- 16th edition to illuminate the 15th-century stepwell with India’s finest musicians and performers
- Immersive heritage experiences, classical traditions and architectural storytelling to define the evening
- Free entry with registration; part of World Heritage Week celebrations supported by ASI & Gujarat Tourism
NE FEATURES BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, NOV 15
Crraft Of Art, the pioneering cultural initiative that has spent over 16 years breathing life into India’s architectural treasures, is set to present its much-awaited Water Festival at Adalaj Ni Vav on November 23. One of the country’s most anticipated heritage arts events, the festival unites music, history, and the spellbinding beauty of Gujarat’s iconic 15th-century stepwell.
Founded by Bharatanatyam and folk dancer Birwa Qureshi, Crraft Of Art is widely acclaimed for reintroducing monuments to contemporary audiences—especially younger generations—through immersive artistic experiences that transform historic sites into living canvases of cultural expression.
“Completing 16 years is a deeply meaningful milestone,” said Ms. Qureshi, Founder and Artistic Director. “The Water Festival is our tribute to India’s architectural legacy. Adalaj Ni Vav inspires us every year as we strive to create evenings where architecture, music and memory merge into an unforgettable experience.”
A Spellbinding Line-up of India’s Finest Artists
Water Festival 2025 will bring together some of the subcontinent’s most celebrated performers:
- Ustad Fazal Qureshi – Tabla
- Ambi Subramaniam – Violin
- Stephen Devassy – Keyboard
- Mir Mukhtiyar Ali – Kabir Vani
- Giridhar Udupa – Ghatam
- Arun Kumar – Drums
- Navin Sharma – Dholak
- Prithvi Samuel – Bass
- Ilyas Khan – Sarangi
A special highlight will be a performance by the Kathakali School from Kerala, presenting the profound beauty and visual richness of India’s classical dance traditions. The evening will be hosted by noted actor and performer Suchitra Pillai.
Adalaj Ni Vav in a New Light
Beyond the performances, the stepwell itself becomes the star. Creative lighting and scenography will unveil Adalaj Ni Vav’s intricate carvings and architectural geometry in an entirely new dimension, enhancing its grandeur and mystique.
The festival is sponsored by Gujarat Tourism, co-sponsored by Adani Group with My FM as Radio Partner, and Selvel Media as Outdoor Partner.
Special Heritage Experiences for World Heritage Week
As part of World Heritage Week, Crraft Of Art—supported by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation—will host three curated heritage experiences:
- Whispers of the Walls – Guided walk with live Dotara
- Ras Rivāj – Heritage & culinary trail
- Otlo: Stories in Line – Sketching walk through the old city
These initiatives aim to deepen public engagement with Ahmedabad’s rich intangible heritage.
A Nationwide Cultural Journey Continues
Crraft Of Art will next present the Golconda Fort Festival in Hyderabad on December 12, marking a significant step in taking heritage-led artistic experiences across India.
Supported by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Crraft Of Art has curated 36+ heritage festivals across Gujarat and Maharashtra over the past sixteen years—celebrating the past, inspiring the present and shaping a culture of preservation among future generations.
Entry to the Water Festival is free, with prior registration on a first-come, first-served basis via bookmyshow.com.
