Now that February is just a month away, South Mumbai has already started to gear up for the 22nd edition of the Kala Ghoda Festival. Every year, the festival is organized either in January or February and this year the festival will open its virtual gates from 6 February to 14 February 2021. The festival is usually held at the Kala Ghoda Art District, which starts from the Regal Circle at the Southern end and stretches till the Mumbai University in the northern end and then further expands to the Oval Maidan in the west and finally ends at the Lion Gate on the east.
What the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival stands for
According to Mumbaikars, art in Mumbai has declined in extreme proportions. It has been steadfastly replaced by the cutthroat competition of securing financial stability in a city that refuses to sleep. But in the last few years, art groups have taken up the responsibility to revive the lost significance of art in the city and are redefining what it means to be an artist and an art consumer in Mumbai, and among them, Kala Ghoda is doing the finest job.
[Also read: Places to visit near Mumbai by road]
Here are some reasons why you should not miss the Kala Ghoda Festival
Among the most anticipated arts and culture festivals in the city, the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is the largest street festival of its kind in the country today. It has been instrumental in educating and enlightening visitors with a variety of art forms and imbibing in them a sense of pride for their (own) culture. The nine-day carnival celebrates artists, illustrators, dancers, musicians, travel experts, comedians, chefs and other creative geniuses across the country.
From workshops and exhibitions to heritage walks and live performances, the festival is a melting pot of activities. With its growing popularity, the festival has managed to draw the attention of visitors across the city as well as from the various different corners of the country. Undoubtedly, its popularity has exponentially grown over the years.
1. You get to explore the most beautiful district of Mumbai
The district is blessed with some of the most beautiful heritage buildings in all of Maharashtra. A blend of Indo-Saracenic, Neo-Gothic and Neo-Classical styled buildings are the biggest highlights of the district. Famous architectural wonders include the Elphinstone College, David Sassoon Library, Jehangir Art Gallery, Bombay University, Prince of Wales Museum, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) and the Army and Navy buildings. Symbolized by the regal statue of a black horse, Kala Ghoda is sure to take you back in time. And when in Mumbai, it would be a sin to miss out on some of the incredibly beautiful places around it. Simply rent a car in Mumbai and get going to explore these gems.
2. There’s theatre, art, drama, comedy, etc, etc
Kala Ghoda celebrates all forms of art. Here art is an umbrella term. To be more precise, it is a festival for every kind of art consumer and it was this multi-disciplinary aspect that contributed greatly in making this festival extremely popular across all age groups.
3. It is a great place to meet and interact with artists from different backgrounds
The festival provides a platform to all kinds of artists who come together and share their love for arts on a bigger and grander scale. It attracts various different kinds of artisans who wish to gain some recognition by displaying their work. The festival also does a fine job in bringing the artists and the buyers in direct contact with each other, thereby promoting the business of art.
4. It’s a great place to socialize
From college students, India’s most respected filmmakers, architects, poets, families interested in buying art pieces to connoisseurs who are eager to invest in an art piece worthy of their attention, this place turns into nothing short of a carnival.
5. Inhale art, exhale art
In a fast-moving city like Mumbai, this festival brings in the much-needed breather. It is during the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival that people are exposed to the mind-boggling imaginations of the artists. Because the festival is free and accepts registration for its workshops, this makes it even more accessible for the emerging art consumer in the city. There will also be book launches, poetry sessions, discussions with authors and many more.
An event unlike any other in India, do not miss out on the chance of being part of something so rich, diverse and so amazing. If you are someone who is all about art and admires art in all its forms, or even at the rudimentary stages of understanding art, then do not miss the Kala Ghoda Festival. You will not regret it. Book your Mumbai Taxi here for a hassle-free commute. If you are traveling from Pune, book a Mumbai to Pune cab.
Quick facts about Kala Ghoda Festival
| Location | Held in the Kala Ghoda Art District which starts from Regal Circle at the southern end of Mumbai. In 2021, Kala Ghoda will be held online. |
| Date | 6 February to 14 February 2021 |
| Famous for | Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is the largest street festival of its kind in the country celebrating art and culture. |
If you plan to attend the Kala Ghoda Festival, here are a few commonly asked traveler questions:
1. Where does Kala Ghoda Festival takes place?
The festival is held in the Kala Ghoda Art District.
2. When did Kala Ghoda Festival start?
The Kala Ghoda Association was formed in 1998 and the first festival was held in 1999.
3. For how many days is Kala Ghoda Festival held?
The festival lasts for 9 days.
Last Updated on November 9, 2022 by blogadmin
