Reimagining Performance: Transforming Non-Traditional Spaces into Music Venues
Reflections from Jaipur Virasat Foundation’s Bold New Initiatives.
Just 30 kilometers from Jaipur, in the quiet village of Prahaladpura, an ancient stepwell — or bawari — has recently found new life. Carefully conserved and restored through a collaboration between city-based non-profits and the enthusiastic support of local residents, the stepwell is once again a vibrant center of community life.
More than just an architectural relic, the bawari continues to serve as both a sacred space and a social hub. The well’s water remains clean and drinkable, making it not only a spiritual site but also a practical one.
Inspired by the site's historical and cultural significance, organizers chose it as the setting for an immersive evening of folk music and guided meditation. The event was designed to bridge the gap between rural and urban Rajasthan — inviting city dwellers to reconnect with the beauty of traditional water architecture, while creating a celebration that villagers themselves could take pride in and enjoy.
The event’s success was powerful and immediate. It sparked a growing wave of interest in stepwell-centered programming throughout Jaipur — from cultural performances to heritage walks and documentation projects. What began as a quiet evening of music in a forgotten corner of the state has become the beginning of a wider movement to preserve, celebrate, and reimagine Rajasthan’s architectural heritage.
Some places aren’t just backdrops — they become part of the performance. The Badrinath Temple in Amber is one such venue. Perched above the city with a breathtaking view of the Amber Palace, it offers what might just be the most stunning vantage point in Jaipur — and arguably one of the best atmospheres for an open-air concert anywhere.
Hosting a musical evening here isn’t easy. The logistics are demanding, and the access limited. But when it comes together, the experience is unforgettable.
A similar kind of magic unfolded recently at Kishan Bagh, Jaipur’s remarkable open-air ecological museum. With golden dunes, moody clouds mirroring the sunset’s hues, and the hauntingly beautiful voices of Manganiyar folk musicians filling the air, the scene could have been lifted straight out of 19th-century Jaisalmer. But it happened right in the heart of modern Jaipur.
Kishan Bagh is more than a park — it’s a curated celebration of Rajasthan’s unique geology and flora, artfully laid out to both educate and enchant. Introducing folk music into this landscape felt natural — almost inevitable. And when it finally happened, the response exceeded all expectations. The concert drew an audience far beyond what had been anticipated, with countless Instagram-worthy moments that captivated the younger generation and connected them to the natural and cultural heritage of their state.
Meanwhile, the annual Dev Deepawali concerts at the Badrinath Temple have become a cultural highlight. These events have brought new attention to this spiritual and architectural gem, reinvigorating the tradition and weaving live music into the temple’s luminous celebrations.
There’s something indescribable about experiencing music in these spaces — something that can’t be captured in words or even video. You simply have to be there
Sometimes, all it takes to bring a place back to life is a little music, a shared purpose — and a place for people to gather.
Photo Credit: Anchit Natha
