Ahmedabad: Crraft Of Art, renowned for its efforts to reconnect individuals with historical monuments, is thrilled to announce the return of the eagerly awaited Water Festival at Adalaj Ni Vav on November 23. The 16th edition continues Crraft Of Art’s mission of blending music, history, and architectural splendour by showcasing some of India’s most talented artists for an unforgettable evening.
Established by Bharatanatyam and folk dancer Birwa Qureshi, Crraft Of Art has dedicated more than fifteen years to re-establishing a connection between audiences, especially younger generations, and India’s historic monuments. Through immersive experiences, the organization showcases the beauty and legacy of these remarkable structures. As in previous editions, this year’s festival seeks to inspire the essence of India’s cultural heritage while celebrating the enduring significance of its artistic traditions.
Birwa Qureshi, Founder and Artistic Director of Crraft Of Art, said, “Completing 16 years is a deeply meaningful milestone for us. Water Festival remains a tribute to India’s extraordinary architectural heritage, and Adalaj Ni Vav continues to inspire us year after year. Our endeavour has always been to bring monuments alive through soulful performances, allowing history to be experienced, not just observed. We look forward to creating yet another evening where architecture, music, and memory resonate together.”
As always, the Water Festival 2025 will enchant audiences with captivating performances by an exceptional line-up of globally acclaimed artists, including Ustad Fazal Qureshi, who will mesmerise the audience with his tabla mastery, Ambi Subramaniam on violin, Stephen Devassy on keyboard, Mir Mukhtiyar Ali presenting Kabir Vani, Giridhar Udupa on ghatam, Arun Kumar on drums, Navin Sharma on dholak, Prithvi Samuel on bass, and Ilyas Khan on sarangi.
The festival will also feature a special performance by the Kathakali School from Kerala, showcasing the depth and beauty of India’s classical dance traditions. The evening will be hosted by well-known actor, presenter, and performer Suchitra Pillai. The evening will not only showcase breathtaking performances but also present Adalaj Ni Vav in an entirely new light through creative lighting design, highlighting the intricate architecture of the vav, adding to its grandeur and mystique. The Water Festival is sponsored by Gujarat Tourism and co-sponsored by Adani Group. My FM is the Radio Partner and Selvel Media is the Outdoor Partner.
As part of World Heritage Week, Crraft Of Art will host three special heritage experiences supported by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. These include “Whispers of the Walls”, a guided walk accompanied by live Dotara, “Ras Rivāj”, a heritage and culinary walk, and “Otlo: Stories in Line”, a sketching walk through the historic precincts of the old city. These experiences will serve as rich intangible heritage conversations. The Golconda Fort Festival scheduled to take place in Hyderabad on December 12 marks an important milestone in Crraft Of Art’s journey.
“This event reflects Crraft Of Art’s commitment to bringing heritage-led artistic experiences to audiences across the country,” Ms. Qureshi said.
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. Over the past sixteen years, Crraft Of Art has presented more than 36 heritage festivals across Gujarat and Maharashtra. Water Festival 2025 continues the legacy of honouring the past, inspiring the present, and encouraging future generations to appreciate and preserve India’s cultural heritage. Entry to the Water Festival is free with prior registration, on a first-come, first-served basis. Music lovers can register for the Water Festival for free on bookmyshow.com.
