shri krsna

People from all over the world come to India for

spiritual or cultural tourism

Varanasi, Vaishno Devi, Haridwar, Tirupati Balaji, Jagannath Puri, Rameshwaram, Golden

Temple, Bodh Gaya, St. Xavier’s Church of Old Goa, Ajmer Sharif, Nizamuddin, Braj-

Vrindavan are some sought after destinations

While most destinations are shrine-centric, Braj Bhoomi spreads across 5000 sq km and

has a lot to offer

50 million tourists come to Braj annually

Taj Mahal receives merely 6 million tourists a year

Braj is the land of Lord Krishna, propounder of world famous

Srimad Bhagvad Gita

Despite this Braj is grossly neglected …

… it needs facelift to become

a world class

tourism destination

Historic efforts to restoreHeritage sites in Braj

by

The Braj FoundationNew Delhi Vrindavan Lucknow Jaipur

www.brajfoundation.org

Brahma Kund, VrindavanHad become garbage dumping ground for 200 years

Brahma Kund, Vrindavanafter restoration

“It is a tribute to what can be done with people’s participation. An excellent initiative, it would be our effort to support it in all possible manner.”

Chief Secretary Govt. of UP

“I had the opportunity to see the restoration of a heritage site (Brahm Kund) done by The Braj Foundation. It is a commendable work done with great sensitivity”

SecretaryPlanning Commission of India

Where is Braj?

Located some 115 Kms from Delhi on the Delhi – Agra national highway

The entire region lies well within the Golden triangle of Delhi – Jaipur – Agra

Spans across the Mathura district of UP, Bharatpur district of Rajasthan and Palwal district of Haryana Raj.

Haryana UP

How big is Braj ?

Covers an expanse of 5000 sq. Km

centering around Vrindavan

Comprises of over 1300 villages

Over 1000 traditional water bodies

(Kunds)

137 sacred forests (Van)

18000 acres of Hilly terrain with

numerous sacred heritage sites

Major tourism centers of Braj

Mathura

Vrindavan

Gokul-Mahavan

Baldeo

Barsana

Nandgaon

Goverdhan

Deeg

Kaman

Hodal etc.

Braj’s Key Assets

Kunds

Forests

HeritagesHills

Unique Rural society

Land of vibrant cultural traditions and festivals

The villages of Braj are replete with innumerable festivals showcasing the rich culture and tradition of the region round the year.

These festivals should be made the basis of all tourism activities in the region.

The Braj Foundation has an extensive documentation of these festivals literary, video recordings and other formats.

HOLI NAUKA UTSAV

RADHA ASHTAMI CHHAPAN BHOG

Over 6000 magnificent temples and holy shrines associated with Sri

Radha Krishna

Braj had 137 transcendental Groves

Darshan Van, Badhauta Gahvarvan, Barsana

BelvanBhandir Van

All these groves are associated with the numerous leelas of

Sri Radha & Krishna

Brahma Hill, Barsana

The Majestic Landscapes of Braj

Heritage Sites spread all over the hills of Braj

Ashtasakhi Hills, Barsana

The splashing beauty of Braj

Radha Baoli, Vrindavan

Patit Pavan Kund, Gokul

Chandra Sarovar, Goverdhan

Kishori Kund, Bijwari

Braj – the Cultural Capital of India

All forms of Indian music, literature, arts - dances, architecture, cuisine, crafts, theatre and other aspects of culture have distinct influence of Braj.

Mohini AttamOdissi

Manipuri Kathakali

KuchipudiKathak

Kalamkari

TanjorePata Chitra Miniature

All the sacred hills mentioned in Indian scriptures are situated in

Braj

Gangotri, BadrinathGandhmadan Parvat

Nar ParvatGoverdhan Hill

All these hills are connected to one or the other pastimes of

Krishna

GangotriYamunotri

BadrinathKedarnath

All the pilgrim centers of India have their prototype in Braj

Fisalini Shila Saugandhini Shila

Bhojan Thali,

Leela sthalies on hills of Braj

Picturesque ghats of river Yamuna

Keshi Ghat, Vrindavan

Vishram Ghat, Mathura

Numerous leelas were preformed at the banks of Yamuna

Unfortunatelythis vast heritage is lying neglected, widely ignored and is nearing extinction

