“As I walk through the narrow lanes, I often wonder how I ended up here? Just like so many other widows in Vrindavan. Basically, I came here for peace and a place to stay after being left by my family. But this so-called home is nothing like what people say!
To start with, we live in cramped quarters, with little access to proper healthcare or sanitation facilities. Also, our days are long, with few opportunities for work or engagement. The support we get isn’t great either. However, I hear about a new project – one that could bring change, offer skill development and a sense of belonging.
This place could be more than just a roof over our heads! Eventually, it could be a chance to rebuild our lives, to learn, to heal and to connect with others. Perhaps this architectural intervention could help us move beyond survival, providing not just physical shelter but emotional and social empowerment too. And I, just like other widows in Vrindavan look forward to it.”
Top Insights
Context of Vrindavan
Historic towns aren’t just about old buildings stacked with history, right? They’re also about the people and the vibes, the festivals and even the spiritual gatherings. Take Vrindavan in northern India, for example. It’s basically a super popular spot in the Mathura district by the Yamuna river, known for its spiritual significance.
Moreover, Vrindavan is known for its Krishna Leelas, especially from his childhood. In fact, one of his most famous Leelas; the Raasleela with the gopis, symbolizes love and divinity like none other! Yet with this sacred narrative lies an often overlooked chapter – the lives of the widows in Vrindavan!
Quick Fact: A survey found that nearly 60% of Vrindavan’s widow population suffers from chronic illnesses like arthritis, asthma, and diabetes.
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Issues of the Widows in Vrindavan
Vrindavan, often known as the city of widows, surprisingly has around 15,000 to 20,000 women living there. In fact, most of them come from Bengal and Odisha, just to seak refuge in Krishna’s blessings. But sadly, their living situations aren’t even humane!
Like, some live in cramped spaces, others suffer from poor ventilation! Some spaces have lesser sanitation, while others have non-stop water pouring from the roof. But that’s not all! Below are some other lesser-known problems I, Parmeet Kaur, observed in Vrindavan:
- Overcrowding in Rooms & Dormitories: Literally, 10–15 women share a single room with no proper hygiene, amenities, ventilation, etc.
- Lack of vocational training and opportunities for those who wish to acquire skills and work.
- Most widows in Vrindavan are malnourished; They receive only one meal a day, that too from temple donations.
- Not many staff members are actually trained for the job they’re supposed to do, especially when it comes to taking care of elderly women.
- The physical infrastructure is terrible, and the bathrooms are unhygienic.
- The government has set up some support for widows, but the salaries (around INR 300-500 per month) are pretty low and delayed.
- Uneducated widows often end up begging outside the temples for their daily bread
Quick Fact: Over 80% of widows in Vrindavan live below the poverty line, surviving on meager pensions (if available) and donations to make ends meet.
Why is My Proposed Architectural Intervention Necessary?
So, there already are a lot of NGOs and welfare organizations working for the upliftment of the widows in Vrindavan. But the rising number of widows is really straining the available resources and short funds. Believe it or not, over 90% of the widows still live in cramped ashrams and unhygienic huts!
This sad image really calls for an architectural intervention to uplift their lives and spirits. Like, we need a cozy spot for widows to connect and break that isolation with some great social spaces. And luckily, I’ve got an idea to make it happen!
I, Parmeet Kaur, a final-year architecture student, propose an intervention that helps widows feel supported in a community. Basically, the idea is to give them better housing, skill training and health services.
Moreover, there’ll be spaces for socializing and work, perhaps wick or incense stick making for more financial independence & social dignity. Like, this project aims for a lasting impact, helping them rediscover their lost identities.
Site Selection & Analysis for the Proposed Intervention for the Widows in Vrindavan
As an architect, I’ve chosen a site that really fits the social and community inclusion vibe I wanted for my project – ‘the Shri Rang Mandir.’ So, Seth Govind Das ji and Seth RadhaKrishna ji built this Shri Goda Rangamannar temple in 1851. It’s located right in the heart of Vrindavan and has a mix of South Indian and Rajputana architecture.
Plus, it’s super close to the historic center, making it a great spot for locals and visitors alike. In fact, this is the only site that allows for a seamless integration of the widows in Vrindavan with the local community.
Moreover, the site sites close to the Parikrama Marg, a 10 km stretch that connects a bunch of historically significant temples, drawing in tourists, pilgrims, and widows. Plus, it has a supportive community vibe with nearby temples that boost local businesses.
Design Development & Architecture
The project is like a metaphorical representation of a knot. Like basically it symbolizes a barrier that says, “only those who are part of my world will really get what I’m all about.”
It’s all about giving widows a chance to have a special experience at the center, away from outside judgment, helping them regain their dignity. The knot acts as a central element, creating cozy spaces while keeping them separate from the outside world. The Parikrama marg serves as the spine of the entire project, leading widows and visitors onto a thoughtful journey.
Design Outcome of the Proposed Architectural Intervention for the Widows in Vrindavan
- Familiar architectural features, like traditional courtyards and local materials, would make them feel right at home with a warm sense of belonging.
- A progression of open spaces, from private to semi-private courtyards might boost interaction through nature and healing.
- Light and shadow are super important for making a healing space feel more human, right? So, natural skylights and pergolas, along with some cool shadow effects, might heal a majority of the widows in Vrindavan.
So, as you saw, the proposed design intervention has it all! There’s an exhibition area, a vocational training center, a medical center, and housing units. Plus, the zoning is carefully designed, with the training center and exhibition area on the west side for easy access. Even the housing units are on the north and east sides for more sunlight and fresh air.
FAQs
The housing plan is for about 150-200 women, which is around 5 percent of the yearly influx of women to Vrindavan. But since the design is modular, it’s really easy to replicate it to help out some more women in the long run.
So, the proposed intervention plans to bring widows together in a friendly community where they can find better homes, learn new skills, and access healthcare. This project is all about making a lasting difference, helping them take back their identities.
Conclusion
As you saw, the situation for widows in Vrindavan really shows how messed up society can be, with many women feeling abandoned and alone. Even though some NGOs and local groups are doing their best to help out, there are still a ton of challenges to tackle.
That’s why the proposed architectural intervention by me, Parmeet Kaur from MITSOA, seems to be the best solution!
So, the plan is all about giving these women their dignity back, helping them feel empowered, and giving them the tools to rebuild their lives. Plus, it would tackle the socio-economic issues faced by women, once essential to the town’s spiritual narrative as ‘Sakhis.’ This project could totally change how people see the widows in Vrindavan, giving them hope and belonging.
What do you think? Can interventions like these transform their lives? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
About Me
Parmeet Kaur
Parmeet Kaur is a final-year architecture student passionate aboutcreating socially meaningful spaces. Architectural journalism, to me, is the art ofnarrating the built environment—it's about more than just structures; it's about thestories, culture, and communities they represent.