Mumbai’s Kala Ghoda Festival Takes Flight With a Dazzling Opening Ceremony

Mumbai’s Kala Ghoda Festival Takes Flight With a Dazzling Opening Ceremony

Mumbai, 21st January 2024 (GNI): Beneath a star-studded sky, the 24th edition of the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival kicked off in a grand style last night, marking the start of nine days of artistic revelry in the heart of the city. The festival, themed ‘Udaan’ (meaning flight), promises to take festival goers on a journey of creative exploration and cultural immersion.

A Night of Stars and Symphony

The opening ceremony was a star-studded affair, with Bollywood celebrities, dignitaries and cultural icons gracing the occasion.

Hon. Chairperson of Kala Ghoda Association & Festival Director of Kala Ghoda Arts Festival Brinda Miller set the tone with a poetic declaration of the festival’s mission: “Tonight, as we inaugurate the 24th edition of Kala Ghoda Arts Festival in collaboration with the Mumbai Festival at the Cross Maidan, we embark on a journey where creativity converges with culture. We have 14 verticals, 300 plus programmes across nine days in at least 25 venues. We are very thankful to the Maharashtra Government, our sponsors, India Exim Bank, Smirnoff Lemon Pop Non Alcoholic, Milton and many others, the BMC, Mumbai Police and my wonderful curators and fabulous team.

“Through this celebration, we aim to present diverse artistic expressions, fostering a sense of community, curiosity, and above all, the spirit of Mumbai. Welcome to a 9-day spectacle that transcends boundaries and embraces the magic of Udaan – the flight of arts and culture.” expressed

Brinda Miller, Hon. Chairperson of Kala Ghoda Association & Festival Director of Kala Ghoda Arts Festival.

The ceremony featured captivating performances by Odissi dancers from Surupa Sen & Nrityagram, a mesmerizing lamp-lighting ceremony with Bollywood star Jackie Shroff and speeches by dignitaries like Maharashtra Tourism Minister Girish Mahajan and industrialist Anand Mahindra.

Unveiling a World of Art and Storytelling

Harsha Bangari, MD India Exim Bank, launched the book “Championing Grassroot Artisans” highlighting the rich tradition of tribal art in India alongside Anand Mahindra and Brinda Miller and said hearty congratulations to Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, Mumbai Festival and the Maharashtra Government.

Actress Dia Mirza delivered a celestial message from the stars. “We are not separate from our environment and we need to protect our environment,” averred the UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador, while thanking Kala Ghoda Association and expressing her happiness at preserving art, culture, dance, music and the incredible activities that unfolds.

Veteran actors Anupam Kher and Sachin Khedekar enthralled the audience with their recitations.

The evening culminated in a breathtaking performance by the Sharvari Jamenis Dance Company, whose fiery Kathak swirls painted the air with the energy of a supernova.

Bollywood actress Sara Ali Khan added a touch of glamour with her graceful dance performance and the Mumbai Theme Song sung by Dharavi Rocks brought the curtain down on a truly magical night.

Beyond the Opening Gala, earlier in the day, the festival saw diverse events like a poetry discussion with Gulzar, a children’s workshop on creating flying objects led by architect Arzan Khambatta, and a play about fierce women warriors by Vijay Kenkre. With over 300 programs across 14 verticals, the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival promises to offer something for everyone, from art enthusiasts to history buffs and families with children.

As the festival unfolds over the next nine days, Mumbai is set to be transformed into a vibrant canvas of creativity, where art takes flight and dreams take center stage.

Stirrup Your emotions! Kala Ghoda Arts Fest is on the saddle!

Day 1 images –
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15bBpHUxfgzAWGI7EecjLoiq6PoATB91S?usp=sharing

Anupam Kher, Sara Ali Khan, Sachin Khedekar, Dia Mirza, Brinda Miller Rock Kala Ghoda Art Festival Opening Night At Cross Maidan (Part-1)

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