A Hidden Architectural Gem

The journey to Sidhpur, a historic town in Gujarat, India, offers little indication of its hidden treasures. The dusty highway, flanked by arid landscapes and roadside eateries, suddenly gives way to a striking sight—a street lined with grand, European-inspired mansions in vibrant pastel shades.

This area, known locally as Paris Galli or Paris Street, features a unique blend of Neoclassical, Art Deco, Baroque, and traditional Indian architectural styles. Despite its rich heritage, Sidhpur remains largely undiscovered by travelers and architecture enthusiasts.

A Legacy of Wealth and Influence

The town’s magnificent mansions, known as havelis, were built by the Dawoodi Bohras, a Shia Muslim trading community that settled in Gujarat in the 11th century. With their strong ties to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, the Bohras accumulated wealth through trade in spices, gems, and perfumes.

In the early 20th century, the Maharaja of Baroda, Sayajirao Gaekwad III, granted the Bohras land in response to a housing shortage. Influenced by Scottish urban planner Patrick Geddes, the area was designed with strict planning rules, resulting in uniform yet distinct streetscapes.

Architectural Marvels of Sidhpur

The havelis of Sidhpur, primarily found in the Najampura district, showcase intricate designs:

• Material & Structure: Built with wood, brick, and plaster, these mansions are designed to withstand earthquakes.
• Distinctive Features: Gabled roofs, carved doors, pilasters, and ornate overhanging jharokha windows.
• Interior Grandeur: Chandeliers, Belgian glass, Persian carpets, dark mahogany furniture, and antique decor.
• Unique Layout: Homes typically feature five linear sections, ensuring privacy and ventilation.

Cultural Reflections in Design

Photographer Sebastian Cortés, in his series Sidhpur: Time Present Time Past, captured the melancholic beauty of these historic homes. According to architect Zoyab A. Kadi, Sidhpur’s architecture is a fusion of Western elements crafted by Hindu artisans, tailored to an Islamic way of life.

Many of these mansions, with names like Zainab Mansion and Kagalwala Manor, reflect their original owners’ identities. Standouts include:

• Zaveri House (House with 365 Windows): Now in desperate need of restoration.
• Teen Khuniya (Three-Cornered House): Recognized for its unique triangular structure.

The Threat of Disappearing Heritage

In the 1970s, Sidhpur boasted at least 1,400 of these grand mansions. However, post-India’s independence, many Bohras migrated abroad, leaving their homes in the care of relatives or caretakers. Over time:

• Many houses fell into disrepair or were demolished.
• Antiques and timber were sold off.
• Legal disputes over ownership stalled restoration efforts.
• Today, fewer than 400 havelis remain inhabited.

Preserving Sidhpur’s Architectural Heritage

To combat this decline, the Sidhpur Heritage Collective was founded in 2024 by Kadi and others. The initiative aims to:

• Document the town’s rich architectural history.
• Conduct workshops and guided tours.
• Advocate for conservation efforts, despite the absence of protective heritage laws in India.

While attempts to repurpose the mansions as homestays or cultural hubs have yet to gain momentum, Kadi remains hopeful: “Sidhpur has more to offer than just its mansions—from a rich culinary culture to temples and mosques. The preservation of its heritage depends on public will and funding.”

As time takes its toll on these architectural wonders, the urgency to protect Sidhpur’s unique cultural legacy grows stronger. Without intervention, this extraordinary town may fade into history, leaving only memories of its grand past.

Source

The post Sidhpur’s Abandoned Mansions: A Glimpse into India’s Forgotten Luxury appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

This weekend, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris will mark its grand reopening after the devastating fire of 2019. The occasion will be filled with ceremonies that bring the iconic landmark back to life, including the ceremonial opening of its doors, the revival of its powerful organ, and the first Mass held within its walls since the fire. These televised and carefully planned events will highlight both the resilience of France and the global significance of the cathedral.

The reopening ceremonies will begin on Saturday evening with Archbishop Laurent Ulrich leading over 1,500 guests in a special service. The following day, Sunday, will feature an inaugural Mass, complete with sacred rituals to consecrate the main altar.

The Great Doors Open

One of the most symbolic moments will come when Archbishop Ulrich taps on Notre Dame’s grand doors with his crosier, or bishop’s staff, to officially open them. This staff, designed specifically for the occasion by Sylvain Dubuisson, is made from wood salvaged from the cathedral’s roof, which collapsed during the fire.

In response to the archbishop’s knock, the cathedral will come alive with song as its choirs fill the space. The doors will then open, allowing guests to enter past the sculptures of biblical figures that adorn the cathedral’s entrance.

Reawakening the Organ

The sound of Notre Dame’s grand organ has been silent since the fire, when toxic dust from the lead roofing coated its 8,000 pipes. After the door-opening ceremony, the archbishop will awaken the organ with a series of eight commands, beginning with “Awaken, organ, sacred instrument: Sing the praise of God.”

Four organists will take turns playing the organ’s vast array of sounds. Seated at a newly renovated console, the organists will respond with improvised music based on their mood and the audience’s reactions. Olivier Latry, one of the organists, explains that while he has some ideas, the music will change depending on the moment, the atmosphere, and the crowd’s energy.

The organ’s meticulous re-tuning took about six months, with the pipes being cleaned and reassembled during late-night sessions to avoid disturbing the surrounding area.

Global Support for Restoration

Before the fire, fundraising for Notre Dame’s renovation had been slow. But the tragedy sparked an outpouring of support from around the world. Over 340,000 people from more than 150 countries donated a total of €846 million ($364 million), demonstrating the global affection for the cathedral, which is considered a cultural treasure by people of all faiths.

Michel Picaud, a fundraising committee member, recalls receiving 400 donations an hour, causing his smartphone to crash. He emphasized that Notre Dame belongs to everyone, not just the people of Paris, as evidenced by the donations from around the world. His nonprofit, Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris, raised $57 million from 50,000 international donors, many from the United States.

At the reopening, wealthy donors and dignitaries will join the ceremony alongside others who have benefited from charitable efforts. “The poorest among Parisians, those helped by charitable associations, will also be there,” said Rev. Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, the cathedral’s rector.

A Renewed Cathedral for a New Era

Although work continues on the exterior, the cathedral’s interior has been magnificently restored. The limestone walls have been cleaned, and the vaulted ceilings that collapsed in the fire have been repaired. New furnishings, including a replacement altar, have been added. The new altar stands where the original was destroyed when the cathedral’s spire collapsed in the blaze.

The rector notes that the cathedral has never looked more splendid, with the restored stonework, vibrant stained glass windows, and freshly cleaned artworks. “No one alive has seen the cathedral look like this,” he said, reflecting on the stunning transformations.

As the cathedral reopens, it stands not only as a symbol of spiritual significance but as a testament to resilience, a shared cultural heritage, and the collective effort of people worldwide.

Source

The post A New Beginning for Notre Dame: What to Expect at the Reopening appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.