Heritage enthusiasts get peep into centurion stepwell

Surat: With an intention to give heritage enthusiasts a hands on experience of Surat's tangible ancient architecture, members of Dharohar Foundation have been organizing visits to the city's built heritage sites.
Last week, 26 curious minds visited the Khammavati Vav, at Lal Darwaja. Amid the moss-tainted ambiance filled with lilting renditions by Anoushka Shankar, the stepwell was lit up by kerosene lanterns to lend an authentic feel of the ancient ages.
Founder director of the foundation, Prakash Hathi, said , "We organized the trip late in the night so that visitors would disconnect from day time din. This one is within a private premises and we procured permission from the owners who also joined us in the mission. Most were visiting a stepwell for the first time and were thrilled by the intricate stonework. Some were appalled at the dilapidation due to neglect."
Built more than 300 years ago, Khammavati Vav does not have potable drinking water since 1990, but the mythological legend of the stepwell goddess granting wishes to visitors lives on in local lore and belief .
"The Khammavati temple in the stepwell was established by a devotee named Kansara , who discovered her idol inside," said Sanjay Choksi who chronicles Surat's ancient history .
Dharohar Foundation has organized visits to five stepwells in the city and plans to have technical drawings charted out for four in a bid to recharge them with rain-harvested water. "We plan to convert Surat's heritage from liabilities to assets. These sites can be beyond tourism spots and we are looking at not only community support but help from administration in this endeavour,” said Dr Prabhakar Singh, director, Dharohar Foundation.