Every February, something unique happens in South Mumbai. Mumbai turned into an open-air museum full of colour, music, dance, and laughter. That’s Kala Ghoda Arts Festival and 2025 was one of its best years yet.
If you missed it, don’t worry. I walked through every lane, watched every dance I could, ate a little too much chaat, and soaked in the vibe — and I’m here to tell you all about it.
A Festival That Belongs to Everyone
One of the best things about Kala Ghoda is that it’s open to all. No tickets, no exclusive passes. Whether you’re a college student with a sketchpad or a retired uncle just enjoying a slow walk, there’s something for you.
- Families with kids joined painting sessions.
- A teenage gang watches musicians jam on the walkway.
- Elderly couples held hands, slowly strolling between exhibits.
Colour Everywhere You Look
Seriously, you could just walk around and not enter a single event, and you’d still get a full experience. The streets were that alive.
The Wall Murals
Every wall in Kala Ghoda had a story. There was one filled with vibrant butterflies and another showing Mumbai’s iconic lifeline—the local train. What made it even more special? Some murals were unfinished so that visitors could paint too. I saw a little boy painting a yellow sun next to someone else’s sea.
Galleries That Made You Feel
There were gallery setups in every corner. One focused on marine life and plastic waste—it didn’t preach, but it made you think. Another one was a tribute to old Bollywood posters, and I saw more than one auntie taking selfies next to her favourite actor.
Music, Dance & Magic on Every Corner
You don't have to go and look performance they will come to you
Music for the Soul
I caught a sitar player near the K Dubash Marg who played a raag so beautifully that people just stopped walking. There was also a band that mixed folk and jazz—they had everyone bobbing their heads and clapping.
Dance That Pulled You In
On the steps of a library, a group of young dancers performed Kathak. Two lanes down, a flash mob broke into Bollywood choreography right outside a coffee shop. And yes, I joined in (badly, but happily).
Stories That Stuck With You
What’s a festival without some good stories?
Street Theatre
A bunch of college students performed a short play about Mumbai rains. No stage, no lights—just powerful storytelling. A scene about a lost umbrella during a storm had us laughing and crying at the same time.
Spoken Word
At a cosy corner near a chai stall, poets read aloud their thoughts on love, life, and the city. There was a girl who read a book in marathi about her grandfather's bicycle. I was not able to understand a single word but it was very emotional.
Try It, Make It, Take It
Kala Ghoda isn’t just about watching. It’s about doing.
Art Workshops
You could sign up for clay modelling, quick sketch sessions, or even traditional block printing. A group of school kids painted little terracotta diyas, and honestly? Their work looked better than mine.
Crafts & DIY
I met a woman selling hand-stitched bookmarks made from old dupattas. She helped me how to make it on the spot. It was simple, fun, and felt like a slice of home.
What’s a Festival Without Food?
You didn’t have to look far. The smell of hot pav bhaji and fresh filter coffee followed you everywhere.
- Street stalls served Mumbai’s classics—vada pav, misal, bhel, and sugarcane juice.
- Health-conscious options were there too—millet laddoos, cold-pressed juices, even vegan brownies.
- I personally went back twice for the lemon rasgulla. No regrets.
And every vendor had a story. One aunty selling sabudana khichdi told me she’s been part of the festival for eight years—and she’s proud to feed the crowd with love.
Everyone Was Welcome
This year, the festival made big efforts to be inclusive. I saw:
- Wheelchair-friendly paths
- Volunteers guiding visually impaired guests
- Quiet spaces for people who needed a break from the noise
- Morning sessions for senior citizens
A Few Tips for Next Time
Thinking of going next year? Here’s what I learned:
- Go early in the morning to android rush.
- Wear comfortable shoes (you’ll walk a lot).
- Carry water—Mumbai sun can be tricky.
- Take your time. Don’t rush. Let the art come to you.
Real Moments That Stayed With Me
- A group of strangers clapping along to a flute player near a bookstore.
- A little girl showing off her painted hands like she just won an Olympic medal.
- A father explaining to his son how Ganpati idols are made.
- A teen poet reading her first ever poem in public—and getting a standing ovation.
These weren’t just activities on a schedule. They were real, honest, shared experiences. The kind that stays in your heart.
EndNote
Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2025 wasn’t just an event—it was a feeling. A feeling that for a few days, the city paused and let art take over. You didn’t need to understand everything. You just needed to show up with open eyes and an open mind.
If you’ve never been, mark your calendar for next February. Trust me—walk through those streets, watch something unexpected, talk to a stranger, eat something new. Let it surprise you.
Mumbai has a lot to say. And Kala Ghoda is how it speaks in colours, beats, stories, and smiles.
