Ahmedabad University took a major step in strengthening its connection with the arts and the city’s culture by hosting the inaugural Sabarmati International Contemporary Arts Festival (SICAFA). More than just a festival, SICAFA marks the beginning of the University’s School of Performing and Visual Arts, reflecting its commitment to integrating artistic inquiry into academic and civic life.
The festival, held from March 11-18, 2025, in partnership with the Neekoee Foundation and the Polish Institute New Delhi, turned Ahmedabad into a vibrant hub of artistic expression. It featured theatre, dance, music, puppetry, and storytelling, with performances and discussions from renowned artists.
Curated by Deepan Sivaraman (Professor, School of Arts and Sciences, Ahmedabad University) and Neena Naishadh (Founder, Neekoee Foundation), SICAFA opened with Manganiyar Seduction, directed by Roysten Abel, where 40 Rajasthani musicians performed inside an illuminated four-story structure before over 2,000 attendees.
The festival showcased a variety of performances, including Middle Class Dream of a Summer’s Night, a contemporary theatrical piece by Amitosh Nagpal, and Jeevit ya Mrit, an adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore’s story, starring Seema Biswas. Folk performances like the Purulia Chhau and Theyyam added energy and cultural depth, while performances like Oh Womaniya explored deeper aspects of identity. The Anirudh Varma Collective closed the festival with a blend of Indian classical and contemporary music.
In addition to performances, SICAFA featured a culinary arts segment highlighting India’s food heritage and hosted discussions on the role of contemporary arts in shaping cultural consciousness.
SICAFA was not just a festival but a cultural movement reinforcing the importance of arts in fostering creativity, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary learning. As Ahmedabad University works toward launching its School of Performing and Visual Arts, SICAFA will become an annual event, further solidifying Ahmedabad as a global cultural destination.