Ever wondered what it would be like to step into a heritage site, listen to the maestros of music come together as they weave music, to create an experience like never before? Set against the mesmerising backdrop of Adalaj ni vav on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, Water Festival 2023 kick starts today.

This year’s lineup include tabla maestro Fazal Qureshi, drummer Ranjit Barot, mandolin player U Rajesh, kanjira player V Selva Ganesh, guitarist and composer Sanjay Divecha, bass player Sheldon D’Silva and singer Prithvi Gandharv. There will also be a special performance by Nagada players from Pushkar Nathulal Solanki. Actor Pratik Gandhi will be hosting the evening.  

Speaking to Gujarat Samachar, tabla maestro, Fazal Qureshi says “Behold the monument in a different fashion. We want people to see these heritage monuments with a new perspective. People often visit these heritage sites, but rarely do they behold and realise how minute detailing the architecture is. This is our little bit for these heritage sites.”  

Designed by Bharatnatyam and folk dancer Birwa Qureshi’s organisation, Crraft of Art, the festival is currently in its 14th year. Each year since 2010, it has been a part of the Heritage Week celebrations happening in the city. 

Monument that welcomes all

Being a witness to Ahmedabad getting the title of India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City, Fazal Qureshi says, “Over the years, our audience has gone from the commoners to the eminent, who are there to experience these world-class heritage monuments in a totally different manner.”

Says Qureshi, “In 2017, we had conducted a festival at Khan Masjid in Dholka which did not even have proper access but even then we had a jam packed audience.” 

Optimistic about the audience, Qureshi says, “Over a period of time, the audience also grew. A lot of youngsters come to these events and this gives us a lot of hope. In fact, we were thinking that it is time we also set up a selfie point!” 

All the events organised by Crraft of Art have been kept open to all without any ticket charges to cater to a larger audience. 

What to expect from the Water Festival this year?

A leading drummer and composer, Ranjit Barot will be performing this year. Says Barot, with roots in Gujarat’s Jamkhambhaliya, “I will be performing a solo on drums, bringing in a traditional bhajan from Karnataka titled ‘Vighnesh Kirtanam’.”   

When asked, Qureshi says in a single word: ‘harmony’. He says, “I don’t want to spoil it, but of course, there is a fusion; we want to create something that represents India.” He adds, “This is the first time that we have ‘Nagada’ players who have an old style of music. We have about 10 artists performing.”

Pratik Gandhi, who is an ardent fan of music, says, “  I strongly believe music is the strongest means of communication.” Gandhi hails from a family where art was an integral part of his life. In fact, he has also learnt the tabla. He says, “I am looking forward to seeing the connection between the audience and the monument through music.” 

What’s next in line? 

As part of their broader initiative, Crraft of Art will also organise festivals at Champaner and Dholavira—World UNESCO Heritage sites. 

The Champaner Festival will be held in the proximity of Pavagadh Hills on Dec 9, and the Dholavira Festival in the Rann of Kutch on Jan 6.

“The canvas here is wider, the site, the townscape, that includes events and exposure at multiple monuments. At both the historic places the festival includes, besides music and light, local folk art and artists that have kept ties intact with the glorious past,” says Birwa Qureshi. These festivals will also have a photo exhibition, museum display, crafts, food, folk music, folk dance, sightseeing, and walking tours, in addition to Sufi music, classical and world music concerts.

The Champaner Festival will include performances at Ek Minar Ki Masjid, Sakar Khan Dargah, South Bhadra Gate, Citadel, Seher Ki Masjid and Jami Masjid. The Dholavira Festival will include a walk of excavated sites, and music from different parts of Kutch, followed by a gala world music concert.

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