“Ahead of the Curve”31st Jan – 8th Feb 2026 in Mumbai’s Kala Ghoda precinct ~Theme: “Ahead of the Curve“The iconic Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (KGAF) returns for its 26th edition, transforming Mumbai’s historic Kala Ghoda precinct into a vibrant celebration of arts, culture, and community. Scheduled from Saturday, January 31 to Sunday, February 8, 2026, from 10 am to 10 pm, Asia’s largest multidisciplinary street arts festival invites audiences to experience a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation under this year’s theme: “Ahead of the Curve.”Symbolising foresight, creativity, and leadership in the arts, the theme reflects KGAF’s enduring commitment to staying at the forefront of cultural expression. Like a winning steed leading the pack, KGAF continues to set the pace for artistic excellence and inclusive engagement.Organised by the Kala Ghoda Association, the festival has grown from a local initiative in 1999 into one of India’s most beloved cultural events, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. With 300+ programmes across 15 verticals, the 2026 edition will span over 25 exclusive indoor and outdoor venues, including K. Dubash Marg, CSMVS Museum, Cross Maidan, David Sassoon Library, and Horniman Circle Garden.All events are free to register and attend, continuing KGAF’s mission to make the arts accessible to all, by all, and for all. The festival also champions sustainability, diversity, and pedestrian-friendly urban design, contributing to the transformation of Kala Ghoda into Mumbai’s premier cultural and tourist district.Brinda Miller, Chairperson of the Kala Ghoda Association and Festival Director, shares:“As we embark on the milestone 26th edition of the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, we are thrilled to continue our journey of celebrating art, culture, and community in the heart of Mumbai. This year’s theme, ‘Ahead of the Curve’, holds special significance as we aim to surpass last year’s Silver Jubilee celebrations. With the unwavering support of the BMC and collaborators such as EXIM Bank, Milton, MTDC, and the Department of Tourism, Maharashtra, we are confident this edition will be a memorable celebration for enthusiasts of varied art forms.”
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● Vir Das and Gulzar to headline Literature sessions with powerful conversations and creative storytelling
● A stellar Music lineup featuring Usha Uthup, Imran Khan, Rahul Deshpande, and Grammy-winner Ricky Kej
● Spectacular Dance showcases including Vaibhav Arekar & Sankhya Dance Company (Bharatanatyam), Pavitra Bhat & Amrita Lahiri (Kuchipudi–Bharatanatyam), and Lee Chuljin & Kwak Myeong-ji presenting Traditional Korean Dance
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● Spectacular Projection Mapping on the iconic Rajabai Tower, Kala Ghoda–themed installations across 6 Mumbai Metro stations, and A landmark sculpture by acclaimed artist Vibhor Sogani
● Exclusive Chocolate Making Workshop with a Swiss Chef
● A powerful performance featuring Indian actress Mita Vashisht
THE THEME of KGAF2026: Ahead of The Curve
The phrase “Ahead of the Curve” refers to being at the forefront of innovation, trends, or ideas. It signifies staying ahead of current thinking or developments, by anticipating changes or leading, in this case, in the field of the Arts.
A winning steed could perfectly embody the phrase “ahead of the curve,” being ahead, setting the pace, and staying at the forefront. Metaphorically speaking, KGAF could represent an individual or entity that is innovative, proactive, and always a step ahead of expectations, symbolising excellence and foresight—traits associated with being ahead of the curve.
Festival verticals include:
- Visual Arts
- Dance
- Music
- Theatre
- Literature
- Cinema
- Heritage Walks
- Urban Design & Architecture
- Stand-up Comedy
- Lifestyle
- Workshops for children
- Workshops for adults
- Food
- Special arts and crafts stalls
- Street Programming
Stand-Up Comedy
Theme: Curveball
Curator: Shreemayee Das
This section of the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival doesn’t just promise laugh-out-loud moments but also interesting and innovative formats. Every year, we bring a wide range of comedy shows to the Festival – from comedy quizzes to improv acts, from crowd-work shows to panel discussions, and even book launches.
KGAF gives us the stage to interpret comedy in different ways. Each show, however, tells us to take a moment and laugh at ourselves and the things around us.
Over the last few years, we have had comedians such as Atul Khatri, Kanan Gill, Rohan Joshi, Kenny Sebastian, Shreeja Chaturvedi, Urooj Ashfaq, and Prashasti Singh be a part of the festival. We can’t wait to bring you a fresh line-up this February.
