Today, oral tradition exists in Mumbai, Maharashtra because of the devotion and faith of its practitioners in this pursuit of sharing folklore, legends and myths within communities. When Gaatha was conceived in 2022, keeping this oral recitation alive, we also incorporated form through Ragas and Kathas, Abhinaya Katha, Stitching Narratives, Tapestry Tales, Figurative Sculpting and Illustrative Storytelling to name a few.

Our theme for Gaatha - 2024 is “Mukhauta” – Unmasking Narratives.

After the success of Gaatha - 2023, where we had showcased the traditional art and folklore from the States of Maharashtra and Gujarat, this year our focus state is Kerala. This year Gaatha will showcase the folk and traditional art form of Kerala and the highlights are Tholpavakoothu, the shadow puppet play of Kerala, India’s ancient art Kathakali - Eye Dancing and the classical dance Mohiniyattam in its expressive form. We have also included six bespoke workshops. Unlocking the Fractal Knots - Sacred Geometry is unique in its concept. Gaatha is the first storytelling festival in India to include Queer Stories in the programming to celebrate Queer culture.

This year we are happy to have on board seven international tellers along with over 40 domestic tellers from across India and Mumbai to regale you with stories, both traditional and personal. It is in this spirit, my team and I at Mumbai Storytellers Society have marinated over a year on the curation, both from a programming and participation perspective - encompassing a wealth of culture, traditions and style. Collectively as a Team, we have woven together a rich tapestry of form, style, to keep alive the Lore of the Land. It has been a joy to work with the team of Gaatha and put together a bespoke festival. We have also introduced “Gaatha In The City” , an outreach program leading up to the Gaatha Festival. "Gaatha in the City" is our aim to unveil Gaatha - Mumbai International Storytelling Festival 2024 to the Schools in Mumbai. We are reaching out to over 18 schools across the Metropolis.

It is with this incredible MSS and SVU team, and the passion and dedication of many more, our advisors and well-wishers, our Donors, that we bring to you Gaatha - Mumbai International Storytelling Festival 2024: tellers appearing in person, and events that you can attend in person at different venues across the Somaiya University Campus and Kitab Khana Bookstore. Join us on 18th to 20th October 2024 at the Somaiya University Campus.

So let us come together, study the roots that we all share and divert our minds from the disturbance around us and help acquire a state of higher learning. Come to Gaatha where narratologists from India and abroad gather like a parliament of wise owls, telling stories about stories at the sprawling university campus and together we will understand each other a little more.