Kathakar International Storytellers Festival

A Three-Day Extravaganza of Kissey, Kahani, Conversations, and Music

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The much-awaited Kathakar International Storytellers Festival commenced in the national capital on Friday evening, inaugurated by Hon’ble Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Sh. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. Held from 31st January to 2nd February 2025, this annual threeday storytelling celebration at Sunder Nursery Heritage Park, Nizamuddin, Delhi, showcased the timeless art of oral storytelling. Now in its 18th edition, the festival is organized by Nivesh, HHACH, and Babaji Music, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Tourism, international storytellers, including Usifu Jalloh (Sierra Leone), Polina Tserkassova (Estonia), Na’ama Tel Tsur (Israel), Michal Malinowski (Poland), Bharat Lal, Tariquee Haameed, and Shaguna Gahilote (India). It also hosted engaging conversations with ace musicians Lucky Ali, Mohit Chauhan, filmmakers Imtiaz Ali and Sajid Ali, actor Aparshakti Khurana, and spellbinding musical performances by Kutle Khan, Taba Chake, Bhupinder Babbal, and the Niazi Brothers. A special highlight was the Sajid Ali Retrospective, featuring screenings of Laila Majnu and Chamkila, along with the unveiling of a new song by Mohit Chauhan.

DAY 1: A Grand Opening with Stories, Conversations, and Folk Melodies

The opening day of Kathakar Festival 2025 saw school children being enthralled by storytelling sessions in the morning, where both international and Indian storytellers mesmerized young audiences with fascinating narratives. The evening sessions began with engaging performances by international storytellers, setting the tone for an immersive experience.