Urban Design and Architecture (UDA)
Theme: Canter-levered
Curator: Aahana Miller
The Urban Design and Architecture (UDA) vertical presents ‘Canter-levered’, the vertical’s theme of the 26th edition of the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival scheduled from 31st January to 8th February 2026. Curated by Architect Aahana Miller, this year’s programming takes a more experiential direction, with an emphasis on on-ground walks, site visits, and conversations that explore the many layers of the city.
The UDA vertical continues to cater primarily to young professionals, students, and design enthusiasts, offering meaningful engagement through carefully crafted interactions.
We are also exploring interactions of Architecture with various other fields such as Food, Literature and Lifestyle.
We are delighted to partner with the David Sassoon Library and Elphinstone College, with most events taking place at these venues while also extending into the neighbourhood through curated design visits.
With its dynamic mix of walks, discussions, and design explorations, UDA offers an engaging and fresh programme for 2026.
Theatre
Theme: Avant-Garde
Curators: Ravi Mishra and Bhavikk Shah
MUMBAI – The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (KGAF) is thrilled to announce a bold new theme for its highly anticipated Theatre Section at the 2026 edition (January 31st to February 8th): Avant-Garde.
This year, KGAF’s theatre programming will challenge both artists and audiences, seeking to break boundaries by merging classic content and storytelling with a high quotient of experimentation and non-conventional performance.
“The Avant-Garde theme for 2026 is an invitation to redefine theatre itself,” say the Theatre Curators. “We are looking for performances that take timeless narratives—whether from mythology, history, or literary classics—and subject them to radical, contemporary reimagining. Think of a Shakespearean tragedy staged in a surrealist setting, or a folk tale told entirely through movement and projection art. It is a space where classic depth meets modern audacity.”
The line-up promises a dazzling spectrum of theatrical innovation, featuring plays that explore new forms, unconventional use of space, and provocative engagement with the audience. Attendees can expect a visceral and intellectually stimulating experience that moves beyond traditional entertainment.
Key Highlights: - Radical Revivals: Classic tales reborn through experimental stagecraft and cutting-edge design.
- Fusion of Form: Performances blending traditional Indian theatre elements with international avant-garde techniques.
- Boundary Pushers: Works that foreground movement, light, and sound as primary storytelling devices.
Children’s
Theme: Roller Coaster
Curators: Tasneem Rajkotwalla, Rishita Chandra & Richa Sethi
Hop onto the ‘Roller Coaster’ ride at the Children’s Section at KGAF2026!
The Children’s Section inside the Prince of Wales Museum is a bright, creative space that inspires young minds to explore the arts. This year’s line-up features an exciting range of workshops designed to spark curiosity and hands-on discovery. Kids can sculpt whimsical loops and curves using wire, dive into the calming patterns of zentangle art, dab in masterful art with illustrators and experiment with beginner-friendly robotics. Engaging interactive sessions invite children to express themselves through poetry recitals, dynamic book launches, storytelling through dance, theatre activities, lively music-and-movement workshops, yoga for balance and focus, while craft corners encourage them to create with their hands and connect with nature. Stargazing at night at the festival offers a peaceful, magical escape under a sky full of stars.
Adding to the festive atmosphere is a delightful display of installations created by schools. The online Pan-India contest, ‘3 Art Challenges’, conducted for kids ages 6–12, engages our budding artists to spin up their creativity. The Children’s Section promises a joyful, enriching experience for families throughout the festival.
Music
Theme: Sound Waves
Curators: Nayaab Udhas & Anuj Bajaj
Venues: Cross Maidan, Asiatic Library Steps, Elphinstone College (Workshops)
Music – Sound Waves
The Music section of KGAF 2026, subtitled Sound Waves, celebrates the resonance and rhythm that unite us all. Music here is not only heard but felt, rippling through space and stirring emotion. In its 26th year, the festival brings together maestros, established performers, and emerging talent across diverse traditions and genres. Audiences will experience the timeless beauty of Indian classical music alongside contemporary fusion, Bollywood, soulful Sufi, jazz, global beats, and collaborative performances that transcend boundaries.
Each evening at Cross Maidan will be a journey through sound—dedicated to passion, energy, and the universal language of music. Sound Waves also champions inclusivity, offering a platform for varied voices and styles that reflect the vibrancy of our times. Together, these performances create an atmosphere of harmony and celebration, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the transformative power of music.
