Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India]: The Kathakar International Storytelling Festival made its debut in Shimla, bringing together artists from India and abroad for a one-day celebration of storytelling.
A Tribute to a Visionary Leader
Festival organizer Rachana Gehlot shared the origins of Kathakar, emphasizing its mission to revive the dying art of storytelling. The festival was established in memory of Thakur Vishva Narayan Singh, India’s first Braille editor, who dedicated 30 years to making books and scriptures accessible to the visually impaired through translations and audio recordings.
Originally launched in Delhi in 2010, the festival has hosted 18 successful editions in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. This marks the first-ever edition in Himachal Pradesh.
Festival Highlights and International Participation
This year, Kathakar also promoted tourism and cultural preservation, featuring renowned musicians Mohit Chauhan and Shantanu Moitra, who shared their experiences in film, music, and their Gangotri cycling expedition.
International storytellers Polina from Estonia and Yusuf Jaloh from Africa enriched the festival, bridging cultural gaps with narratives from around the world.
Mohit Chauhan: Bringing the Festival to Himachal
Veteran musician Mohit Chauhan, a proud Himachali, played a crucial role in bringing the festival to Shimla.
“The Kathakar Festival has been running for 16 years. Storytelling has always been a part of our culture—our grandparents passed down traditions, legends, and values through stories,” Chauhan said.
He stressed that storytelling is not just an art but also a professional career path, adding that events like these introduce visitors to Himachal’s traditions and cultural heritage.
“This festival is India’s biggest storytelling platform. It provides opportunities to folk storytellers and keeps this tradition alive,” Chauhan added, applauding the three sisters who founded the festival, one of whom is his wife.
Shantanu Moitra: Storytelling Connects the Nation
Celebrated musician Shantanu Moitra also emphasized how the festival creates connections between different states and cultures.
“I come from Bengal, the land of Tagore. Every region has its own stories. This festival helps bridge these cultural differences, and I hope such initiatives reach Bengal as well,” Moitra said.
Reminiscing about childhood trips to Shimla, he added, “Shimla’s charm has been immortalized in films, but visiting now brings back nostalgic memories.”
A Platform for Cultural Revival
With live performances of classics like “Snow White”, the Kathakar Festival provided a blend of knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration, making it a global platform for storytelling traditions.
As Kathakar continues to expand, it strengthens its mission of reviving oral storytelling, fostering cultural exchanges, and inspiring future generations.