In a world increasingly dominated by screens, there’s something deeply magical about the human voice and the age‑old art of oral storytelling. The seventh edition of the Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival (often simply “Udaipur Tales”) is all set to revive that magic yet again – this time from January 9 to 11, 2026, in the heart of Rajasthan’s city of lakes, Udaipur.
Over three days, listeners will be transported across time and space, from myth‑laden legends to contemporary sagas – all through spoken word, music, and performance. With a carefully curated selection of storytellers, inclusive storytelling sessions, and a special children’s segment, the festival seeks to honor tradition while inspiring a new generation of listeners.
What is Udaipur Tales And Why It Matters
- A brief history: The festival began in 2017, founded by cultural entrepreneurs Sushmita Singha and Salil Bhandari. Over the years, it has emerged as one of India’s foremost platforms dedicated solely to oral storytelling.
- Philosophy: Udaipur Tales emphasizes stories told without scripts, reading, or digital aids – purely through voice, presence, and the power of human connection. This preserves the authenticity of oral tradition and offers an intimate, communal experience for audiences.
- Cultural significance: In a time when audio‑visual media dominate, the festival revives older narrative traditions – from folklore to myth to local history – reminding audiences of storytelling’s roots. It also helps preserve art forms that might otherwise fade away.
What to Expect in the 2026 Edition
According to the organisers, the 2026 edition promises a rich mix of performances and experiences:
- Live storytelling by national and international artists: spanning genres such as mythological, historical, folk, romance, horror, mystery, and more.
- Recognition: Master Storytellers Honour Ceremony: two veteran storytellers will be honoured for their lifelong contribution to oral storytelling.
- Music, folk performances, and cultural fusion: weaving stories with songs, traditional music, and regional narratives to create immersive, multi-sensory experiences.
- Children’s Segment + Inclusivity: a dedicated children’s storytelling segment, interactive sessions, and inclusive performances involving sign‑language interpreters and participation from blind‑school students.
- Open‑mic and Storytelling Competition: a chance for emerging storytellers to perform under the festival’s open‑mic “Jamghat”, and competitions fostering new talent.
- Unconventional participants: in a unique move, inmates from Udaipur’s Central Jail will share their stories and music, offering a powerful example of storytelling as healing and expression.
The 2026 lineup is already announced to feature names including Arif Zakaria, Danish Hussain, Meiyang Chang, and many others from across India and abroad.
Venue & Logistics — Where and How
- Venue: The festival will take place at Park Exotica Resort (Shilpgram Road, opposite Darpan Dwar), Udaipur.
- Dates: January 9, 10, and 11, 2026.
- Audience size: To preserve intimacy, each adult session is capped at 350–400 attendees.
- Ticket price: Starting at INR 250.
- Booking: BookMyShow
Why 2026 Edition is Special — What’s New
- Inclusivity & social outreach: The 2026 edition goes beyond typical storytelling by including performances from inmates at Udaipur’s Central Jail – integrating marginalized voices and stories of hope.
- Recognition through Master Storytellers honour: For the first time (or at least in recent years), veteran storytellers will receive special recognition, highlighting the festival’s commitment to preserving oral traditions and honoring their torchbearers.
- Open‑mic, competitions and youth focus: Through open‑mic “Jamghat,” storytelling competitions, and a dedicated children’s segment, the festival is opening its doors to fresh voices – nurturing a new generation of storytellers in both Hindi and English.
- Diverse genres and global reach: From “dastangoi” to modern tales, from folk to horror, from regional languages to English – the festival continues to expand its palette. The presence of international artists ensures cross‑cultural exchanges and global storytelling flavors.
Tips For Visitors
For those planning to attend, especially from outside Udaipur:
- Book early: With limited seating per session, tickets can sell out — especially for popular storytellers and evening performances.
- Stay in Udaipur: Since the venue is Park Exotica Resort on Shilpgram Road, it’s convenient to book accommodation within Udaipur city or nearby; Shilpgram itself and its surroundings are well connected.
- Explore Udaipur along with the festival: Udaipur – with its lakes, palaces, heritage, and winter charm – makes for a perfect holiday backdrop. Combining the festival with a heritage‑cultural trip can be enriching (especially in January, when the weather is pleasant).
- Family & kids friendly: The children’s segment, interactive sessions, and inclusive performances make the festival ideal for families. Don’t miss those!
- Be open-minded & immersive: The festival isn’t about passive consumption; it’s about listening, breathing in the tales, feeling the moments – so come ready to engage, reflect, and perhaps even participate (if you choose open‑mic).
Storytelling, Culture & Rajasthan’s Winter Festivals
Rajasthan Winter Festivals (seasonal celebrations across the state) often bring together music, dance, craft, theatre – but the Udaipur Tales Festival stands out for focusing purely on oral tradition, bridging generations and languages.
As part of the growing renaissance of literary and arts festivals in Rajasthan in 2026, Udaipur Tales contributes uniquely by anchoring itself in storytelling – a craft as ancient as human speech, yet deeply relevant in today’s fragmented digital age.
By combining modern sensibilities (inclusivity, open‑mic, cross-cultural narratives) with tradition (folk, dastangoi, regional stories), the festival acts as a bridge – celebrating what we inherit and exploring what we can become.
Summing Up
The Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival 2026 (January 9–11 at Park Exotica Resort) celebrates the art of oral storytelling through diverse performances, master storytellers, and children’s sessions. Featuring artists like Arif Zakaria and Meiyang Chang, it blends tradition with modernity, fostering inclusive, immersive experiences for audiences across India and beyond.
