Mumbai, 4th February – Day 8 of the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival unfolded like a vibrant mosaic of experiences, weaving together the threads of art, heritage, and music. Celebrating its 25th edition, the festival offered an array of thoughtfully curated events across five iconic venues, captivating audiences of all ages.
The day began at the CSMVS Museum, under the shade of the ancient Baobab Tree, where participants embarked on a lively heritage hunt during Kala Ghoda to Gateway – Heritage Walk. This interactive treasure hunt celebrated not only 25 years of the festival but also 100 years of the iconic Gateway of India. Families with children immersed themselves in the city’s architectural wonders, unraveling stories from Mumbai’s rich past in a truly engaging manner.
By afternoon, the same venue transformed into an artistic sanctuary with Know Your Art presents ‘The Spirit of Kala Ghoda’. Children between 5 to 12 years embraced their creativity, drawing inspiration from master artists like Matisse, Dali, Jamini Roy, and Husain to create their own interpretations of horses in art. This session was a beautiful blend of imagination and learning, highlighting the festival’s enduring connection with creativity.
At the Yashwantrao Chavan Centre, theater lovers witnessed an unforgettable performance of Piyakkad, presented by Ansh Theatre Group. Written, directed, and performed by the inimitable Makarand Deshpande, the play explored the profound yet chaotic world of a divine drunkard. The audience was spellbound by Deshpande’s poignant and powerful storytelling, making it a theatrical masterpiece.
Meanwhile, at the YWCA in Fort, the spotlight turned to Spain with Hola Spain!. Presented by the Tourism Office of Spain, the workshop took attendees on a journey through the vibrant culture and rich heritage of Spain. Dr. Sherline Pimenta K, a master storyteller, mesmerized the audience with tales of Spain’s iconic castles, cities, and folklore, painting vivid imagery of the country’s charm.
At the Elphinstone College Quadrangle, a thought-provoking session, Connecting Youth with the Roots, brought together G.N. Devy, Priita Mathur, and Rajesh Tailang in conversation with Yunus Khan. The discussion bridged generations, exploring how Indian languages, literature, cinema, and performing arts continue to shape contemporary movements, inspiring the youth to stay connected with their cultural roots.
As evening descended, the Asiatic Library Steps turned into a magical stage for music. Uthan – The Beginning honored the legendary Ustad Zakir Hussain, celebrating music as a universal language. An ensemble of talented musicians, including Ustad Fazal Qureshi, U Rajesh, George Brooks, Sridar Parthasarathy, Sheldon D’Silva, and Darshan Doshi, came together to create an unforgettable fusion of sounds, uniting North and South Indian music with jazz traditions.
The crescendo of the night began with the launch of The Spirit of Kala Ghoda, the festival’s official anthem, composed by Shantanu Moitra with heartfelt lyrics by Aalok Shrivastav. The atmosphere was electric as the anthem reverberated through the steps of the Asiatic Library.
The grand finale saw music composer duo Sachin-Jigar take the stage for a live concert. Their infectious energy and chart-topping Bollywood hits had the audience singing, dancing, and reminiscing, closing the day on a euphoric note.
Day 8 of the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival was a testament to the power of art and culture to inspire, unite, and elevate. With every passing day, the festival continues to redefine the boundaries of creativity, leaving an indelible mark on the city.
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