The Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival celebrated its 7th edition from 9 to 11 January 2026, drawing storytellers, performers, and audiences to Udaipur for three days dedicated to the art of oral storytelling. The festival featured a range of genres and formats, creating an intimate, screen-free environment that fostered a deeper connection between storytellers and listeners.
A standout feature of the festival was its audience-first approach, highlighted by Jamghat, an open-mic platform that welcomed new voices, including local artists, students, and homemakers. Attendees travelled from various locations, including London, Pune, and Bangalore, adding to the festival's cultural richness. The presence of Nivritti Kumari from the royal family of Mewar further underscored its significance.
Co-Founder Sushmita Singha remarked, “Stories are not meant for one age or one kind of audience; they belong to everyone. Curating Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival has always been about finding voices that carry honesty, humility, and emotion.” Actor Divya Dutta praised the festival's intimate setting, saying, “Everyone has a story, and every story deserves to be heard.”
The festival's programme included a children's storytelling session attended by over 2,000 students, performances by acclaimed storytellers, and a segment honouring Master Storytellers. The event concluded with a Qawwali performance by Aanchal Shrivastava, setting the stage for future editions of Udaipur Tales.
Founded in 2017 by Sushmita Singha and Salil Bhandari, Udaipur Tales has become a cultural movement, celebrating the power of storytelling to unite people across boundaries.
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