Ganges by the Bay

Banganga Tank at Walkeshwar by Karan Gajjar

As one transcends narrow windy steps of Walkeshwar dotted by shrines and maths, the journey terminates at an aquifer which is celebrated in the form of a sizable tank. Gigantic scale of this water feature is no short of a least expected surprise for a navigator. A rectangular Banganga Tank with steps on all four sides, oddly filled with portable water across the year, is sanctified by shrines and maths around it’s periphery; which collectively marks itself as an urban institution.

The tank offering portable water despite being surrounded by a notion holds tremendous importance for the residents around and it has a great religious significance. The legend says that it was Lord Laxman who had aimed at a ground and shot an arrow to bring the water of the Ganges to quench the thirst of his beloved brother Lord Rama during their journey.

In the present day urban jungle around, Banganga Tank offers a place of respite, a platform for daily household activities as well as recreational area for a large set of user groups. Banganga Tank holds its place as a platform where various social and utilitarian activities are rendered throughout the day. As the day progresses, there is a dramatic change in the way people congregate and the kind of activities performed. It is the mere presence of water in case of Banganga which sets it apart from the chaotic urban environment around, creating its own serene and sanctified micro-climate.

Photographs and Text : Karan Gajjar