Hills were being blasted out

The Times of India, New DelhiFriday, February 4, 2005

Rajsthan PatrikaAlawar 2 April, 2005

Plight of Ancient Kunds Out of over 1000 only 20% have survived

Lalita Madhav Kund, LodholiNayan Sarovar, Kaaman

Subhadra Kund

Brahma Kund, Vrindavan had been encroached

Sordid condition of Rudra Kund Dilapidated Jalmahal, Barsana

Poor state of Braj grovesOnly 3 of 137 have survived

Gutter gushing out in Yamuna

Ancient Ghats encroached upon

Sewage all around banks

Drains flowing out in the river

The sordid state of Yamuna10 million times more polluted than it’s tolerance limit

Devotees spend crores of rupees in temples.

But they ignore the fact that the transcendental pastimes

of the Divine Couple Sri Radha Krishna were not performed in the famous

temples, posh ashrams or guest houses of Braj-Vrindavan

They were rather performed in the Forests on the banks of river Yamuna

at the numerous Kunds on the holy hills

Hills & Groves are the real temples of Braj

na: purao janapda na ga`amaa gaRhavayama\

ina%yaM vanaaOksatat vanaSaOlainavaaisana:

EaImad\Baagavat 10.24.24

“The cities, the cultured lands nor the villages their houses are ours, we are the forest people dear father, we always live in the forests and on the hills”.

Krishna to Nand Baba

Krishna - the primordial environmentalist

Eating Mud - Earth Punishing Kaliya - Water Drinking forest fire - Fire

Killing Trinavarta - Air Killing Vyomasur - Space

Devotees of Krishna should follow His footsteps and restore

the environment and cultural heritage of Braj.

So, what isthe way out

?

Restoration of over 1000 Kunds, Revival of 137 forests, Protection and forestation of hills, Dredging & restoration of river

Yamuna, Conservation of heritage buildings Promotion of organic farming Development of tourist infrastructure

An all round development of Braj comprising of :

The Braj FoundationHeritage, Community, Environment

Vision: To restore the pristine glory and grandeur of Braj as a model rural society

Founders

Mr. Alfred FordDirectorFord Motor Foundation Detroit, USA

Mr. Suresh NeotiaChairman,Gujarat Ambuja Cement, Kolkata

Mr. Hrishikesh MafatlalCEO,Arvind Mafatlal Group, Mumbai

Mr. Kamal MorarkaChairman, Gannon Dunkerley & Co. Mumbai & Ex Minister PM Office

Mr. Vineet NarainSr. Journalistwww.vineetnarain.net

Chairman, Vineet Narain, (www.vineetnarain.net), New Delhi – Vrindavan

Exe. Dir. (Tourism), Sanat Kaul, IAS (1971), Ex-CMD, Delhi Tourism Dev. Corp.

Exe. Dir. (HRD), Abhijit Gupta, B.Tech (IIT), M.Tech (USA), MD, Case New Holland

Const. Equip. India Ltd. Indore

Exe. Dir. (Corp. Affairs), Rajat Jain, IIT (D), IIM (A), MD Xerox India Ltd.

Exe. Dir. (Legal & Admin. Affairs), Rajneesh Kapur, New Delhi

Project Director, R K Gautam, B Tech. Civil, Vrindavan

Project Manager, Bipin Vyas & Bhupender Mathuria, Vrindavan

Project Coordinator, Gaurav K Gola, B. Sc. (Hons), MBA, New Delhi – Vrindavan

Architect, Shalini Dasgupta, M. Arch. (SPA), New Delhi

Landscape Designer, Shyam Singh, M. Arch. (SPA), Horticulturist

Executive Team

The Developmental ModelAn all round integrated development of Braj comprising of :

Strategic Partnerships

Accomplishments so far….

1.Restoration of 46 Ancient Water Bodies in

different stages

2.Revival of 2 Groves, work on 4 more in

progress

3.Protection of Hills & Regeneration of Green

Cover

4.Master planning of Braj for UP Govt.

