Paper Short Abstract:

This research explores the transformative power of the Mahakubh Mela, an annual celebration that magically transforms the city of Padova (IT) into a vibrant reflection of an Indian city for a single day, challenging stereotyped narratives to co-create more inclusive and multicultural spaces.

Paper Abstract:

Every year, during the last weekend of July, the city of Padova (Italy) undergoes a remarkable transformation, mirroring the vibrancy of an Indian city as it celebrates the "Mahakubh Mela" – a collective celebration for peace.

Through a seven-year Participatory Action Research immersion within the Indian diaspora community, the study examines how this event catalyzes processes of magical placemaking and diasporic homemaking in Padova's Arcella neighborhood. At its core, the Mela emerges as a crucible for grassroots initiatives that actively reshape public spaces, challenging conventional narratives of urban development and migrant practices. This citizen-led effort transcends its cultural roots to become a catalyst for intercultural dialogue and social cohesion, as the Indian diaspora and local residents collectively engage in reclaiming and redefining the neighborhood's identity.

By promoting inclusivity and amplifying diverse voices, the Mela resists the homogenizing forces of top-down urban planning strategies. Instead, it offers a bottom-up approach that celebrates the rich tapestry of multiculturalism woven into Arcella's public spaces, presenting a compelling case for rethinking traditional city development paradigms. The Mela's ability to temporarily transform Padova into a mirror of an Indian city underscores the power of these citizen-driven interventions to reshape urban narratives and foster a profound sense of belonging for diverse communities through magical placemaking and diasporic homemaking practices.