Enhancing walkability in pilgrim routes: a case study of Kashi ( Vanarasi)

Abstract

India, known for its diverse religious traditions, has been a major pilgrimage destination for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs, Muslims, and Christians for centuries. Pilgrimage in India is deeply rooted in spiritual beliefs, rituals, and the idea of seeking moksha (liberation), blessings, or penance. The significant growth of pilgrims visiting sacred sites from the last few decades has increased tremendously, highlighting the challenges of overcrowding, congestion, infrastructure deficiency, etc. City like Kashi (Varanasi) knows as the cultural capital and being the world’s oldest continually inhabited city, is also considered one of the Saptapuris, i.e., the ‘seven sacred cities’ of ancient India seen heavy tourist footfall due to its religious importance. Kashi is also famous for its pilgrimage i.e., Panchkoshi yatra, where the pilgrim’s circumambulation of whole Varanasi city through walking. Walking has been an inseparable and sacred aspect of pilgrimage across cultures and religions, creating the walkable environment is important for enhance the spiritual journey. Walking is the major mode of transportation for the pilgrims in their spiritual journey. Walkability, defined as the extent to which the built environment supports and encourages walking, is crucial for pilgrims who rely on pedestrian routes to reach religious destinations. This study explores the walkability challenges faced by pilgrims in Kashi, like inadequate pedestrian infrastructure, overcrowding, absence of sidewalk, etc. In this study, assessing pedestrian level of service which includes the flow rate and space available for pedestrian, and calculating walkability index through identified parameters from literature review. These parameters helped in accessing the infrastructure availability on site through interviews and site observation. Pedestrian LOS helps to analyze the space available for pedestrian movement, on the other hand walkability index identified a gap in pedestrian facilities. The study emphasizes the significance of pilgrim comfort, offering recommendations for design strategies and suggesting improving infrastructure facilities to enhance walkability along pilgrimage routes. Ultimately, this study contributes to a broader understanding of how walkability can enrich the pilgrimage experience while addressing issues of overcrowding, safety, and environmental sustainability. And highlighting the need for improved pedestrian infrastructure for enhancement of spiritual experience of pilgrims. Keywords: Walkability, Walkability index, Pilgrimage route, pedestrian Infrastructure