Friday, 20 May, 2022 | Afzal Fauji | Nainital
The appearance of Nainital is changing with more focus on traditional motifs. This change is happening for the first time after the national gained independence. Before independence, this town was given a predominantly Gothic appearance but now aspects of Kumaoni culture are being enhanced here.
Since the British arrived here in 1841 and became enchanted with its natural beauty, they started incorporating Gothic theme in the town. The buildings at that time were built in the Gothic style and were also considered comparable to buildings in London. An example of one such construction is the Raj Bhawan building. School and office buildings were also constructed in the Gothic style by the British. However, soon after the nation gained independence the city started degenerating due to factors like unplanned construction and haphazard developments. However, the Nainital district magistrate Dhiraaj Garbyal has taken the initiative to beautify the city in the Kumaoni style. For the past one year constructions in some parts of the city have been made in the Kumaoni style by the district administration. The two historical rickshaw stands on the two sides of the Naini lake have been beautified in the Kumaoni style. The beautified rickshaw stands are not only being appreciated by the locals but also by the tourists, many of whom can be seen clicking selfies at these sites. Major work has been done in the Khadi Bazaar area in Mallital. Stones used traditionally in constructing buildings in the mountains have been used for works in this market area. Another construction work that is eliciting focus is the open theatre. The incorporation of traditional Kumaon style in the city’s buildings and sites is being appreciated by both the locals and tourists. The district magistrate Dhiraaj Garbyal states that the Kumaoni style has its district identity. A start has been made to take this forward from Nainital city, he added.
