Celebrate the timeless art of storytelling at India’s premier festival dedicated to preserving and promoting oral traditions!
NIVESH, HHACH, and Babaji Music present the 18th edition of the Kathakar International Storytellers Festival, India’s only oral storytelling festival. Organized in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and Delhi Tourism, Government of Delhi, this iconic event celebrates the timeless art of storytelling. The festival is meticulously curated by the renowned Gahilote Sisters—Rachna, Prarthana, and Shaguna—acclaimed authors and storytellers dedicated to preserving and promoting this ancient tradition.
About the Festival:
- Preserving Storytelling Heritage:
Launched in 2010 under UNESCO’s patronage by NGOs Nivesh and HHACH, the festival aims to preserve and promote the timeless art of oral storytelling. - A Legacy of Excellence:
With 14 years of history and 17 editions, the festival has become synonymous with celebrating Indian and global storytelling traditions. It is India’s only oral storytelling festival and has reached over 1.5 lakh adults and children. - Prominent Guests:
Over the years, the festival has hosted dignitaries such as:- Hon’ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Shri Kiren Rijiju, and Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi
- Artists like Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, Mohit Chauhan, Manoj Bajpayee, Nandita Das, Vishal Bhardwaj, and more
- Global Narratives:
International storytellers, including Godfrey Duncan, Giles Abbott, Emily Hennessey, and Xanthe Gresham, bring diverse tales like Caribbean folklore, Greek mythology, and ghost stories. - Celebration of Indian Traditions:
Features Indian oral storytelling forms such as Pandvani, Dastan-goi, Qissebazi, Powada, Kerala shadow puppetry, and more. - Social Impact:
Special sessions are organized for underprivileged, differently-abled, and ailing children. These include storytelling for children in cancer wards and students from faith-based schools and institutions. - Cultural Patronage:
Renowned singer Mohit Chauhan, Cultural Envoy of Mongolia to India, is the festival’s Patron. - Honoring a Visionary:
Dedicated to Thakur Vishwa Narain Singh, India’s first Braille Editor, the festival celebrates his extraordinary contributions to empowering the visually impaired. Known as the “Father of Braille Literature in India,” he transformed countless lives through Braille translations and literature.
Dates & Timings:
- Friday, 31st January to Sunday, 2nd February 2025
- Time: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Venue:
- Sunder Nursery Heritage Park, Nizammuddin
– Highlights –
· Storytellers from UNITED KINGDOM, ESTONIA, ISRAEL, and SIERRA LEONE and INDIA.
· Special guests: well-known filmmaker IMTIAZ ALI, SAJID ALI, recluse singer LUCKY ALI and famous musician MOHIT CHAUHAN
Schedule
DAY 1 – FRIDAY, 31ST JANUARY 2025
Inauguration of the festival by
Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism
Storytelling by
- Nell Phoenix – United Kingdom
- Usifu Jalloh – Sierra Leonne
- Polina Tserkassova – Estonia
- Naana Tel Tsur – Israel
Musical performance by
- Kutle Khan Manghaniyar, Rajasthani folk
- Kissey Kahani aur Storytelling – Mohit Chauhan in Conversation with Imtiaz Ali moderated by Prarthana Gahilote
DAY 2 – SATURDAY, 1ST FEBRUARY 2025
Storytelling by
- Nell Phoenix – United Kingdom
- Usifu Jalloh – Sierra Leonne
- Polina Tserkassova – Estonia
- Naana Tel Tsur – Israel
Musical performance by
- Hargun Kaur
- Kissey Kahani aur Ganga – Shantanu Moitra In Conversation with Prarthana Gahilote
- Kissey Kahani aur Mausiqui – Lucky Ali In Conversation with Mohit Chauhan moderated by Prarthana Gahilote
DAY 3 – SUNDAY, 2ND FEBRUARY 2025
Storytelling by
- Nell Phoenix – United Kingdom
- Usifu Jalloh – Sierra Leonne
- Polina Tserkassova – Estonia
- Naana Tel Tsur – Israel
- Kissey Kahani aur Cinema – Prarthana Gahilote In Conversation with Sajid Ali
- Musical performance by Bhupinder Babbal
·
Tickets & Contact:
- Available on: Paytm Insider & BookMyShow
- For inquiries:
- Email: kathakarfest@gmail.com
- Call: +91-9811304048
