Water Festival returns to Adalaj Ni Vav on Nov 23; Kabir Vani, Kathakali make debut

Crraft of Art, known for reviving India’s architectural heritage through immersive cultural experiences, returns with the 16th edition of its celebrated Water Festival at Adalaj Ni Vav on November 23. This year’s line-up brings together some of India’s finest classical, folk and contemporary artistes — with Kabir Vani and Kathakali being introduced for the first time in the festival’s history.

Founded by Bharatanatyam and folk dancer Birwa Qureshi, Crraft of Art has spent more than a decade reconnecting audiences, particularly the younger generation, with India’s monuments through performances that blend history, music, design and storytelling. The Water Festival is held annually at the iconic Adalaj stepwell.

“Completing 16 years is deeply significant for us,” said Birwa Qureshi, founder and artistic director of Crraft of Art. “The Water Festival is our tribute to India’s extraordinary architectural legacy, and Adalaj Ni Vav continues to inspire us every year. Our endeavour is to bring monuments to life through soulful performances — allowing history to be experienced, not merely observed. We look forward to an evening where architecture, music and memory resonate together.”

Line-up of artistes

Ustad Fazal Qureshi will lead the evening with his tabla repertoire, accompanied by violinist Ambi Subramaniam, keyboardist Stephen Devassy, ghatam maestro Giridhar Udupa, drummer Arun Kumar, dholak player Navin Sharma, bassist Prithvi Samuel and sarangi artiste Ilyas Khan.

For the first time, the festival will introduce Kabir Vani, presented by Mir Mukhtiyar Ali — a 26th-generation exponent of the Mirasi tradition of the Thar Desert, known for his renditions of Sufi poetry, Rajasthani folk and the verses of Kabir.

Also making its debut is a special performance by a Kathakali school from Kerala, bringing the evocative storytelling and expressive power of one of India’s oldest classical dance traditions to the stepwell stage.

The evening will be hosted by actor and performer Suchitra Pillai.

As in previous years, Adalaj Ni Vav will be transformed through innovative lighting design, illuminating the carvings, pillars and layered architecture of the 15th-century stepwell. The creative lighting aims to evoke a renewed sense of wonder and reveal architectural details often missed in daylight.

As part of World Heritage Week, there will be three special heritage experiences supported by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation:

• Whispers of the Walls — a guided heritage walk with live Dotara

• Ras Rivaay — a culinary and culture-focused walk

• Other curated experiences showcasing Ahmedabad’s built heritage