Prayagraj witnessed a significant step towards celebrating its storied past with the launch of its first-ever Heritage Walk. The event, a collaborative effort between the Allahabad Museum and the local organisation Dhara aur Dharohar, commenced on Wednesday from the museum premises.
A Journey Through Time Inaugurated
The heritage journey was officially flagged off by Soumya Agrawal, who holds the dual roles of Divisional Commissioner of Prayagraj and Director of the Allahabad Museum. The initiative is designed to offer participants an immersive experience of the city's vast historical, cultural, and architectural wealth through expertly guided tours and narrations.
Blending Antiquity with Modernity
Speaking at the inauguration, Agrawal emphasised Prayagraj's unique position as a representative city of Indian civilisation since ancient times. She pointed out that the city masterfully integrates art, culture, antiquity, and modernity. The core mission of the walk, she stated, is to foster a fresh perspective among both participants and the general public, enabling a deeper understanding and appreciation of Prayagraj's multifaceted heritage.
Route of the Inaugural Walk
The first walk focused on a curated trail that began with an exploration of three specific galleries within the Allahabad Museum. From there, the group proceeded to visit several prominent heritage landmarks across the city. Key sites included:
- The historic Public Library
- The iconic Vijayanagaram Hall
- The sprawling campus of the University of Allahabad
- The University's distinguished Faculty of Arts building
The event saw enthusiastic participation from a diverse group, including a delegation of women officers from the Indian Air Force, alongside senior and eminent citizens of Prayagraj.
Community Participation and Future Plans
Among the notable attendees were Kaveri Vij, Ishan and Mitali Chattopadhyay, Anushree Chauhan, and the coordinators of Dhara aur Dharohar, Vaibhav Maini and Adarsh Malviya. They were accompanied by their team members Ayush Malviya and Tanushree Chauhan.
Highlighting the forward-looking vision of the project, coordinator Vaibhav Maini confirmed that more such heritage journeys are planned for the future. The aim is to steadily strengthen public engagement with Prayagraj's invaluable cultural and historical landmarks, ensuring the city's legacy is celebrated and preserved for generations to come.