Since its inception in 2017, this festival has grown into one of India’s most cherished cultural events, celebrating the art of storytelling in its many forms. Known for its ability to captivate audiences with narratives from across the world, Udaipur Tales invites you to be a part of its most immersive and intimate edition yet.

Over three unforgettable days, the festival will present a carefully curated collection of stories, spanning genres such as history, romance, and mystery. With something for everyone, a special segment is dedicated exclusively to children, igniting their imagination through tales designed to inspire wonder and curiosity. This year’s edition promises to transport attendees into the heart of storytelling, creating moments that linger long after the festival concludes.

However, Udaipur Tales is not just about stories—it is a celebration of culture in its most vibrant and artistic forms. Alongside the captivating narratives, the festival will feature soulful live music, innovative fusion performances, and mesmerizing displays of traditional folk art. Together, these elements create a truly immersive experience, set against the stunning backdrop of Udaipur’s rich heritage and natural beauty.

Step into the World of Stories: Performance Highlights at Udaipur Tales 2025

Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival 2025 offers an exciting lineup of performances over three days, blending storytelling, music, and cultural narratives. Here’s the detailed schedule with each performance listed numerically for clarity:

Day 1 – 10th January (Evening)

Debjani – The Untold Story of Surpanakha
- A heartfelt narrative exploring the solitude and grief of Surpanakha, an overlooked character from mythology, as she struggles with loss and revenge in the Dandaka Forest.
Ahmad Faraz – "Mano To Sach, Na Mano To Rahasya"
- A gripping horror tale inspired by real events that blends mystery and reality to create a spine-chilling experience.
Ajay Kumar – Bada Bhand
- A stunning performance of the rare art of Katha-Vachan-Gayan, presenting Vijaydan Detha’s story through an engaging mix of fiction and reality by the NSD faculty member.
Qutubi Brothers – Soulful Qawwali
- A mesmerizing qawwali performance by the world-renowned Qutubi Brothers, who bring their 750-year-old Sarawa Gharana tradition to life with soulful melodies and devotion.

Day 2 – 11th January (Evening)

Vicky Ahuja – Sardar Ji
- A poignant tale by K.A. Abbas about the transformation of hatred into love during the Partition of 1947, performed with emotional depth and sensitivity.
Neha Bahuguna – Pahadi Kahaniyan
- Two intertwined stories from Uttarakhand, capturing the serene beauty of the hills and the evolution of the “Pahadi” identity through evocative narration.
Devdutt Pattanaik – Sati Savitri
- A thought-provoking exploration of gender dynamics in mythology, examining the balance of male and female energies and their role in Indian culture.
Shilpa Mudbi Kothakota & Adithya Kothakota – Tracing the Roots Through Folklore
- A compelling music and storytelling performance narrating the transformation of Renuka into Goddess Yellamma, with songs in Kannada, Marathi, Urdu, and Hindi.

Day 3 – 12th January (Morning)

Priyanka Chatterjee – Journey Within a Journey
- A poetic tale weaving ancient narratives with contemporary themes, offering a story of rediscovery, emotions, and forgotten melodies.
Rajat Menghnani – Mohabbat Ke Phool
- A timeless love story of a passionate king and a talented poetess, brought alive through Rajat’s captivating voice and emotive storytelling.
Shweta Nadkarni – Romeo & Juliet with a Spin
- A fascinating twist on Shakespeare’s classic love story, imagining what could have happened if Romeo and Juliet had chosen to live for love instead of dying for it.

Day 3 – 12th January (Evening)

Juliana Marin Fryling – The Scarecrow in the Sky
- Tales of magical realism from Colombia, blending indigenous myths and urban narratives in an enchanting journey of dreams and reality.
Fouzia – Dastane-Ghalib
- A biographical narrative of Mirza Ghalib’s life and poetry, brought to life with wit, humor, and pathos by India’s first female dastango.
Sameer Rahat – Soulful Poetry and Music
- A powerful fusion of poetry, music, and cinematic soundscapes by Sameer Rahat, inspired by the legacy of his legendary poet parents, offering a profound exploration of human emotions.

Each performance is a window into a world where words come alive, emotions find a voice, and stories weave their magic. Whether you love poetry, myth, drama, or folklore, there’s something here to ignite your imagination.

Offerings of the Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival:

Captivating Storytelling Sessions
- Diverse genres including history, romance, mystery, and folklore.
- A special segment dedicated to enchanting children’s tales, designed to spark young imaginations.
Cultural Performances
- Traditional folk art performances showcasing the vibrant heritage of the region.
- Fusion music concerts blending classical and contemporary sounds for a unique auditory experience.
Live Music
- Soulful live music that enhances the storytelling atmosphere and complements the narratives.
Immersive Experience
- A blend of stories, art, and music in a picturesque setting, creating a multi-sensory cultural experience.
Networking and Community Building
- Opportunities to connect with storytellers, artists, and like-minded individuals who share a passion for storytelling and culture.

Who Should Attend?

Storytelling Enthusiasts
- Anyone who appreciates the art of storytelling and wishes to explore diverse narratives.
Families and Children
- Families looking for enriching and entertaining activities, with special sessions tailored for children.
Artists and Creatives
- Writers, musicians, and performers seeking inspiration from an artistic and cultural melting pot.
Culture and Heritage Lovers
- Those who value traditional art forms, folk music, and cultural experiences.
Travelers and Explorers
- Visitors seeking a unique event in the enchanting city of Udaipur, combining travel with cultural immersion.
Educators and Students
- Teachers, storytellers, and students keen on learning the nuances of storytelling as a medium of expression.

Venue - Park Exotica Resort Udaipur
Dates - 10th , 11th , 12th January
Evening sessions timings - 5.30PM to 10PM
Sunday morning session timings : 10AM Onwards

Gather your loved ones, and join us in Udaipur to celebrate the universal language of stories. Whether you are a lifelong admirer of the spoken word or simply seeking an experience that will move and inspire, the Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival offers an extraordinary opportunity to connect with stories, culture, and community. Let this celebration of humanity’s oldest art form leave you with cherished memories and a heart full of tales to share.

Instructions from the organising team:

1. Donor Pass to enter the event once booked cannot be exchanged or refunded.
2. All members booked on one donor pass ID should come together.
3. An Internet handling fee per donor pass may be levied. Please check the total amount before payment
4. We recommend that you arrive at-least 30 minutes prior at the venue for a seamless entry
5. Unlawful resale (or attempted unlawful resale) of a donor pass would lead to seizure or cancellation of that donor without refund or other compensation
6. Rights of admission reserved
7. These terms and conditions are subject to change from time to time at the discretion of the organiser
8. The show times, storytellers and other event matters can change beyond the control of the organisers.
9. No damages/claims in that account shall be payable
10. The evening sessions are designed for an adult audience, and stories may include mature language and themes.
11. Attendees are expected to approach content with an open mind and maturity, acknowledging the artistic freedom of storytellers.
12. The views expressed by performers are their personal perspectives, and the organizers do not endorse or promote any particular ideologies.
13. Bringing weapons, firearms, or ammunition to the event is strictly prohibited to ensure everyone's safety
14. The net proceeds are used for promotion of education, heritage and culture and other objectives of the foundation.

Anwar Sadhik