Water show at Akshardham Temple, Gandhinagar, Gujarat

On our visit to Ahmedabad/Gandhinagar (Gujarat), we were witness to a wonderful water show at the Akshardham temple.


It's a one of a kind laser show where a nine-year-old Nachiketa questions the lord of death Yama. The conceptualization and execution is so brilliant that chances are you will not forget the encounter for years to come.


This technical masterpiece was directed by Yves Pepin, who had also directed the inaugural and concluding ceremonies at the Olympic Games in China.


A unique blend of modern pyrotechnics with ancient wisdom culminates in a never before experience.


I was zapped with a sequence wherein Nachiketa travels to the netherworld. A child actor is shown walking up a fleet of stairs. Along the way the actor is replaced a video. The child is shown floating in air to enter the kingdom of Yama, God of death. The sequence is so seamless that you cannot make out when the actor was replaced by an image. Simply superb.


On meeting Yama, he questions him as to why humans are afraid of him. Yama demonstrates that he can use elements like water, fire, wind etc to create fear in the mind of human being. This demonstration is creative stroke that helps in showcasing modern pyrotechnics.


As the questioning continues, Yama find the going tough and decides to tempt Nachiketa with gifts that could floor anyone. Once again the director has enough scope to showcase techniques that can be blended with the story.


By the time the show concludes, you leave the venue in a daze. Feels like the 45 minute show ended in a few seconds.


Hope I am able to watch the show once more in the near future.


Youtube link to a promotional video of this event.
Sat-Chit-Anand water show.


The link above is only a promotional video released by the organizers. As cameras were not allowed inside the complex, we have to make do with this promotional video.


If you decide to travel to Gandhinagar only to witness the show it is worth the trouble. Don't visit on Saturday, Sunday or holidays, chances are you will have to return without watching the show due to a full house!!


There are no shows on Mondays. Tickets for the 7.30 show is available only after 4pm.