Udaipur Tales 2026: A Global Storytelling Phenomenon Returns to Enchant the World with Live Performances and Magical Narratives

Published on December 4, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Get ready for Udaipur Tales 2026, as this global storytelling phenomenon returns to captivate audiences with live performances and enchanting narratives. From January 9-11, 2026, Udaipur will once again come alive with the magic of stories that transcend cultures and generations.

The Udaipur Tales 2026 festival promises to deliver an unforgettable experience, showcasing live performances from storytellers across the world. With its rich history and stunning setting, Udaipur offers the perfect backdrop for a celebration of the timeless art of storytelling. Udaipur Tales 2026 isn’t just about stories — it’s a global celebration that binds hearts, cultures, and imaginations through powerful, magical narratives.

As the Udaipur Tales 2026 festival continues to grow in significance, it is set to enchant visitors from around the world with tales that leave a lasting impression. Read on to discover how this event promises to unite people through the magic of stories.

Udaipur Tales Brings the Magic of Storytelling to Life

Mark your calendars for January 9-11, 2026, as Udaipur Tales, India’s premier international storytelling festival, returns for its highly anticipated 7th edition. Set in the picturesque city of Udaipur, this three-day festival promises to weave together the art of storytelling and the magic of human connection. Founded by Sushmita Singha and Salil Bhandari, Udaipur Tales is dedicated to reviving the time-honoured art of oral storytelling, creating an immersive experience that transcends generations, cultures, and geographies. This year’s edition promises to be the most unforgettable yet, bringing together storytellers from across the world and celebrating narratives that unite, inspire, and transform.

Udaipur Tales: A Festival Like No Other

The Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival has become a highly anticipated event, capturing the hearts and imaginations of storytelling enthusiasts across the globe. What sets Udaipur Tales apart is its commitment to reviving the ancient art of oral storytelling — no scripts, no gadgets, just the pure magic of the spoken word. The festival’s intimate setting, with a limited audience of 350-400 listeners per session, ensures a genuine connection between the storyteller and the audience, making every performance a deeply personal and moving experience.

At its core, Udaipur Tales is about celebrating diverse storytelling genres. From contemporary tales to historical sagas, from heartwarming romance to spine-chilling thrillers, the festival offers something for everyone. This year, expect to hear stories that span across mystery, folklore, dastangoi (traditional Urdu storytelling), horror, and more. The festival’s diverse program ensures that every listener will find a story that resonates with them, making it an unforgettable cultural journey.

A Star-Studded Lineup: Meet the Storytellers of Udaipur Tales 2026

Udaipur Tales 2026 is set to feature an impressive lineup of storytellers from across the globe. Arif Zakaria, Divy Nidhi Sharma, Meiyang Chang, Danish Hussain, Mayur Kalbag, and Prithwiraj Choudhury are just a few of the renowned names slated to perform. These international and national artists will take the stage to share their unique tales, infusing their stories with their own perspectives and cultural nuances.

In an exciting new addition, inmates from Udaipur’s Central Jail will also take part in the festival, sharing their own stories and music. This inclusive feature highlights Udaipur Tales’ commitment to breaking barriers and allowing voices from all walks of life to be heard. Additionally, the Jamghat segment will provide a platform for emerging storytellers, while a dedicated children’s segment will nurture young imaginations through fun and creative storytelling.

The Heart of Udaipur: Where Stories Come to Life

Udaipur, with its historic charm and breathtaking beauty, provides the perfect backdrop for the festival. Known as the “City of Lakes,” this scenic city boasts a rich cultural heritage that enhances the storytelling experience. The tranquil surroundings of Udaipur offer a serene setting for festivalgoers to immerse themselves in stories that celebrate the human experience. From the architectural grandeur of the City Palace to the serene waters of Lake Pichola, Udaipur’s natural beauty complements the storytelling magic, making it an ideal location for a festival that bridges cultures and connects hearts.

As visitors gather to witness the art of oral storytelling at its finest, Udaipur itself becomes a living, breathing participant in the festival. The city’s rich heritage and vibrant community spirit are woven into every story shared at Udaipur Tales, creating an atmosphere where both locals and tourists can come together to experience the transformative power of storytelling.

Inclusivity and Accessibility: A Festival for All

One of the most admirable aspects of Udaipur Tales is its commitment to inclusivity. The festival actively seeks to make the art of storytelling accessible to all, regardless of background or ability. With sign language interpreters available for the hearing impaired and participation from blind school students, Udaipur Tales ensures that no one is left out of this unique cultural experience.

Furthermore, the festival will also honour master storytellers, celebrating their long-standing contribution to the art form. This recognition adds an element of respect and reverence for those who have dedicated their lives to preserving and passing down the tradition of oral storytelling. It’s a celebration of storytelling in all its forms, from the masterful performances of seasoned artists to the fresh perspectives of emerging voices.

A Celebration of Culture: Music, Folk Performances, and More

While storytelling is at the heart of the festival, music and folk performances add another layer of magic to the experience. These performances bring regional narratives to life, giving audiences a deeper understanding of India’s rich cultural tapestry. The music and folk performances provide an immersive experience, allowing attendees to engage with stories in a more visceral way.

From soul-stirring traditional songs to contemporary musical interpretations of classic tales, these performances are designed to celebrate the diverse cultural expressions that make storytelling such a powerful tool for connection. Whether through dastangoi or folklore, the festival captures the essence of India’s cultural richness, offering attendees a chance to experience the country’s stories through music, words, and performance.

The Magic of Udaipur Tales: Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

Udaipur Tales isn’t just a festival; it’s an experience that stays with you long after the stories have been told. In a world that is increasingly distracted and disconnected, oral storytelling has the unique ability to bring people together in a way that no other medium can. Meiyang Chang, the famous singer, puts it beautifully: “What is music if not stories set to a tune, passed on from soul to soul?”

This year’s edition of Udaipur Tales will feature live performances, music, folk art, and more. From honoring storytellers with significant contributions to celebrating new voices, this festival encapsulates everything that makes storytelling a universal art form. By attending Udaipur Tales 2026, you’ll not only witness incredible performances but also become part of a cultural movement that brings people together through the magic of stories.

Tickets and How to Attend

Tickets for Udaipur Tales 2026 are available on BookMyShow, with prices starting at just ₹250. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a regular festival-goer, this year’s edition promises to be an unforgettable cultural experience. With performances, workshops, and events across three days, Udaipur Tales 2026 offers something for everyone.

Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this extraordinary celebration of human connection, culture, and storytelling.