings and paintings, typically found in traditional towns of Madhya Pradesh. As a reflection of the vision of the spiritual head of the organisation, the camp was conceived like a traditional Indian fortress, which would typically have within, a palace, a temple, a yagyashala, dining halls and kitchens and houses to accommodate the permanent residents as well as visitors.