Somaiya Vidyavihar University to host Gaatha in collaboration with Mumbai Storytellers Society

Second Edition of Gaatha highlights Kerala’s rich heritage and culture

 Mumbai: Somaiya Vidyavihar University, and Mumbai Storytellers Society proudly announce the Second Edition of Gaatha- Mumbai International Storytelling Festival, scheduled from 18th October 2024 to 20th October 2024. This three-day event will be held on the lush green campus of Somaiya Vidyavihar University in Mumbai. The theme for this year is “Mukhauta: Unmasking Narratives.”

Gaatha – Mumbai International Storytelling Festival was conceived as a celebration of heritage through the art of storytelling in its myriad forms, with a commitment to keeping this timeless tradition alive. The festival provides a platform for storytellers from diverse local, national, and international backgrounds. This year’s edition celebrates the state of Kerala, and its rich heritage, culture, and traditional dance forms.

This year’s storytellers include Heather Forest, Aparna Athreya, Dr Gauri Raje, Rosemarie Somaiah, Dr Santushya, Aarti Jain, Usha Venkatraman, Rohini Ramanathan, Shilpa Mudbi and many more. The festival includes various events like Ghost Stories, Queer Kahaaniya to name a few. A notable addition is Gaatha’s Outreach Programme, Gaatha-in the City which provides a platform for storytellers to travel to different schools in Mumbai for storytelling, expanding the festival’s audience.

“Stories and storytelling are the threads that weave the cultural fabric of a nation, leaving behind a legacy for generations to cherish. At Somaiya Vidyavihar University, we have always championed cultural initiatives, ensuring they not only survive but thrive. After the success of Gaatha in 2023, I truly believe in the transformative power of storytelling. Join us at Gaatha 2024 with a new theme, and experience the magic of stories in the serene green oasis of our beautiful campus”, said Amrita Somaiya, Festival Chief, Gaatha Mumbai International Storytelling Festival.


‘I am privileged to invite you to the Gaatha Mumbai International Storytelling Festival 2024, hosted at Somaiya Vidyavihar University. This October, join us for the second edition of Gaatha, one of India’s largest and most anticipated storytelling festivals. With its rich blend of tradition and culture, Gaatha is set to be a highlight of Mumbai’s festival season”-   Festival Director of Gaatha- Mumbai International Storytelling Festival, Usha Venkatraman says.