Placemaking Week India 2024 – Temple Townmaking

Temples in India have long been integral to the public sphere, serving as free and authentic gathering places for individuals and families. They are not only hubs of spirituality but also centres of community life. Scenic locations near water bodies or on lush hillsides, these sacred sites pulsate with life, attracting visitors of all generations.
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Temple towns have given rise to thriving artisan communities, from goldsmiths to weavers, producing not only religious offerings but also exquisite art for residents and pilgrims. These sacred places are economic and cultural anchors, fostering unique trade clusters and drawing in performers, musicians, and delectable cuisine. They’re quiet havens for children to study and leisure getaways for working-class women. Beyond their structural beauty, temples preserve cultural heritage through classical performances and lively festivals, drawing thousands of pilgrims to the surrounding streets.

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Madurai, an ancient temple town dating to the 6th century, is celebrated for its architectural grandeur and rich legends centered around the powerful deity Meenakshi. The city’s concentric layout follows Shilpa Shastra guidelines, and it’s historically known as the “City of the Night.”

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Meenakshi Amman Temple serves as a dynamic hub, fostering social, cultural, religious, and economic connections among the people of Madurai and beyond, enhancing community and quality of life.

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From February 10 to 14, 2024, placemakers from India and abroad will convene for Placemaking Week India, themed around Temple Townmaking and set against the vibrant backdrop of Madurai. Here, we hope to explore the unique, ‘organic’ public spaces intrinsic to temple precincts and tackle local place challenges. We aim to incorporate placemaking principles and practices in Madurai to create a more inclusive and culturally rich city for residents and visitors alike.

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Placemaking Week India 2024 will showcase how historic and religious sites can be integrated into the urban fabric and serve as dynamic public spaces that transcend their primary functions.