The much-awaited Kathakar International Storyteller Festival is back with its 18th edition, celebrating the timeless art of oral storytelling. Scheduled from January 31 to February 2, 2025, the festival will take place at Sunder Nursery, Delhi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for weaving stories that cross borders, this year’s festival boasts a dynamic lineup of storytellers, musicians, and filmmakers.
The 18th edition of the Kathakar International Storyteller Festival is set to enchant audiences from January 31 to February 2, 2025, at the picturesque Sunder Nursery, Delhi. The festival, India’s first and only oral storytelling platform, started in 2010 under UNESCO patronage. This year’s lineup includes storytellers from Australia, Estonia, the UK, and India, among others. Experience folk tales, ghost stories, and shadow puppetry alongside workshops, music, and insightful conversations with iconic figures. Tickets are now available on BookMyShow starting at ₹1,000.
India’s First Oral Storytelling Festival
Kathakar, launched in 2010 by Nivesh and HHACH, remains a unique initiative in India’s cultural calendar. It has grown over the years under UNESCO’s endorsement, bringing together tales from around the world. Previous editions have hosted storytellers from Turkey, Poland, and more, showcasing how storytelling transcends cultures and languages.
Event Highlights and Schedule
Attendees can look forward to an eclectic mix of sessions designed for all age groups:
Morning School Sessions:
Perfect for young minds, these sessions introduce children to folklore and fables from various countries. Expect heartwarming tales like “The Cat and the Crow” by Jackie Sheppard from Australia and Russian Folktales by Polina Tšerkassova from Estonia.
Evening Sessions for Adults:
Adults can immerse themselves in engaging themes such as “Magical Realism from Latin America” and “Balkan Fables”. Other highlights include “Kissey Kahani aur Adakaari,” an inspiring discussion featuring Prarthana Gahilote and actor Sanjay Mishra.
Workshops and Discussions:
A storytelling workshop on Saturday, November 23, 2024, provides an opportunity to learn the art of narrative from international storytellers. In addition, sessions like “The Art of Storytelling” offer deep insights into the craft.
Live Performances and Music:
No storytelling festival is complete without music. Performances by Kutle Khan Manghaniyaar, AR Rahman’s KM Music Conservatory, and Punjabi folk legend Bhupinder Babbal will leave audiences spellbound.
Global Storytelling at Its Best
This year, Kathakar brings an impressive array of artists:
Jackie Sheppard from Australia shares indigenous legends and environmental tales.
Polina Tšerkassova brings Balkan Fables and Estonian Folk Stories.
Usifu Jalloh, known as “The Cowfoot Prince,” delivers engaging African legends from Sierra Leone.
Juliana Marín Fryling from Colombia captivates with ghost stories and universal themes of wonder.
Indian Highlights
India’s storytelling traditions shine brightly, with sessions like “Tholpavakoothy”—Kerala’s iconic shadow puppetry by Rajeev Pulavar & group—and discussions with notable figures like Sajid Ali and Lucky Ali.
The festival also offers retrospectives of films like Laila Majnu and Chamkila, directed by Sajid Ali, blending cinema with storytelling in a unique way.
Book Your Tickets Now
Tickets for the Kathakar International Storyteller Festival 2025 are available on BookMyShow, starting at just ₹1,000. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in stories that inspire, entertain, and connect people from around the globe.