5.Restoration of 3 heritage buildings

6.Audio-visual documentation of Braj culture

7. Drinking water supply projects in some

villages

8. Exhaustive scientific survey of Braj

region

9. World-wide awareness campaign about

the plight of Braj

10.Nine grand Braj Mahotsavs in different

parts of the country

11.Special legislations for Braj protection

Kund restoration

The Braj Foundation wins 2nd time the best NGO award supported by UNESCO for revival of water bodies

Distinguished Water NGO 2012-13

Best Water NGO 2012-13

Best Water NGO 2010-11

The Braj Foundation’s

Kund Restoration Process Mobilizing the local community Necessary permission & go-ahead from

District Administration Survey of the Kund site Preparation of detailed restoration plan Pumping out the dirty water, if any De-silting of the Kund Repair/ construction of side walls, ghats Plantation Beautification

Professional Planning ApproachStep 1: Listing of Sites

Step 2: Satellite Imagery Analysis

Step 3: Revenue Map Analysis

Step 4: Physical Land Survey Step 5: Hydrological Plan

Step 6: Architectural Plans

Kunds of Braj are plotted on satellite map

by The Braj Foundation

More than 46 Kunds in different stages of restoration

Gomti Ganga, Kosi Pawan Sarovar, Nandgaon Vrishbhanu Kund, Barsana Dohini Kund, Chiksauli Sangam Kund, Khayara Vihval Kund, Sanket Nayan Sarovar, Seu Chandrasarovar, Chaumuha Kamdev Kund, Hatana Padma Kund, Kumudvan Gaya Kund, Kaman Roop Kund, Barsana Jai Kund, Jait Mohan Kund, Vanchari Gadbadri Kund Vimal Kund, Kaman

Madhuvan Kund Lohvan Kund, Lohvan 2 Kunds at Kamai Ratna Kund, Dabhaala Garud Govind Kund,

Chhatikara Radha Sarovar, Manpur Mansa Kund, Pasauli Govind Kund, Vrindavan Madhuri Kund Brahm Kund, Chaumuha Vihar Kund, Chiksauli Brahm Kund, Vrindavan Ratnakar Kund, Kosi Ramtal, Sunrakh Rudra Kund, Jatipura Jawahar Kund, Sakitara Suraj Kund, Julhendi

………

Gomati Ganga, KosiFinancial support by Dr. Ramjilal Shastri & citizens of Kosi

Before

After

Total Expenditure Incurred: Rs 40 lakhs

Proposed plan of Gomti Ganga

Shiv Taal, Mathura

During restoration

After restoration

Radha Sarovar, Barsana

Restoration work at Mohan Kund Vanchari (Hodal,

Haryana)

Restoration work at Roop Kund, Barsana

Anjani Kund, Bhulvana, Haryana

Before

After

Jalmahal,Vrishbhanu Kund, Barsana Before restoration

Vrishbhanu Kund, Barsana

Before

Financial support by Shri Rajeev Shukla, Shri B P Singhal, Shri Balbir Punj (Members of Rajya

Sabha) & Mafatlal family,

After Total Expenditure incurred: Rs 35 lakhs

Organizing Festivals at restored Kund sites

Barsana Mahotsava 2006 Barsana Mahotsava 2007

Sharad Mahotsava 2006 Barsana Mahotsava 2007

Before

Desilting: 2,360 cum

Govind Kund,

Vrindavan

After

Jai Kund, Jait

Before restoration

During restoration

Desilting: 25,500 cum

Jai Kund, Jait

After de-silting

Proposed plan for Jai Kund

Dohini Kund, Chiksoli Financial support

Shri Kamal Morarka, Ex Minister PMO

Before

After Restoration

Dohini Kund, Chiksoli

Developed with the financial support of Govt. of India

Brahma Kund, Vrindavan

Before

Had become garbage dumping ground for 200 years

After restoration

Financial support Shri Ajay Piramal, Mumbai

This Kund was turned into a field

Chandra Sarovar, Chaumuha (NH-2)