Dates: January 31, February 1, 2, 5, 6, 7 at Cross Maidan, Churchgate. 7 & 8 February at Asiatic Library Steps.
Literature
Theme: The World Tilts Forward
Curator: Tara Khandelwal
In a time of rapid transformation, literature becomes both compass and mirror. This theme explores how writers respond to the shifting axis of our world—climate, technology, migration, identity, and imagination. As boundaries blur and certainties dissolve, stories tilt us toward new perspectives, offering resilience, critique, and wonder. Through poetry, prose, and dialogue, we witness the human capacity to adapt, question, and dream. The tilt is not only destabilising; it is generative, opening space for voices that reimagine tomorrow. Literature here is a forward-leaning act, capturing the motion of change as it unfolds.
Dance
Theme: Spandan
Curator: Anonna Guha
Venues: Cross Maidan; Elphinstone College (Workshops)
The dance section of KGAF 2026 celebrates Spandan, signifying vibrations. Spandan is about movement and dance—bringing flutter and resonance to both the mind and the body. Dance at KGAF 2026 will embody dedication, emotion, energy, and passion.
In its 26th year, the festival will feature performances by senior artistes, established performers, and promising young talent. Each presentation will create an infectious atmosphere, inviting audiences to sit back, let loose, and immerse themselves in the kinaesthetic energy of dance.
The evenings at Cross Maidan will juxtapose India’s rich classical traditions with folk forms, dance dramas, popular and western styles, and Bollywood fusion. Audiences will also experience Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and international performances, including traditional South Korean and Flamenco dance.
Spandan champions diversity and inclusion, with inspiring presentations by visually impaired, hearing impaired, and non-disabled artistes—all connecting through body movement, thought, and a shared love for dance.
This year, two evenings will have:
Day Four will highlight Sufi, Ballet, Hip Hop, International Dance, Dance Dramas, and Bollywood fusion.
Day Five will be dedicated entirely to Indian Classical Dance.
On other days, audiences will enjoy a wide range of genres performed by artistes from across India and the world.
KGAF 2026 also marks the beginning of a beautiful initiative to spread dance and art among students. Schools and students trained in classical and folk dances of India will be given the glorious opportunity to showcase their talent on the magnificent KGAF stage.
Dates: January 31, February 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8 at Cross Maidan. On January 31 and February 5, the stage will be shared by both the Dance and Music verticals.
Workshops
Theme: The Learning Curve
Curator: Suditi Shah
Venues: International YWCA, Elphinstone College
In a world that evolves at lightning speed, the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn is what keeps us ahead of the curve. Artistic workshops in all the verticals of KGAF are designed to embrace this journey of growth, where challenges become opportunities and curiosity fuels innovation. Participants will explore new skills, sharpen existing ones, and discover how adaptability is the ultimate advantage in both personal and professional spheres. These young adult to older adult sessions emphasise experiential learning, collaboration, and creative problem-solving, ensuring that every step along the curve is both engaging and transformative. Whether it’s mastering emerging technologies, cultivating leadership, or unlocking creative potential, the workshops provide a safe yet stimulating space to experiment, reflect, and grow. By the end, attendees will not only gain knowledge but also the confidence to anticipate change, navigate complexity, and stay future-ready.
Visual Arts
Theme: Geometri कल
Curators: Arzan Khambatta, Brinda Miller, Tarana Khubchandani
Venue: K Dubash Marg, Cross Maidan, 6 Metro Stations
Children’s Visual Arts: CSMVS
Visual arts have always been a language of innovation, and the theme explores the power of form, structure, and abstraction in shaping perception. Rooted in geometry yet liberated by creativity, this subtheme celebrates how artists push boundaries by reinterpreting lines, shapes, and patterns. It is not just about aesthetics; it is about the dialogue between order and imagination, precision and play. Art installations will showcase works that range from minimalist designs to bold, experimental compositions, all unified by their exploration of geometry as a universal language. The theme invites audiences to see connections between art, science, and technology, highlighting how visual expression can be interacted with. By reimagining geometry as fluid and dynamic, art becomes a force that keeps us ahead of the curve—challenging perspectives, inspiring creativity, and revealing beauty in both structure and chaos.
