Mumbai’s largest cultural fair, the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, is just around the corner and is one of the most significant events of the city. For all those who are unaware, this vibrant festival is a celebration of literature, art, dance forms, theatre and music, attracting a number of art enthusiasts from all across the spectrum, beginning from the 6^th to the 17^th of February, 2016. This year is extra special since it promises double the fun, with the debut of the Make in India Week, a government of India initiative that aims to showcase India as an investment destination, across the globe.

The history

Situated in South Mumbai, Kala Ghoda is renowned as the hub of cultural activities since it houses a number of institutions, such as the Prince of Wales Museum, Bombay University, Jehangir Art Gallery, Elphinstone College, National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) and the David Sassoon Library along with a number of art galleries, boutiques and cafes. Kala Ghoda also houses the finest collection of heritage structures in the city, making it one of the most coveted destinations of Mumbai.  The name of the area was derived from the statue of King Edward VII which was once a part of the old Esplanade road. The statue has long since been removed, but the name lives on.

Events to look forward to, at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This nine day festival has been extended by three more days with the novel Make in India initiative, which makes it bigger and better, this year. So what are you waiting for? Here is a list of activities that you should look forward to because this year’s grand festival promises double the fun and a range of activities that will keep you enthralled, for the rest of the days.

Children’s Literature

A shout-out to all parents out there: this section promises a variety of sessions that are exclusively designed for children and young adults. This delightful little space showcases children’s literature, allowing your child to delve deep into the world of books with their favourite authors at Kitab Khana.

Cinema

The venues for this year’s cinema showcases are the Visitor’s Centre Auditorium at The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), Coomaraswamy Hall and the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) Auditorium. If cinema appeals to you, then this year, you can experience cinema across various timelines and genres.

Dance

Classical dances, Contemporary, Folk, Ballroom and even Bollywood, you can have it all at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival. If dance is your expression of self, then you should definitely head to the Cross Maidan, which is the venue for all dance forms this year.

Heritage Walks

If history is what you love to delve deep into, then these heritage walks will definitely transport you into the past. You can participate in heritage walks that will help you revisit various parts of South Mumbai such as Fort, Victoria Terminus and likes, where you can become a part of the enchanting stories that are a part of Mumbai’s heritage.

Literature

The most important section of this festival is the Literature section, which is instrumental in connecting all literature enthusiasts, from all over the world. Also, the literature section of the festival works with a five language structure, comprising of English, Hindi, Urdu, Gujarati and Marathi. Visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), the Artist’s Centre and the David Sassoon Library Garden (DSL) for all your literature cravings. You can examine various forms of writing, such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry and so on. This includes poetry reading sessions by renowned poets, amidst the spectacular DSL garden where you can also indulge in a heart-to-heart conversation with your favourite author/poet.

Make in India

The newest addition to the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, this is a collaboration of the Government of Maharashtra and the KGAF, which will showcase India’s innovation in the manufacturing sector, allowing public and corporate participation in equal measure, taking India to newer heights. The Make in India week begins from the 13^th to the 18^th of February and the venue is the Make in India Centre at MMRDA Grounds, Bandra Kurla Complex.

A celebration of music, dance, cinema, literature, art and life, the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is free of cost where you can also participate in workshops by your favourite artists and devour some delectable cuisines at the street stalls. Don’t miss it!