The first-ever UNESCO-designated world heritage site in Gujarat, the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, will come to life with a spectacular celebration featuring image-transforming shadow light effects and thematic music. Yes, you read that right! So if you are in Gujarat on December 9, do not miss this amazing event! Curious to know more about it? Keep reading!
First Champaner Festival To Be Held On Dec 9
#gujarattourism to hold Panch Mahotsav tourist festival at Champaner and Pavagadh on Dec 23-27 pic.twitter.com/P35Iuo1DKA
— harshoza (@harshoza03) December 21, 2015
On December 9, Crraft of Art, which was founded by well-known Bharatanatyam and folk dancer Birwa Qureshi, will host the inaugural Champaner Festival. During a concert, notable performers will perform, including bassist Sheldon D’silva, renowned saxophonist and composer George Brooks, sitar virtuoso Niladri Kumar, master tabla musician Ustad Fazal Qureshi, and versatile keyboard player Sangeet Haldipur.
The festival will also feature performances by folk singer Osman Mir and drummer and composer Darshan Doshi. Dadi Pudumjee and The Ishara Puppet Theatre will perform a massive puppet parade, and Paresh Rathwa, a traditional Pithora painter from Chhota Udepur, will display his art form.
Numerous locations, such as the Citadel, South Bhadra Gate, Ek Minar Ki Masjid, Seher Ki Masjid, Jami Masjid, and Sakar Khan’s Dargah, will host events throughout the festival. The festival will feature performances by regional folk artists in addition to music and light.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Gujarat Tourism are the sponsors of the Champaner Festival, which is open to invitees and registered participants exclusively on a first-come, first-served basis.
Also Read: Chef Vikas Khanna Visits India’s Kashi, Calls It His Home Of Incarnation; Here’s Why You Should Too
Photo Exhibition, Walking Tour & More
For the past 14 years, Qureshi, the founder and artistic director of Crraft of Art, has led the organisation in its quest to reacquaint people with the rich and priceless legacy of the nation.
They have been effective in bringing monuments to people and incorporating tales of art, crafts, artists, craftsmen, architecture, history, heritage, and custom via colourful musical festivals. A wide range of music concerts featuring sufi, classical, and world music at various locations are also organised.
The Champaner Festival represents a step forward and encompasses a broader canvas. This includes a photo exhibition and museum displays, local crafts, culinary delights, folk music, dance, sightseeing, and a walking tour. (As per The Times Of India)
Also Read: A Goan Xmas Delight, Bolinhas Are Coconut &; Semolina-Rich Sweets We Cant Wait To Enjoy; Recipe
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
Situated in Gujarat State’s Panchmahal District in northwest India, Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is a must-visit. It is home to a collection of historical, archaeological, and living cultural heritage sites nestled within a striking landscape.
The property is on 800-metre-tall Pavagadh Hill, a volcanic formation that rises above the surrounding plains, contains the ruins of prehistoric and mediaeval settlements. The latter talks about the ruins of an early (14th-century) Hindu capital and an Islamic state capital that is from the fifteenth century.
The expansive property is divided into 12 sections. It includes the surviving settlement of Champaner along with the remnants of palaces, religious structures, residential areas, and water-retaining systems.
It is among the nation’s best-preserved historical landmarks. The architecture remains magnificent and towering, even after many decades. By the way, the architecture is a fusion of Muslim and Hindu styles. In 2004, UNESCO inscribed it as a World Heritage Site.
Also Read: Kurukshetra To Host International Gita Mahotsav This Dec; What It Is, Dates And More About It
Will you be attending this festival?
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.
Good news! We are on WhatsApp! Subscribe to Curly Tales WhatsApp Channel to stay up-to-date with exclusive content and BTS. Join HERE.