Stalls
Theme: Trending Now
Curators: Mayank Valleshah, Shivani Maheshwari
Venues: K Dubash Marg, Cross Maidan, CSMVS lawns
Art and Craft stalls transform the street into a vibrant marketplace of creativity, where tradition and innovation meet. Each stall is artistry, showcasing mostly handmade goods that carry the imprint of culture, heritage, and personal expression. From textiles and ceramics (Terra-Ghoda) to jewellery and woodwork, these crafts embody the resilience of artisans who adapt age-old techniques to modern sensibilities. Visitors are invited not just to shop but to engage — to hear the stories behind each creation and appreciate the skill that keeps heritage alive. The stalls highlight sustainability and authenticity, offering alternatives to mass-produced goods while celebrating individuality. In the spirit of Ahead of the Curve, craft stalls remind us that progress is not only about technology but also about honouring human hands, imagination, and the ability to reinvent tradition for contemporary life.
Street
Theme: नव Virasat
Curator: Varsha Karale
Venues: Horniman Circle Garden
The street is where tradition meets transformation, and नव Virasat — meaning “New Heritage” — embodies this dynamic interplay. It celebrates the vibrancy of public spaces as living canvases of culture, where heritage is not static but continually reimagined. Through performances, installations, and interactive experiences, this section highlights how communities carry forward their legacy while embracing modernity. Streets become stages for storytelling, music, dance, and art, reflecting both the roots and the aspirations of society. This subtheme emphasises inclusivity, inviting people from all walks of life to participate, observe, and co-create. It is a reminder that culture thrives when it adapts, and that the streets — bustling, diverse, and alive — are where the pulse of progress beats strongest. This experience is unique in Mumbai and at the one-and-only Kala Ghoda Arts Festival.
Lifestyle
Theme: Ahead & Beyond
Curator: Juuhi Babbar Sonii
Venues: Elphinstone College, Stores in the area
Lifestyle is the art of shaping everyday choices into a reflection of values, aspirations, and identity. Under the theme Ahead of the Curve, lifestyle becomes a conscious practice of staying attuned to change while remaining rooted in authenticity. This subtheme explores how fashion, wellness, design, and leisure evolve to meet the needs of a dynamic world. It emphasises balance — blending innovation with sustainability, individuality with community, and modernity with heritage. Whether through mindful living, eco-friendly practices, or embracing new trends, the lifestyle here is about cultivating resilience and joy in daily life. It is not about chasing novelty for its own sake but about anticipating what enriches human experience. By celebrating creativity in how we dress, eat, travel, and care for ourselves, this section honours the district, which has become a shopping and culinary delight for patrons. This is the newest section at KGAF that pays tribute to the district.
Food
Theme: A Movable Feast
Curator: Romi Purkayastha
Venues: International YWCA, Taj Mahal Hotel, Restaurants in the area
Food is more than sustenance; it is culture, community, and celebration. A Moveable Feast captures the spirit of culinary exploration, inviting participants to savour flavours that travel across borders and traditions. Inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s memoir of Paris, the theme reminds us that meals are experiences to be carried with us, shaping memory and imagination. As Hemingway wrote of oysters and wine: “As I ate the oysters with their strong taste of the sea… I lost the empty feeling and began to be happy and to make plans.” That joy of renewal through food is universal, whether in a simple loaf of bread, a wedge of cheese, or a shared vegetarian dish. From street bites to gourmet plates, every offering tells a story of innovation and heritage. This feast celebrates diversity, sustainability, and creativity — food as a living art form that keeps us ahead of the curve.
Heritage Walks
Theme: Looking Back to Move Ahead
Curator: Bharat Gothoskar
At KGAF 2026, the Heritage Walk offers a unique chance to rediscover Mumbai’s timeless charm while envisioning its future. Guided through historic lanes and landmarks, participants will encounter stories etched in stone, architecture, and community life that have shaped the city’s identity. Many of these have been restored by the Kala Ghoda Association.
This year’s theme, “Looking Back to Move Ahead”, highlights the continuity between past and present—reminding us that heritage is not just memory, but a living force that inspires tomorrow’s urban culture. The walk celebrates resilience, creativity, and transformation, encouraging citizens to honour tradition while embracing innovation.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, a curious explorer, or simply someone who loves Mumbai, the Heritage Walk is an invitation to experience the city as a dialogue between time and space—walking back, to walk forward.