Lord Brahma, appeared before Krishna and begged forgiveness

74

Chandra Sarovar restoration work in progress

Development plan of Chandra Sarovar

Proposed bird eye view of Chandra Sarovar

Krishna Sarovar, Baad (NH-2) Lord Krishna bathed here with Balarama after killing Dhenukasur

and took rest under the banyan tree

This Kund was turned into a field

Krishna Sarovar restoration work in progress

Development plan of Krishna Sarovar

Proposed bird eye view of Krishna Sarovar

Rudra Kund, Jatipura (Goverdhan)

Before

Work in progress

Restoration work in progress

Encroachments of Rudra Kund being removed

Restoration work in progress

Foundation stone of Rudra Kund being laid

Rudra Kund development plan

Development plan of Rudra Kund

Shadow of Rudra Yantra in kund water

Work in progress

De-silting in progress

Demolition of unauthorised constructions

at Rudra Kund

De-Watering of

stagnant dirty water

in the Rudra Kund

Historic well un-earthed after de-silting and the same is being restored

De-silting at the Rudra Kund in full swing

Wall repair work

Marking for the construction of ghats

Construction of Ghats

Construction of Ghats at Rudra Kund

Construction of nallah for

diversion of drain water of Jatipura village

Construction of Ghats at Rudra

Kund

Fixing of Chain Link fencing at

Rudra Kund

Construction of Ghats at Rudra Kund

Sankarshan Kund, Anyor, GoverdhanPlight of the site

Inauguration of the Restoration

Temporary tank for collection of village dirty water at the corner of the kund

Diversion of village’s dirty water drain falling into the kund

Chairman TBF, inspecting work progress in Feb 2013

4 Kms long Kachcha Drain to carry out dirty water of the kund

Sankarshan Kund, Anyor, Goverdhan de-watering work in progress

Earth movers in action removing muddy silt

Thick layer of plastic (non disposable waste) at the

base of kund

De-silting work in progress

Foundation’s JCBs submerged 7 times in the muddy bed. Heavy Duty Cranes were pressed

into action to pull them out

De-silting in progress

Media person and village leaders discussing the encroachment issue in May 2013

Sankarshan Kund, Anyor, Goverdhan marking work in progress

Sankarshan Kund, Anyor, Goverdhan masonry work in progress

Kund’s Toe Wall construction work in progress

Work in progress

Villagers discussing the problem of encroachment with the

Chairman of The Braj Foundation

7’x 5’ size Chain Link Fencing Frames (286) are being installed at the boundary wall of the kund to protect and beautify the Kunds

Heavy rains hamper the work

Construction of Ghats

Sankarshan Kund taking shape

Another view of the kund

Proposed Development Plan

15 Meter wide public Ghat

Kund parapet wall section design

Fencing desin

Rain water harvesting design

Proposed Development Plan of Sankarshan Kund

Proposed Development Plan of Sankarshan Kund

Airavat Kund, Goverdhan

Foundation’s earthmovers removing siltBefore de-silting

Collecting garbage Splashing water after de-silting

Yashoda Kund, Nandgaon

Yashoda Kund, NandgaonInauguration

Yashoda Kund, Nandgaon

Yashoda Kund, Nandgaon

Restoration work in

progress

Yashoda Kund, Nandgaon

Restoration work in progress

Yashoda Kund, Nandgaon

Restoration work in

progress

Architectural Drawing

Architecture & landscape drawing

Kund area = 4191.87 Sqm

Plantation area = 7838.00 Sqm

Parikamapath = 442.00 Sqm

Ram Taal, Sunrakh (Vrindavan)

Before De- silting During De- silting

2700 years old Kund emerges after digging

Shri Kamal Morarka, the donorinspecting de-silting work

Ancient wall excavated Mediapersons visiting the site

Ram Taal, Vrindavan After De-silting

Rain water being filled from catchment area

Foundation’s equipments in action

Donated by Mr. Kamal Morarka

Historic surveys done of Braj region

Survey of over 2000 acres of heritage sites completed, and detailed technical survey of over 400 ancient water bodies completed, more ongoing.

The Braj Foundation is working for the

Restoration of groves

Survey of Groves

The survey of the 48 prominent groves of Braj has been completed by The Braj Foundation

The survey of remaining 89 groves of Braj is being done by the foundation.

