Paris puts a permanent stop to ‘love locks’

The city of Paris, France, has decided, once and for all, to get rid of the hundreds of thousands of love locks that adorn the historic Pont des Arts.
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK The pedestrian bridge will be closed off between June 1 to June 7 For a week, beginning June 1, the city will begin dismantling the mesh fencing weighed down by thousands of love locks, putting an end to the practice that endangered the structural integrity of the city’s iconic pedestrian bridge and, for its staunchest critics, is tantamount to vandalism.
After politely asking tourists to refrain from affixing a lock to the bridge in a public service campaign last summer, and encouraging couples to proclaim their love with selfies instead, the city has taken a definitive stand on the ritual at the risk of disappointing lovelorn visitors.

Though details are scarce, the city says that it will be replacing the fencing with an artistic installation designed by international artists, which will remain until the fall, when permanent glass panels will be mounted on the length of the bridge.
Contrary to popular belief, love locks are not an age-old tradition or rite of passage in Paris, but one that is thought to have started a few years ago following the publication of a popular Italian romance novel, I Want You in 2006, in which a young couple affixed a padlock to the Ponte Milvio bridge in Rome, Italy, as a sign of their eternal love. Adopted by young lovers in Europe, the practice has since spread around the world, on bridges in the US, Canada, and China.
In 2012, city officials in Rome put a swift end to the practice by dispatching workers armed with bolt-cutters to clear the Ponte Milvio bridge of the emblems of love. For Paris-bound visitors, that means that the pedestrian bridge will be closed off between June 1 to June 7.

Tour of the Mumbai city

HOLY TRAIL

SPEND A DAY DISCOVERING SOME OF THE CITY’S UNIQUE PLACES OF WORSHIP — BUILT OF BELLS, BUILT FOR MARTYRS AND MORE

A typical guided tour of the city will often take you to places of worship like Siddhivinayak Temple, ISKCON Temple and so on. But there are some lesser-known places that we often miss out on. From tying bells after prayers are being answered to climbing some 1,400 stairs to reach the temple, these shrines are replete with fascinating history and folk legends.

1. Afghan Church, Colaba
Tucked away in one of the quaint lanes of Navy Nagar in Colaba, the Church of St John the Evangelist, popularly known as the Afghan Church, was built in the memory of the martyrs of the first and second Afghan wars. Not many know that this is the first Presbyterian Church built in India to commemorate a military event. Although, the church maybe found locked during most times, the verger, who lives in the premises of the church, will open the doors if you request him to. This heritage structure features eight large bells in the bell tower, which were brought in from Taylor Bell foundry of England in 1904.
 
2. Global Vipassana Pagoda, Borivali (W)

Opened in 2009, this temple is relatively new. It is situated in Gorai, and is dedicated to the teachings of Gautam Buddha — peace, harmony and meditation. The pagoda stores the antique artefacts of Buddha, which are believed to emit positive vibrations. Hundreds of people come here in search of peace. You can make an interesting journey to the monument by availing of a ferry boat from the Gorai jetty. Also, adventure lovers can have a ball at EsselWorld and Water Kingdom that are at a walking distance from the pagoda.

3. Shri Ghanteshwar Hanuman Mandir, Khar (W)
Festooned with brass bells of varied sizes, this 55-year-old temple is Mumbai’s very own bridge of love locks. According to devotees and legends, once you make a wish here, and it is fulfilled, you should return to tie a bell of any size to one of the pillars of the temple. The infinite number of bells that adorn the shrine’s walls and pillars talk volumes of the humongous number of devotees. There is a chain of shops selling brass bells — huge to tiny — and interestingly, they are always crowded.



4. Jivdani Mata Temple, Virar
This temple is not only a religious spot, but also calls out to adventurers with a picturesque view to enjoy. Situated atop one of the hills of the Satpura Range, you need to climb around 1,450 stairs to reach the temple. Alternatively, for people who cannot brave the climb, they can avail of the ropeway services available (`150 including return fare). With tea and snacks stalls at regular intervals, and restaurants at the end of the climb, this is a safe climb. And once you make the climb, the view from the mountain top is worth capturing.