World's first Hindu theme park

[Guest guest]

World's first Hindu theme park

By Kathleen McCaul

 

 

Its backers describe it as the "world's biggest ever

mythological theme park". Hindu gods such as Ram,

Hanuman and Krishna will be the central attractions

for a 'Disneyland on the Ganges' in India.

 

 

The aim of the 25 acre park, called Gangadham, is to

recreate great moments in Hindu mythology through

hi-tech rides, an animated mythological museum, a

"temple city", food courts and a sound and light show.

 

 

The park is to be on the banks of the Ganges, in the

north Indian pilgrimage town of Haridwar.

 

It is where the Hindu god Vishnu is said to have left

his footprint. The town attracts more than 18 million

visitors a year.

 

"There is a huge amount of pilgrim traffic in

Haridwar," says Shiv Sagar, the project's chief

executive.

 

"People come to take a bath on the bank of the Ganga

river because it is a Hindu belief that this cleanses

a person."

 

Unusual mix

 

"But after they take a bath there is nowhere for the

pilgrims to go to learn about Hindu stories.

 

 

"Gangadham is a spiritual theme park where children

and families can go and have a good time, while

learning about stories from Hindu mythology," Mr Sagar

says.

 

Construction of the park is due to start later this

year. Mr Sagar hopes it will be ready by 2007 - in

time for the next Kumbh Mela. This huge religious

festival will take place in 2010 and is forecast to

attract up to 50 million people.

 

Although the mix of religion and entertainment may

seem unusual, Shiv Sagar is no stranger to the

combination. His grandfather, Ramanand Sagar, produced

and directed the hugely popular TV serial Ramayan.

 

The dramatisations of Hindu mythology were broadcast

around the world in 60 different languages. An

estimated 650 million people tuned in to watch.

 

"Gangadham is based on the work of my granddad. The

idea has been so popular because people already know

Dr Sagar's work and know he shows the Gods in a

respectful and devotional way," Mr Sagar told the BBC.

 

 

 

People come to take a bath on the bank of the Ganga

river because it is a Hindu belief that this cleanses

a person

Gangadham Chief Executive Shiv Sagar

 

 

Shiv has also enlisted the help of Alice Coltrane, the

wife of legendary Jazz musician John Coltrane.

 

"Alice is a very spiritual person and runs an ashram

in [Los Angeles]. She knows our family well and stays

with us when she is in India. She is one of the main

investors in the park," he said.

 

 

Mr Sagar argues that Hinduism is a religion versatile

enough to adapt to theme parks and TV shows.

 

Disrespectful

 

 

"The Hindu religion is well suited to something like

this, religions like Islam are not allowed to depict

forms but we have many different forms and

representations of Gods," he said.

 

But Gangadham does have its critics. Some say making

the Hindu Gods into figures of fun is disrespectful.

 

 

Devas Samaroo, a Hindu priest and doctor based in

London, disagrees.

 

"If a theme park means to expand on the pantheon of

Hindu philosophy, to bring understanding to people

within a limited area, to spread the knowledge of so

many deities and aspects and qualities of god... I

don't think there is anything wrong with a theme

park," he said.

 

Other people criticise the park for being built on the

Ganges - there are strict regulations to prevent

building on the banks of the river in Haridwar.

 

Remote pujas

 

The aim of the project is to build on 25 acres just by

the river.

 

"We have the full support of the government of [the

state of] Uttaranchal in terms of all the regulations

and other such aspects. They are very keen that this

project comes to Haridwar," Mr Sagar says.

 

 

 

The park is not only aimed at domestic tourists. Shiv

realises the park's potential in attracting the 25

million Indians living abroad.

 

A centre is also being planned that will enable

Indians living abroad to set up remote pujas and other

rituals over the internet.

 

News of the park caused excitement at the

Eelapathhswarar Hindu temple in Wembley, North London.

 

 

"This project sounds unique and I would like to go

with my family. If I am alive I will definitely be

there for the Kumb Mela!" said Bahi Jayadeyan,

chairman of the temple.

 

Although the park is rooted in Hinduism, Mr Sagar

wants to attract visitors of other religions too.

 

If the project takes off, it will move on to an

international level. The plan is to open parks in

Trinidad, Bali, Fiji and Thailand - and perhaps even

Orlando, Los Angeles and London.

 

Story from BBC NEWS:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4494747.stm

 

 

IMHO a "Hindu Disneyland" isn't disrespectful..unless

Lord Ganesha's mouse is named Mickey!

 

Keval