Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival Announces Star-Studded Lineup for its 7th Edition
· Divya Dutta, Rajit Kapur & Meiyang Chang to perform at the three-day festival from January 9–11, 2026 in Udaipur
· Readmio comes on board as the Official Digital Partner for Udaipur Tales International Storytelling 2026
The city of lakes is set to become a gathering ground for voices, memories, and imagination as the Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival returns with its 7th edition from January 9 to 11, 2026. Over three thoughtfully curated days, the festival will once again celebrate the timeless power of oral storytelling—where stories are carried not by screens or spectacle, but by voice, presence, and human connection.
This year’s edition brings together an impressive lineup of performers from India and across the world, reaffirming Udaipur Tales’ place as one of the country’s most intimate and culturally rooted storytelling festivals. National Award-winning actor Divya Dutta, celebrated theatre and film actor Rajit Kapur, and musician-actor Meiyang Chang, performing with his band, headline a programme that spans folklore, contemporary narratives, music, dance, and lived histories. Joining them are acclaimed performers and storytellers including Danish Husain, Arif Zakaria, Divy Nidhi Sharma, Mayur Kalbag, international storytellers Maia Ganatra, Mikka Chesron, and the Sanjukta Sinha Dance Company from Ahmedabad, presenting their evocative work Shifting Sands.
Speaking about her participation, Divya Dutta shares, “Storytelling is where performance becomes most honest, shaped by the connection between the teller and the listener. The Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival provides a meaningful space for stories to be shared through voice, imagination and presence, and I am delighted to be part of it.”
A defining element of the festival is Honours Unveiled – Honouring of Master Storytellers, a formally curated segment dedicated to recognising lifelong contributions to the art of oral storytelling. Introduced in the festival’s fifth edition, this initiative reflects Udaipur Tales’ deep commitment to preserving cultural memory, language, values, and lived histories through spoken word. Conferred through a jury-led process, the honour underscores the festival’s belief in storytelling as a living, transformative art form that continues to shape communities across generations.
Reflecting on the festival’s vision, Sushmita Singha, Co-founder of Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival, notes, “Storytelling is the purest form of human connection—it is how we listen, remember, and understand one another. Udaipur Tales has always been about creating an intimate space where stories are shared without filters or distractions. Having distinguished artists from India and overseas adds new layers of depth, craft, and flavour to the festival, enriching the experience for both storytellers and audiences alike.”
The three-day festival unfolds as an immersive journey through diverse storytelling traditions. Day One, January 9, opens with the inaugural evening, setting the tone through contemporary, folkloric, and satirical narratives, with performances by Mayur Kalbag, Maia Ganatra, Divy Nidhi Sharma, Rajit Kapur, and the Sanjukta Sinha Dance Company. Day Two, January 10, centres on legacy and lived histories, featuring the Honouring of Master Storytellers, followed by performances by Danish Husain, Colonel R.K. Sharma, Arif Zakaria, and Meiyang Chang with his band. Day Three, January 11, spans morning and evening sessions exploring autobiographical storytelling, classical epics, contemporary international narratives, and music, culminating in performances by Mikka Chesron, Prithviraj Choudhury, Divya Dutta, and a closing Sufi musical performance by Aanchal Srivastav.
Strengthening its digital outreach for the 2026 edition, Readmio joins the festival as its Official Digital Partner. A children’s storytelling app offering interactive stories, audiobooks, and read-along experiences, Readmio supports the festival’s focus on nurturing young imaginations. A dedicated children’s stage will run every morning, featuring sessions by Vilas Janve, Gouri Nilakantan, and Shona Malhotra, alongside storytelling sessions, open mics, and school-led performances. As part of this initiative, the festival will host its 6th Annual Storytelling Competition for school students, offering young voices a platform to express creativity and confidence. All participating students will receive a one-month free Readmio subscription, while winners will be awarded a one-year premium subscription and the opportunity to release their own audiobook on the Readmio platform.
Extending its inclusive and participatory spirit, Jamghat, the festival’s open talent platform, will take place across all three days from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Designed as a space for community engagement and discovery, Jamghat will feature open mics, storytelling competitions for participants ranging from homemakers and college students to first-time performers, prize presentations for the school storytelling competition, independent music sets, and spontaneous performances that keep the festival alive with shared energy.
Continuing its commitment to accessibility and inclusion, the Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival will feature sign-language interpreters, participation from visually impaired students, and a special performance by inmates from Udaipur Central Jail, reinforcing the belief that storytelling belongs to everyone.
Tickets for the Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival 2026 will be available on BookMyShow, starting at ₹250, inviting audiences to step into three days of stories that listen, remember, and connect—one voice at a time.
