Kala Ghoda Festival 2025: A Family-Friendly Cultural Extravaganza

The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (KGAF) is back, and this year’s edition is going to be an absolute showstopper. After all, how often does a festival hit the 25-year milestone? The Kala Ghoda neighborhood in South Mumbai transforms every year into a hub of creativity and culture, and 2025 is a particularly special year for the festival. As the festival celebrates its Silver Jubilee, there's a palpable buzz in the air—a sense of nostalgia, excitement, and anticipation for what's to come. If you've never been, this is the perfect year to experience the magic, and if you're a long-time fan, you're in for some truly unforgettable moments.

For us at Rooftop, being part of this vibrant celebration is nothing short of thrilling. We’re bringing our unique blend of traditional Indian art, hands-on workshops, and interactive experiences to this year’s festival, making it the perfect opportunity for families, kids, and art lovers to dive deeper into the world of Indian art and heritage.

Let’s take a walk through what makes this year's Kala Ghoda Arts Festival so exciting!

What Is the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival?

At its heart, the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is an explosion of creativity. Picture this: the charming lanes of Kala Ghoda filled with mesmerizing art installations, music flowing through the air, street performances that stop you in your tracks, and artists who are not only showcasing their works but engaging with you in the most creative ways. The festival spills out into the streets, with art spilling over from galleries and installations into every open space imaginable. This isn't just about watching art; it's about being part of it.

As the Kala Ghoda Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary, there’s a sense of the extraordinary this year. The festival is taking on a life of its own—amplified by stories of years past, powerful performances, new faces, and older traditions intertwined.

A Brief History of the Festival

Flashback to 1999: the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival was born as a small initiative to breathe life into a neglected area of Mumbai. What started with a handful of local artists has grown into one of the biggest art festivals in India. Over the years, the festival has expanded in scope and spirit.

From its humble beginning 25 years back to the larger than life extravaganza it is today, the Kala Ghoda Festival has woven together the history, artistry, and culture of India into an unforgettable experience. This year, as the festival marks its Silver Jubilee, it feels like a celebration not just of art, but of community—of people who have worked tirelessly, year after year, to make this space a home for creators and lovers of art alike.

Did you know that the King Edward Statue in Kala Ghoda in the Fort area and the surrounding buildings represent some of the most iconic examples of 19th-century architecture in Bombay? The statue itself is a testament to the era's colonial design, and the surrounding area remains a key piece of the city’s historical and architectural heritage.

Image Source: King Edward Statue Bombay Vintage Postcard

Why It’s the Most Awaited Event of the Year

The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival isn’t just another event—it’s a cultural explosion. There’s a certain magic in the air that can only be found at Kala Ghoda. You can be walking along, chatting with a friend, and suddenly you’ll find yourself entranced by a live dance performance or a mesmerizing mural being created right before your eyes. For those of us who’ve attended year after year, the festival feels like a reunion—a reunion of friends, artists, and strangers, all brought together by the sheer joy of art and creativity.

This year, the buzz is louder than ever. As it celebrates 25 years, the festival has decided to make things extra special. The familiar faces from past editions will return, but there are new artists, new performers, and some exciting surprises. It's like a vibrant canvas that keeps adding more layers—always fresh, always evolving, yet always deeply rooted in the spirit of the festival.

Highlights of Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2025

Asia’s large multidisciplinary street arts festival, the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (KAGF), is set to return for its 25th edition from January 25th to February 2nd, 2025. Themed ‘Sliver’, this year’s festival promises an even grander celebration of diverse artistic expressions, cultural heritage, and creativity. With more than 300 programmes across 15 verticals, Kala Ghoda will transform the heart of Mumbai into a vibrant hub of arts, crafts, and performances, bringing together over 25 venues for an immersive cultural experience.

Whether you are a first-time visitor or returning art enthusiast, this annual event promises to captivate with its wide range of artistic activities. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect at KGAF 2025:

Art Exhibitions and Installations

Imagine walking down the street, the sound of your footsteps mingling with the hum of conversations around you, when suddenly you turn a corner and are greeted by an interactive art installation. One year, the festival encountered a stunning sculpture made entirely of discarded materials that highlighted the need for sustainability. It was a thought-provoking piece, and as they interacted with it, they felt a deep sense of connection to the artist’s message.This year’s installations will undoubtedly do the same—pushing boundaries and inviting visitors to engage with the art in unexpected ways.

Whether it's immersive installations, outdoor sculptures, or digital art that transforms right in front of your eyes, Kala Ghoda is a place where art transcends traditional spaces and invites you to experience it on your terms.

Did you know? The Kala Ghoda Association revealed a 25-foot sculpture by Alfaz Miller and Shreehari Bhosle. Instead of copying the original, they aimed to focus on the future. Unveiled during the Kala Ghoda Festival, it’s also a bold, symbolic art piece.

Image Source: Left side: The Kala Ghoda statue from the 19th century period, and right side: The new sculpture of 'Kala Ghoda' installed in 2017.

Cultural Performances and Shows

When the sun sets over the festival, the streets of Kala Ghoda transform into an outdoor theater.The performances at Kala Ghoda are always a highlight, and this year, with the special 25th anniversary twist, you can expect even more variety—from classical dance performances to experimental theatre, jazz bands, and street performances. For first-timers, this is an unforgettable experience. For regulars, it's that spark that keeps us coming back year after year.

