WATER FESTIVAL- ADALAJ

Located in a small village called Adalaj, twenty kilometers North of Ahmedabad this world renowned step well is an architectural wonder built by Queen Rudabai, wife of Vaghela chief Virsinh. 'Adalaj ni Vav'  was built in 1499 and is among one of the finest monuments of Gujarat. Laid on a North-South axis with the well in the North and entrance in the South the step well measures 753 meters. It is a five storey structure mostly underground with three entrances opening into a square platform leading to the stepped corridor at the end of which is the well. The entrance platform rests on 16 pillars and the built in shrines with carved balconies from its four corners. The stepped corridor leading to the well is built directly into the water table to ensure year round water supply. The walls of the 'Vav' showcase sculptures and ornamentation. The Step Well , a unique feature of the architecture of Gujarat combines the history ,culture, artistic tradition ,social customs and religious sentiment of the local people, A special feature of the step well was that besides storing and providing water it also offered cool resting places to sun weary travelers. The step wells were lifesaving sources of water during draughts and other periods of water scarcity.  This Water festival at Adalaj stepwell showcase the rich culture, architecture, history and various stories of our Indian tradition. During the heritage festival various cultural programs are performed by renowned artists and master exponents of  Tabla ,Flute , Vocal music,  Sarangi Dholak etc.