Kala Ghoda arts fest to gallop full throttle into its 25th year | Mumbai News – The Times of India
Mumbai: A quarter-century in, and the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (KGAF) in association with The Times of India is still going strong, proving that some things only get better with age. The street festival born with the intention of developing Mumbai’s Art District to give it a distinct identity both culturally and visually has not just survived the test of time but thrived, going from a small gathering of like-minded individuals to Asia’s largest multicultural street arts extravaganza.
This year’s silver jubilee edition promises to be a spectacular celebration of everything that makes this festival one where the art never stops, and neither does the energy.
This year, expect the unexpected in every corner, as over 25 venues open their doors to 400 events and over 100 visual installations from Jan 25 to Feb 2.
Festival director Brinda Miller couldn’t be more thrilled. “For 25 years, KGAF has brought out the best of Mumbai’s creative spirit, giving all kinds of artists and art forms the platform and freedom to express, engage and inspire. The silver jubilee edition stands testimony to the incredible past and present of the festival, and an even greater future for our shared heritage and culture.”
It’s only fitting that the festival opens with a performance that mirrors this very spirit: the ‘KGAF Silver Sitaare Fusion’ — a showcase of 25 dance styles from the electrifying hip-hop, jazz and Lavni to the graceful ballet, Manipuri and kathak, performed by over 50 artistes and institutions that have been integral to KGAF’s legacy.
There’s also something brand new to look forward to this year. A fresh ‘lifestyle’ vertical will make its debut, focusing on fashion, sustainability, wellness, and youth engagement with discussions on mental health and eco-conscious fashion to mindful living.
As part of the silver jubilee celebrations, a coffee table book titled ‘Spirit of Kala Ghoda’ will be unveiled featuring contributions from Rahul Mehrotra, Abha Narain Lambah, Ranjit Hoskote, Sabyasachi Mukherjee and others.
The festival will also unveil a brand new anthem composed by Shantanu Moitra. Sung by Shaan, Rahul Deshpande, Kaushiki Chakraborty, Kavita Seth, Usha Uthup, Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash to name a few, the anthem will capture the spirit of KGAF’s 25-year journey.
KGAF’s grand finale will return to the iconic Asiatic Library Steps—one of Mumbai’s most historic and picturesque settings—where one can enjoy music performances under the open sky, including a tribute to Ustad Zakir Hussain and live concerts by Sachin-Jigar and Shalmali Kholgade.
This year, new venues like Elphinstone College Courtyard, Regal Cinema and the restored David Sassoon Library join familiar spots like the CSMVS Museum and Asiatic Library Steps.
Meanwhile, the Kala Ghoda Association, which has played a key role in preserving Mumbai’s architectural landmarks like the Ruttonsee Muljee Jetha Fountain, the Knneset Eliyahoo Synagogue, and Asiatic Library Steps to their former glory, will continue its efforts to ensure the city’s cultural heritage remains intact for generations to come.
This year’s silver jubilee edition promises to be a spectacular celebration of everything that makes this festival one where the art never stops, and neither does the energy.
This year, expect the unexpected in every corner, as over 25 venues open their doors to 400 events and over 100 visual installations from Jan 25 to Feb 2.
Festival director Brinda Miller couldn’t be more thrilled. “For 25 years, KGAF has brought out the best of Mumbai’s creative spirit, giving all kinds of artists and art forms the platform and freedom to express, engage and inspire. The silver jubilee edition stands testimony to the incredible past and present of the festival, and an even greater future for our shared heritage and culture.”
It’s only fitting that the festival opens with a performance that mirrors this very spirit: the ‘KGAF Silver Sitaare Fusion’ — a showcase of 25 dance styles from the electrifying hip-hop, jazz and Lavni to the graceful ballet, Manipuri and kathak, performed by over 50 artistes and institutions that have been integral to KGAF’s legacy.
There’s also something brand new to look forward to this year. A fresh ‘lifestyle’ vertical will make its debut, focusing on fashion, sustainability, wellness, and youth engagement with discussions on mental health and eco-conscious fashion to mindful living.
As part of the silver jubilee celebrations, a coffee table book titled ‘Spirit of Kala Ghoda’ will be unveiled featuring contributions from Rahul Mehrotra, Abha Narain Lambah, Ranjit Hoskote, Sabyasachi Mukherjee and others.
The festival will also unveil a brand new anthem composed by Shantanu Moitra. Sung by Shaan, Rahul Deshpande, Kaushiki Chakraborty, Kavita Seth, Usha Uthup, Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash to name a few, the anthem will capture the spirit of KGAF’s 25-year journey.
KGAF’s grand finale will return to the iconic Asiatic Library Steps—one of Mumbai’s most historic and picturesque settings—where one can enjoy music performances under the open sky, including a tribute to Ustad Zakir Hussain and live concerts by Sachin-Jigar and Shalmali Kholgade.
This year, new venues like Elphinstone College Courtyard, Regal Cinema and the restored David Sassoon Library join familiar spots like the CSMVS Museum and Asiatic Library Steps.
Meanwhile, the Kala Ghoda Association, which has played a key role in preserving Mumbai’s architectural landmarks like the Ruttonsee Muljee Jetha Fountain, the Knneset Eliyahoo Synagogue, and Asiatic Library Steps to their former glory, will continue its efforts to ensure the city’s cultural heritage remains intact for generations to come.
