In 1999, Kala Ghoda Art Festival (KGAF), one of the largest cultural art fair, was inaugurated. And since its inception, the fest has gained popularity and attracted many visitors from around the country. Starting on the first Saturday of February every year, the fair is a nine-day-long affair that promises to satiate every artistic need.
Organised by the Kala Ghoda Association, the event was inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis last week. The entry is free and the fest will have visual art performances, theatre, cinema, literature including children’s literature as a sub-section, heritage walks, workshops, and stalls selling eco-friendly, handmade arts and crafts wares. Further, the auditorium at National Gallery of Modern art, lawns, and auditoriums at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahlaya (CSMVS), the garden of David Sassoon library, Horniman Circle Gardens and surrounding areas will be thrown open to public during the fair. Meanwhile, areas like Rampart Row will remain closed until the festival gets over.
In addition to this, there is also a three-day ‘Make in India’ cultural fest at Cross Maidan, also organized by the Kala Ghoda Association. Music and Dance events as part of ‘Make in India’ will be held from February 15 to 17. Plethora of other activities will also be taking place at the same time to keep the visitors entertained.
Bibliophiles paradise
This is the place to be, bibliophiles! From the book swapping event at David Sassoon Library to the launch of Kala Ghoda inspired books, this place is sure to bring the intellectual crowd to the fore. There is an infinite opportunity for the readers to engage in some soul-stirring activities while they attend the Hope Street Poets session. Further, perspectives will be put forth and visitors will be encouraged to converse in events like ‘Pride without Prejudice’ and ‘Agents of Preservation,’ moderated by Vrunda Pathare.
Cinema and Theatre
KGAF has always been a wonderful stage for theater artistes and, this time, they have an amazing line-up like ‘tee,’ a Maharashtrian folk tale), ‘Salam Bombay’ and ‘See no Evil, Speak no Evil, Hear no Evil, Do no Evil’ among others. Also, movies like ‘Court’ (India’s official entry to the Oscar), ‘Island of Magic’ are some of the movies to be screened during the festival.
Dance and Music
The festival has a lot in store for music and dance lovers, for there will be a Kathak Recital by Prachee Shah, a fusion of classical and contemporary dance performances by the Dance club of IIT Bombay, and promotion of the movie, ‘Sanam Re,’ directed by Divya Khosla Kumar. On Sunday, around 800 visitors watched Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and his sons giving a scintillating performance at Cross Maidan.
Feast on delicacies
This one is really a treat for food bloggers and food lovers, where they will have sessions on food styling and photography. Further, Maria Goretti is all set to launch her own book and showcase her skills during the session. The festival also has a trump card in the form of Sanjeev Kapoor, who is all set to take the spotlight using his culinary skills.
Stand-up comedy
The fest is set to witness laughter overdose with stalwarts like Kautuk Srivastav, Anirban Dasgupta, Abhishekh Upamanyu, Atul Khatri taking the centre-stage.
Other activities:
- Participate in raging discussions on topics like LGBT, feminism among others.
- Famous sculptor Arzan Khambatta and painter Sunil Padwal will conduct a session on making art from waste.
- Attend workshop for travel writers by Editor-in-chief of Nat Geo traveler India, Niloufar Venkatraman.
Moreover, craft and creative workshops, interactive readings, special performances will also inspire kids to be a part of the fest.
