The enchanting city of Udaipur is set to once again become the epicenter of narrative arts as the Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival announces its grand return. This unique celebration of oral traditions, hailed as India's one-of-a-kind international storytelling festival, will unfold its seventh edition from 9th to 11th January 2026 at the picturesque Park Exotica Resort in Udaipur.
A Mosaic of Stories and Celebrated Storytellers
The 2026 festival promises a rich tapestry of narrative genres, designed to captivate every kind of listener. The programming will showcase a spectacular array of forms including contemporary tales, romance, the ancient art of dastangoi, historical narratives, mystery, horror, thriller, and folk stories. The essence of Udaipur Tales is rediscovering human connection through the power of voice, tradition, and shared experience.
To bring these stories to life, the festival has curated an impressive lineup of master narrators and artists. The stage will feature renowned personalities such as actor Divya Dutta, the versatile Rajit Kapur, and Arif Zakaria. They will be joined by talents like Divy Nidhi Sharma, Meiyang Chang, Danish Hussain, Mayur Kalbag, Prithwiraj Choudhury, Geetika Lidder, Vilas Janve, and Jyoti Pandey, among others. This gathering aims to celebrate stories that unite, inspire, and offer healing to audiences.
Inclusivity and Community at the Festival's Heart
True to its spirit, the Udaipur Tales Festival is built on a foundation of radical inclusivity and community participation. The event will feature sign language interpreters to ensure accessibility and will include participation from students of blind schools. The festival also plans to honour master storytellers, preserving and celebrating their legacy.
A significant highlight is Jamghat, the festival's open and participative talent platform. Scheduled across all three afternoons from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Jamghat serves as a dynamic space for talent-hunting and community engagement. This segment will host open mic sessions, storytelling competitions for a diverse range of participants—from homemakers and college students to independent and first-time performers. It will also include prize ceremonies for school storytelling competitions, independent music sets, and various spontaneous performances.
Nurturing New Voices and the Power of Connection
Beyond the main stage, the festival is committed to nurturing emerging voices. Alongside Jamghat, special children's storytelling competitions will be held, encouraging the next generation of narrators. Co-founder Sushmita Singha encapsulates the festival's philosophy, stating, "Storytelling is the purest form of human connection. And the festival aims to carry forward this tradition."
The seventh edition of Udaipur Tales is more than just an event; it is a movement to bring together a wide spectrum of storytellers and listeners. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of spoken word to bridge divides, celebrate diversity, and touch the human heart. Mark your calendars for a winter weekend in 2026 where the ancient lakeside city of Udaipur will echo with tales of every hue, inviting everyone to listen, share, and connect.
