The enchanting city of Udaipur is set to once again become the epicenter of narrative arts as the Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival prepares for its grand seventh edition. This unique celebration of oral traditions will unfold from January 9th to 11th, 2026, at the picturesque Park Exotica Resort in Udaipur. Recognized as India's one-of-a-kind international oral storytelling festival, the event promises a deep dive into the human experience through the timeless power of the spoken word.
A Constellation of Storytelling Stars
The festival has unveiled an impressive lineup of artists and raconteurs for its 2026 chapter. Audiences can look forward to captivating performances by acclaimed personalities including Divya Dutta, Rajit Kapur, Arif Zakaria, and Meiyang Chang. They will be joined by seasoned storytellers like Danish Hussain, Mayur Kalbag, Prithwiraj Choudhury, Geetika Lidder, Vilas Janve, Jyoti Pandey, and Divy Nidhi Sharma, among others. The festival's core mission is to rediscover human connection through voices, traditions, and experiences that resonate deeply, aiming to bring together a diverse community of tellers and listeners to share stories that unite, inspire, and heal.
Inclusivity and Emerging Voices at the Forefront
True to its spirit, Udaipur Tales 2026 is designed as a profoundly inclusive space. The festival will feature sign language interpreters to ensure accessibility and will welcome participation from blind school students. Master storytellers will be honored for their contributions to the art form. A significant focus will also be on nurturing new talent through Jamghat, the festival's open-mic platform. Scheduled across all three afternoons from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Jamghat will serve as a dynamic stage for homemakers, college students, and first-time performers to share their narratives. The segment will also host children's storytelling competitions, independent music sets, and spontaneous performances, acting as a vibrant hub for community engagement and talent discovery.
The Purest Form of Human Connection
The festival will showcase a rich tapestry of genres, from contemporary and romance to dastangoi, historical, mystery, horror, thriller, and folk tales. Co-founder Sushmita Singha encapsulates the festival's philosophy, stating that storytelling is the purest form of human connection, and the event is a dedicated effort to carry this ancient tradition forward into the modern age. By blending legendary voices with fresh talent in the stunning backdrop of Udaipur, the Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival 2026 is poised to be an unforgettable celebration of shared humanity and the enduring magic of a well-told story.