A task no official agency has ever undertaken

Darshan Van

The Braj Foundation has identified and

located all the 137 sacred groves of 4

different categories in Braj

Gahvarvan, Barsana Before restoration

This has been the condition of protected forest of UP Govt. before its restoration

During restoration

Gahvarvan, Barsana

During restoration

Gahvarvan, Barsana

Pathway being laid

After restoration with the financial support of Indian Oil Corporation

Gahvarvan after revival

164

Gahvarvan after revival

Leela Dioramas in Gahvarvan

Restoration of Seva KunjBefore restoration

During restoration

Restoration of Parikrama Path, Seva Kunj Vrindavan

Before restoration

During restoration

After restoration

Before restoration

During restoration

Restoration of Lalita Kund, Seva Kunj

After restoration

Restoration of Lalita Kund water fall, Seva Kunj

Before restoration During

restoration

After restoration

Restoration of Lalita Kund ChatriBefore restoration

After restoration

Restoration of Seva Kunj, Vrindavan

Middle path before restoration

After restoration

Restoration of Seva Kunj

Mr. Ajay Piramal, Chairman Piramal Group looking at Seva

Kunj restoration work

Exterior of the boundary wall being face lifted

Proposed plan of restoration

Proposed bird eye view of Sevakunj

Heritage Buildings of Braj

Innumerable heritage buildings of Braj are in a dilapidated condition and on the

brink of destruction due to decades of neglect and blatant land grabbing. The

Braj Foundation is working towards systematically surveying, documenting

and restoring these structures.

Jal Mahal at Vrishbhanu Kund, Barsana Restoration

Successfully restored Koile Ghat of Yamuna from where Vasudev ji on the night of Janmashtami took infant Krishna across Yamuna to Gokul.

Yamuna started rising to touch the feet of Krishna. Vasudev ji screamed for help “Koi Le – Koi Le”. Someone hold my child. Hence the ghat is known as Koile Ghat. It was neglected for centuries.

Koile Ghat of Yamuna

Restoration of Koile Ghat, Mathura

Inaugurated on 29th Sept 2009

by Mrs. Ranjana Kumar, Member, CVC of India

The Braj Foundation’ crusade against illegal mining in the heritage hills of

Braj

The Braj Foundation got done the satellite study of the entire Braj region by experts of IIT Roorkee & NRSA Hyderabad.

Mass mobilization of Brajwasis to save Braj Hills

After a prolonged struggle of five years, Braj Foundation finally succeeded in getting the 72 sq Km area of Braj hills declared as protected forest by the Rajasthan Govt.

Hills of Braj got declared as reserve forests

Satellite mapping of the heritage sitessituated on the Hills of Braj

Ratnagiri Hill Restorationfinancial support by UNDP

The Costs Involved

The estimated cost for the development of 1 acre of hilly terrain into a green pasture comes out to be around Rs 1,00,000

Economics of Hill Restoration The foundation’s study

reveals that the hills of Braj have a sloping area of around 72 sq. kms which translates into 17,800 acres.

At an average cost of Rs 1Lakh per acre these hills can be developed into pasture lands

With an investment of Rs 180 crores, out of which the majority of the amount would be spent on human labor, the fodder worth 19 crore will be produced annually

Braj Foundation in association with Illinois University (USA) did an exhaustive study of Goverdhan hill and is now pursuing the UNESCO to declare it as World Heritage Site.

Goverdhan development

Traffic Management

Vision:To develop a corridor by optimising connectivity (pedestrian and vehicular) capitalising on transportation/mobility options and rationalising parking with the high load of pilgrims on festival days.

Problem identification:• Vehicular road over giriraj ji not justified • heavy congestion of traffic• Same road for parikrama and vehicular

movement leading to chaos and accidents.• Lack of designated parking facilities• Air pollution • noise and environmental hazards.

Planning strategies:• Designated parking facilities on major roads

leading to giriraj ji.• Develop a peripheral rail network around

giriraj ji.• Reducing vehicular load on parikrama path.• Realignment of road network so that there

is no vehicular movement over giriraj ji.• Defined parikrama path with civic facilities.

