The Kathakar International Storytellers Festival took place at the historic Gothic Hall, Gaiety Theatre in Shimla. Organized by Nivesh, HHACH, and Babaji Music in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Tourism (Government of India), the festival is curated and produced by the Gehlot sisters — Rachna, Prarthana, and Shaguna.
The event featured performances by renowned international storytellers Usifu Jaloh (Sierra Leone) and Polina Tserkasova (Estonia). Alongside these performances, veteran musician Shantanu Moitra engaged in a lively conversation with singer Mohit Chauhan during the Kisse Kahaniyan aur Matargashti session, moderated by Prarthana Gahilote. The festival also showcased a musical performance by Satpal Wadali and Group from Punjab.
Expressing her excitement about the festival, Estonian storyteller Polina Tserkasova shared a captivating folktale about a hunter who rescues a trapped white swan. The swan, later revealed to be a woman, secretly cares for the hunter in his absence. Upon discovering her true identity, the hunter gives her the choice to leave or stay as his wife. She chooses to stay, and they live happily, raising a son together. One day, as other swans call her to the clouds, she refuses, choosing to remain with her family forever.
Usifu Jaloh began his performance with a song, captivating the audience with his storytelling. He then sang a Hindi and Punjabi song, including “Tujhe Dekha To Yeh Jaana Sanam,” “Tum Paas Aaye,” and “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and many others”
In his story he narrated, that a woman wanted to cook for her husband but struggled to pick vegetables from a tree. She asked her husband to cut the tree, and when he chopped a branch, it magically transformed into a man.
Satpal Wadali started his performance with the first song “Sanson ki Mala pe simrun mein Pi ka Naam”, then “Tujhe Dekha to aisa laga jaise meri eed ho gayee, then he sung “Tu maane ya na maane, assan taan tenu yaar maneya”. Then he sung “Yeh jo halka halka suroor hai”, Lagan lagi tumse man ki lagan, Lal Meri bat rakhiyo bhala jhule lalan
Mohit Chauhan, the festival’s Chief Patron and Cultural Ambassador of Mongolia to India, expressed his joy at bringing the festival to his home state. “Himachal is my home, and it’s a wonderful experience to see the Kathakar Festival here. This festival is close to my heart as it revives traditional storytelling, allowing people to explore different cultures, values, and traditions. Through Kathakar, we not only tell stories but also discuss their significance in everyday life, cinema, and music.” He also said that the Storytellers Festival has been organized for the past 15 years, but this is the first time it is being held in Shimla. He mentioned that storytelling is an art, just like how we used to listen to stories from our grandparents in childhood.
Famous music composer Shantanu Moitra stated that storytelling encompasses numerous tales, and the mountains too hold many stories. These stories can be taken across the country and abroad. He added that emotions in stories are the same worldwide; only the language differs.
During the discussion session, Mohit Chauhan shared that his journey began with superhit songs like Ab Ke Sawan and has led him to where he is today. He also mentioned that he hails from Himachal Pradesh, where many hidden stories exist, and music is the best medium to narrate these stories.
Prarthana Gahilote, Director of Kathakar, highlighted the festival’s milestone: “Celebrating 15 glorious years, we are hosting the festival across four cities—Delhi, Shimla, Jodhpur, and Jaipur. Over 14 years and 18 editions, Kathakar has become synonymous with Indian and international storytelling, both in India and globally.” She further added, “Shimla residents got to watch a unique treat of stories, music, and melodies. Two music legends, Shantanu Moitra and Mohit Chauhan, shared the stage, which is a treat for the audience, they offered insights into the evolution of music, storytelling, and adapting to changing times.”
