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Christie RGB pure laser projectors illuminate UNESCO World Heritage Site Rani-ki-Vav

Christie RGB pure laser projectors are at the heart of a new light and sound show at Rani-ki-Vav, the 11th-century stepwell and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Patan, Gujarat, India. 

Commissioned by the Government of Gujarat and inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 31, 2026, the large-scale projection mapping spectacle transforms the 500-foot-long subterranean monument into an immersive canvas of history and art, marking one of the most technically sophisticated heritage shows ever executed in India.

The facade of Rani-ki-Vav is illuminated using ten Christie RGB pure laser projectors, including the Griffyn 4K35-RGB and M 4K25 RGB models, delivering up to 36,500 lumens per projector. The projectors’ 4K resolution and wide colour gamut were essential in faithfully reproducing the stepwell’s intricate carvings, stone textures, and subtle colour variations from warm sandstone hues to deep indigo night skies.

The project was supported by Design Factory India as consultant, with Aura Bright Light supplying and installing the projectors, while Knownsense Studios led content creation. The monument was digitally captured and mapped to a 22,000-pixel-wide content canvas. A multidisciplinary team of artists, animators, and heritage researchers collaborated to develop visuals and narratives that celebrate the story, philosophy, and cultural roots of Rani-ki-Vav.

Working under strict guidelines set by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), no permanent or visible structures were permitted on site. To meet these requirements, a unique solution using hydraulic lift-based projector mounts concealed below ground was engineered. Each lift rises six metres (19.6 feet) to its precisely pre-aligned position during showtime and retracts afterward, ensuring zero visual intrusion during the day while delivering accurate alignment for night performances.

“Executing a project of this scale within the constraints of a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a rare challenge”, says Shailesh Patel, managing director, Aura Bright Light. “The innovative deployment of the Christie Griffyn 4K35-RGB and M 4K25 RGB projectors on hydraulic lifts enabled us to achieve spectacular results with precise alignment, while adhering to every conservation guideline set by ASI.”

“We treated Rani-ki-Vav not as a backdrop, but as the protagonist of the story”, adds Mandeep Sharma, head of Production and Animation, Knownsense Studios. “Christie’s 4K RGB projectors allowed our ultra-high-resolution content and 3D animations to blend seamlessly with the stone architecture.”

Blending motifs inspired by Patan Patola textiles, ancient water architecture, and spiritual symbolism, the projection is paired with a soundtrack and narration. Traditional Indian instruments merge with cinematic orchestration, echoing the rhythm of chisels and flowing water.

(Photos: Aura Bright Light/Knownsense Studios)

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