Road re-alignment

VEHICULAR ROAD

PARIKRAMA PATH

PROPOSED CONNECTING ROAD

Parikrama Path

Present Condition

Proposed

Charanamrit Kund

Open Drain Near Charanamrit Kund

Developmental Plan

Section

Present Condition

Proposed development plan of Charanamrit Kund

Tackling the drinking water crisis in Braj

85 % of the ground water in Braj is saline. Unfortunately the salinity starts from the upper layer of water table

TBF’s Drinking water supply Project Chiksauli & Manpur villages (Barsana)Financial support by IOCL & OIDB

Villagers enjoying the safe drinking water after 60 years of independence

Creating world-wide awareness about Braj

Culture

A presentation to the Chief Election Commissioner of India,Chief Vigilance Commissioner, Secretary General Rajya Sabha & other senior

officials at New Delhi

Organizing cultural evenings showcasing

the Braj Culture

Successfully organized Nine high profile Braj Mahotsavs across India for building awareness and promoting culture of Braj.

Braj Maahotsav

Braj Maahotsav

H.E. Mr. Narsimhan, Governor of Andhra Pradesh

inaugurating Braj Mahotsav, Hyderabad -2011

Folk Artists from Braj performing Raas Lila in Braj Mahotsav

Hyderabad -2011

Braj Maahotsav

Folk Artists from Braj performing Flower Holi Lila

Braj Mahotsav (Hyderabad -2011)

Kawwals performing Krishna Bhajans composed by Muslim devotees,

Braj Mahotsav (Hyderabad -2011)

Braj Mahotsavs

Presentation to Cabinet Ministers

Mr. Kapil Sibal Mrs. Ambika Soni

Mr. C. P. Joshi Mr. Salman Khurshid

Presentation to Political leaders

Mr. Narendra Modi Mrs. Sushma Swaraj

Mr. L K Advani & others Mr. Rajnath Singh & others

Meeting with C.M. Akhilesh Yadav U.P.

Foreign diplomats watching PPT in TBF’s office

Mr. S. Shimamori, Cultural Attaché of Japan

Dr. Benedictt Alliott, Cultural Attaché of France

Ms. Vyantimala, Deputy Head of Mission, Republic of Surinam

Mr. Carl G Svensson, Counsellor (Head), Development Coorperation

Section, Embassy of Sweden

A presentation at Raj Bhawan, Bangalore

Mobilizing the local community

Prabhat pheris have started off in over 780 villages out of 1300. The remaining villages are being

covered.

Volunteers of the foundation

managing public events.

Produced several films and serials depicting Braj culture by training rural

youth.These programmes have been aired on DD I & other channels

Master Planning of Braj

TBF is now inspiring the governments of Haryana & Rajasthan for the same.

To conserve precious heritage & ensure planned development,TBF inspired UP Govt. to prepare a Master Plan for Braj in 2008.

TBF prepares Tourism Master Plan of Braj

Approved by the Govt. of UP, deeply appreciated by Secretary Planning Commission of India & other top experts of the country

UP Govt. has started implementing TBF’s recommendations for the Rs. 2000 Cr Master Plan!

Integrated Development of Braj

The Braj Foundation’s Delhi office

C-6/28 SDA, Hauz Khas, New Delhi - 110016 Tel: (011)-26566800 & 26519080

The Braj Foundation’s Vrindavan Office303, Keshav Kunj, Raman Reti, Vrindavan-281124

Tel: (0565)-2540084 & 9927337111

Braj Foundation’s workshop at Vrindavan

Sri Ramesh Baba ji of Gahvarvan, Barsana

the most belovedsaint of Brajwasis,

who never leaves Braj,accepts no disciples,

shuns opulence &composes and sings

classical & folk bhajans

Our Inspiration

How can you support us?

Please forward our website

www.brajfoundation.org

to all those who may appreciate our work.

Please donate generously through cheque/DD in favor of

The Braj Foundationpayable at New Delhi.

Please write to us if you would like to volunteer

your time or skills for the Braj cause at

The Braj Foundation C 6/28, Safdarjung Development Area

Hauz Khas, New Delhi – 110016Ph: 011- 26566800,

Email: info@brajfoundation.orgWebsite: www.brajfoundation.org

Thanks for your kind attention

www.brajfoundation.org