Mumbai: The much-awaited Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (KGAF), is set to return for its 25th edition, turning the heart of Mumbai into a dynamic arts and cultural hub from January 25th to February 2nd, 2025. With the theme ‘Silver’, this annual event, organised by the Kala Ghoda Association, promises to be a grand celebration of diverse artistic expressions and cultural heritage.
Featuring over 300 programs spread across 15 categories, the festival will take place at more than 25 venues within the precinct, bringing the event to life. Over the past 25 years, the festival has become a cherished tradition for art lovers, performers, and curious visitors, offering an opportunity to immerse in a wide range of artistic performances. The festival’s diverse verticals include children’s activities, cinema, dance, food, heritage walks, lifestyle, literature, music, stalls, stand-up comedy, street art, theatre, urban design & architecture, visual arts, and workshops.
The 2025 edition of KGAF will kick off with a dazzling Silver Sitaare Fusion, showcasing 25 distinct dance styles performed by 55 celebrated artists and institutions who have been part of the festival’s journey. In a special tribute to the festival’s lasting legacy, renowned composer Shantanu Moitra will unveil the KGAF Anthem. Art lovers can also purchase a limited-edition Coffee Table Book, which chronicles the festival’s milestones, with contributions from luminaries like Brinda Miller, Ranjit Hoskote, and Sabyasachi Mukherjee.
Get ready to experience the heart of Mumbai’s artistic pulse at the highly anticipated Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2025! Read on to discover all the essential details—dates, venues, event schedule, and how to register for this immersive cultural experience.
Kala Ghoda Arts Festival location
For children's workshops, literature and art events, the venue is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS – The Musem).
For adults:
The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival's literature event will be held at David Sassoon Library and Elphinstone College.
Theatre plays and acts will be held at Yashwantrao Chavan Centre.
Musical events will be held at Asiatic Library Steps, Cooperage Bandstand Garden and Cross Maidan.
For more details about the venues, click.
Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2025 events' schedule
Based on your interest in literature, music, dance, arts etc events, you can download the respective category’s event PDF and find the schedule. For the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2025 events’ schedule, click here.
Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2025 registration online
Entry is free of cost. However, you have to book your tickets. You can book your tickets from the BookMyShow website
Highlights of Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2025
Here’s a guide to experiencing the festival’s diverse offerings:
- Participate in thought-provoking sessions with authors such as Devdutt Pattanaik, Gurcharan Das, and Jerry Pinto. Topics range from mythology and modern queer narratives to poetic stories from Mumbai’s streets.
- You can also join Shreeja Chaturvedi and Kumar Varun for a fun session of Kvizzing with the Comedians.
- Food enthusiasts will love the Chefs of Kala Ghoda series, featuring creative culinary delights. Don’t miss the special tribute to Om Puri, with a screening of The Hundred-Foot Journey followed by a chat with his family and friends.
- Enjoy mesmerising performances by theatre legends like Makarand Deshpande, Juhi Babbar, and Aakarsh Khurana, alongside innovative productions from groups like Utopia Communication and Anjor Communication.
- Witness breathtaking performances by acclaimed artists, including Aditi Mangaldas, Padmashri Narthaki Nataraj, and Prachee Shah Pandya, as they bring classical and contemporary dance forms to life.
- Visit iconic venues like Afghan Church and Hamilton Studios for live music tributes and installations celebrating Mumbai’s artistic heritage.
Kala Ghoda Arts Festival
The Kala Ghoda district is famous for its rich collection of heritage buildings, and art and cultural venues, including museums, art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and educational institutions. This vibrant area attracts food enthusiasts, fashion designers, architecture lovers, and a wide range of creative talent. The continuous activity of heritage enthusiasts pays tribute to the district’s rich legacy.
In 1999, the Kala Ghoda Association launched the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, Mumbai’s first-ever multi-disciplinary street arts event. Since then, the festival has evolved into a nine-day celebration, now a fixture on the calendars of art enthusiasts nationwide. Held annually in January-February, this multicultural event has become the largest free street festival in the country over the past two decades. It now draws visitors not only from Mumbai but from across India and the world.
The festival aims to promote arts, crafts, and cultural heritage within the precinct, with all funds raised each year being dedicated to the restoration projects led by the Association in the district.
The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2025 presents an unparalleled chance to dive deep into the vibrant artistic spirit of Mumbai. This renowned event is more than just a festival; it’s a celebration of the city’s rich cultural fabric, bringing together a diverse array of creative expressions.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a food lover, or someone eager to explore the heritage and contemporary art forms, this festival offers something for everyone. From captivating performances to thought-provoking discussions, KGAF provides a platform for the best of Mumbai’s talent while also inviting visitors from around the world to witness and engage with the city’s dynamic artistic landscape.
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