- It will reintroduce monuments through music and light at ‘Adalaj ni Vav’ on Sunday, November 24, 2024
- Entry to the Water Festival is by invite or prior registration only on a first-come, first-served basis
- Music lovers can register for the Water Festival for free on bookmyshow.com
- Sandhya Mridul, celebrated for her presence across television, film, and theatre, will host the event
GOWRI MANICKAVASAGAM
AHMEDABAD, NOV 17
With an avowed mission to reconnect people, especially the younger generation, to monuments, and through them the essence of the country’s rich heritage in the form of art, architecture, craft, history, and culture, this year, Crraft of Art celebrates 15 years of reviving India’s heritage through its unique initiatives – the much-awaited Water Festival at the historic Adalaj Ni Vav stands as a testament to this enduring legacy. It will reintroduce monuments through music and light on Sunday, November 24, 2024, announced Birwa Qureshi, Founder, and Artistic Director of Crraft of Art here on Saturday.
‘Drums of India’ to resonate in Vibrant Gujarat
The festival, having a broader theme of “Drums of India”, will come alive with the harmony of traditional rhythms and the dazzling ambience of this architectural marvel, once again highlighting Crraft of Art’s commitment to “Celebrating Monuments with Music”.
Founded by Bharatanatyam and folk dancer Birwa Qureshi, Crraft of Art has spent the past 15 years reintroducing India’s historic landmarks to a modern audience, particularly engaging younger generations. Through its unique blend of music, lighting, and ambience, Crraft of Art breathes new life into historic monuments, allowing visitors to experience them in their pristine grandeur, reminiscent of their glorious past. The festival is designed to evoke the essence of India’s rich heritage of art, architecture, and folklore.
Birwa Qureshi, Founder, and Artistic Director of Crraft of Art, said, “We are delighted to be back with the Water Festival at Adalaj Ni Vav for a joyous celebration of music, heritage, and history. Crraft of Art has dedicated the last 15 years to bringing historic monuments to life through music festivals, allowing the audience to experience their beauty and culture amid soulful performances by celebrated artists. As always, the essence and the flavour of the evening will be in the rhythmic sync of the audience with the performing artists and the glowing monument.”
The Water Festival is set to enchant audiences with captivating performances from a star-studded lineup of national and international artists against the backdrop of the stunning Adalaj Ni Vav.
Tabla Maestro Ustad Fazal Qureshi to lead the music ensemble
Tabla Maestro Ustad Fazal Qureshi will lead the music ensemble with his table mastery, carrying forth his family’s legacy in the world of Indian classical percussion.
Adding to the rhythm will be Vijay Prakash on vocals, known for his soulful renditions and award-winning performances, alongside Dilshad Khan on the sarangi, Sridar Parthasarathy on mridangam, and Uma Shankar on ghatam.
Other featured artists include Navin Sharma on the dholak, Vijay Chavan on the dholki, Khete Khan on khartal, Sangeet Haldipur on keyboard, Gino Banks on drums, Sheldon D’Silva on bass and Rhythm Shaw on guitar.
Enchanting dance to enthrall the audience
The evening will also feature performances by the Veergarjana Dhol Tashe Pathak and the Purulia Chhau Dance Academy. Sandhya Mridul, celebrated for her presence across television, film, and theatre, will host the event, adding her unique charm to the festival.
The evening will not only showcase breathtaking performances but also present Adalaj Ni Vav in an entirely new light. Through creative lighting design, Crraft of Art will highlight the intricate architecture of the vav, adding to its grandeur and mystique.
Entry to the Water Festival is by invite or prior registration only on a first-come, first-served basis. Music lovers can register for the Water Festival for free on bookmyshow.com.
Archaeological Survey of India, Gujarat Tourism give thrust to arts
This initiative has the blessings and support of the Archaeological Survey of India, ASI, the iconic institution that preserves, conserves, and curates the monumental heritage of the country. Gujarat Tourism sponsors the Crraft of Art and is continuing its tradition of reintroducing Gujarat’s unique heritage, as enshrined in its classical monuments and historic sites, to a wider audience through special festivals of thematic music and image-transforming shadow light shows.
35 heritage festivals in Gujarat & Maharashtra
Over the past 15 years, Crraft Of Art has presented 35 heritage festivals, mainly at heritage sites in Gujarat – Champaner and Dholavira in Kutch and Ellora & Ajanta in Maharashtra. The festivals have received critical acclaim for the quality of events, selection of artists, richness of lighting experience, overall form of presentation of the monuments, and a new awareness of societal participation in heritage education and conservation. Tens of thousands have been reached and included in this celebration of India’s glory.
Plans afoot to go national
Answering a query on taking this initiative nationally, Birwa Qureshi replied affirmatively.