Artists, Celebrities, and Personalities

Kala Ghoda is where the who’s who of the creative world converge. One still remembers the time they casually bumped into a famous filmmaker at a book reading event, and before long, the conversation turned to art and cinema. The festival brings together an eclectic mix of artists, celebrities, and personalities, all eager to share their work, ideas, and stories with the public. This year, with the Silver Jubilee celebrations, there are bound to be even more exciting collaborations and special appearances. If they’re lucky, visitors might just have a chance to chat with a famous artist about their creative journey or hear from a prominent filmmaker about their latest project.

Creative Workshops for All Ages

One of the best ways to experience Kala Ghoda is by getting hands-on and creating something yourself. The festival’s workshops are a hit with families and people of all ages. At a Warli painting workshop a few years ago, a piece of art was created, and it still hangs in a living room. That’s the beauty of Kala Ghoda—they’re not just spectators, they’re creators. Whether they’re learning to make Madhubani designs or trying their hand at pottery, these workshops are all about fun, learning, and creativity. This year, the workshops are bigger and better, with something for everyone—no matter the skill level.

Food, Craft, and Heritage Walks

It’s not all about art—Kala Ghoda knows how to feed your soul in more ways than one. A few years ago, There’s always a fantastic mix of street food, gourmet treats, and craft stalls that made the festival a sensory adventure. If you’re a food lover, prepare to indulge. And don’t miss the heritage walks! They’re a wonderful way to experience the rich history of Kala Ghoda, which is full of fascinating stories and architectural wonders.

Rooftop at Kala Ghoda - What’s on Offer

We at Rooftop are beyond excited to be part of the historic 25th edition of the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival! Get ready for a fun, interactive experience that brings India’s rich art heritage to life like never before.

We’re thrilled to introduce FTAC Cards (Fine Art Trading Cards), an exciting way to explore traditional Indian art forms like Warli, Gond, Madhubani, and more. Whether you're a seasoned collector or simply an art enthusiast, these cards offer a hands-on approach to experiencing India’s artistic legacy. But here's the best part—these cards come with interactive games that make learning and playing so much fun!

Here’s what you can look forward to:

FTAC Collection Challenge: Trade and collect cards to build your own unique art collection. The more you swap, the cooler your collection gets!

Memory Game: Flip through the cards and match pairs of gorgeous artwork. It’s a fun challenge to test your memory while discovering stunning art.

Slap Dash: A fast-paced game where you race to slap the right card—can you find the Warli card before anyone else?

These games are a perfect mix of entertainment and education, providing a whole new way to experience India’s traditional art. Come by, play, and discover the beauty of Indian heritage in a fun and engaging way at this year’s Kala Ghoda Festival!

Artventure Books: Explore Indian Art in a Fun, Interactive Way

Discover the beauty of Indian traditional art with Artventure Books! Designed for all ages, these interactive books offer activities, stories, and exercises that introduce art forms like Warli and Madhubani in an engaging way.

Available in different levels—from beginner to advanced—there’s a perfect book for everyone. Whether you’re just starting or refining your skills, Artventure Books guide you through the process, blending fun and learning while you explore the rich heritage of Indian art.

Workshops: Unleash Your Creativity and Learn Traditional Indian Art

No matter your skill level, our workshops offer an unforgettable artistic experience. Whether you're picking up a paintbrush for the first time or are a seasoned artist, you’ll embark on a creative journey through India’s rich cultural heritage.

From the intricate details of Warli painting to the vibrant storytelling of Gond art, each workshop immerses you in traditional art forms, giving you the chance to not only learn but also create something unique and meaningful.

Join us and discover the beauty of India’s art—whether you're honing your skills or exploring a new passion. Every session is designed to inspire, educate, and leave you with a beautiful piece of art to cherish.

Best ways to travel to Kala Ghoda Festival / How can you reach Kala Ghoda Festival

Location and Dates Kala Ghoda Arts Festival will take place in the heart of Mumbai’s Kala Ghoda neighborhood from 25 January - 2 February, 2025.

About 1.5 miles from the event site is the closest major railway station, which is called Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). To go to KGAF, take an auto rickshaw or taxi from CSMT.

Churchgate station, which is 1.3 kilometres away, offers an additional choice. From Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk, which is 350 metres from Churchgate, one can walk or take the bus (No. 137) to Hutatma Chowk, which is adjacent to the festival location.

Tickets and Registration Many events are free, but some workshops and performances may require registration or tickets. Don’t miss out—book your spots early!

Tips for First-Time Visitors Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be walking a lot! Comfort is key. Arrive Early: To get the best views or join a workshop, arrive early. Stay Hydrated: Mumbai can be warm, so carry a water bottle and take breaks when needed.

Why Every Art Lover Should Attend

Kala Ghoda is a festival that stays with you long after it’s over. The people you meet, the art you discover, the performances that move you—these are the things that make Kala Ghoda unforgettable. And this year, with its Silver Jubilee, there’s even more to experience, more to discover, and more magic to find. We can’t wait to share the beauty of Indian art with you at Rooftop’s stall. See you at Kala Ghoda 2025!