Last month saw the launch of what promises to be an annual fixture – a celebration of Pondicherry’s heritage. Directly inspired by the Madras Week celebrations, it was spurred on by the recent collapse of the historic Mairie building in that city. The festival was very successful as far as a beginning went, with excellent participation by residents, conservationists and, above all, elected representatives. While this calls for deserved congratulations all around, it is also time for some reflection on how the event can be improved and taken forward in the future.

Unlike Chennai, where the battle for heritage conservation is more often than not a lost cause and the occasional victory is of the pyrrhic variety, Pondicherry has much going for it. For one, heritage enthusiasts and conservationists are not forever set on a collision course with the Government. That was reflected in the presence of the elected representatives at the festival. And, what’s more, the Government has promised all possible help for the conduct of future festivals of this kind. That is not something that has happened in Chennai, despite Madras Week having seen eight editions thus far.

Secondly, owing to its never having expanded into a full metro, Pondicherry has retained a lot of its heritage. Most of the old buildings are still standing, especially in the White Town. There is also a strong realisation that tourism is a source of income for the city and this is being encouraged. While this may have resulted in an overdose of showcasing – too many coffee shops, restaurants, bistros and bed-and-breakfast places, it is a refreshing change to see at least one Indian city that looks at development differently, as something that can be done even while retaining and putting the past to creative re-use.

That said, the festival needs to broadbase itself if it is to survive in the long run. It is currently restricted entirely to the old White Town. The other half – Black Town – was conspicuous by its absence. The only exception from the latter was Ananda Ranga Pillai’s house, which was highlighted but there again it was only his connection with the French that was presented. This will not do. One of the reasons why Madras Week has sustained thus far is that efforts have been on to take it to all parts of the city. Even the reluctant northern wards have been roped in, albeit with marginal response, thanks to the repeated conduct of heritage talks and walks, besides events in schools. These have gone a long way in promoting awareness.

Another observation is that the local participation in the event’s organisation in Pondicherry was at best muted. The catalysts are mainly people from North India or abroad who have made Pondicherry their base. This does run the risk of getting the festival depicted as an isolated celebration by a group that has no local roots. Getting people whose families have lived in Pondicherry for generations to become involved can change this. The festival can also make an effort to get the temples of Pondicherry highlighted – some such as the Manakkula Vinayakar shrine need no publicity, but others, such as the temple for Sengazhuneer Amman, which too is old, could do with some attention. The participation of schools in greater number would also bring in the parents, thereby making it a people’s event.

In sum, we would give the Pondicherry heritage festival the thumbs up sign while, at the same time, patting the organisers of Madras Week on the back. The surest sign of success is when others begin to emulate an example.