For nine days every February, the commercial district of South Mumbai comes alive as all roads lead to Kala Ghoda Art Festival.

During the festival, there is a buzz in the air. The weather is pleasant, just before the sweltering summer begins, and just right for strolling and enjoying the open-air art. Started in 1999, the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival usually takes place in early February and through the years has confirmed Kala Godha as the Art District of Mumbai.

The venues for the festival are spread across the area and revolving around ‘Rampart Row’, the main street which is shut to vehicular traffic for the duration. The other venues include Max Mueller Bhavan, Jehangir Art Gallery, Horniman Circle Garden and David Sassoon library.

There are stalls, cultural performances, street installations and contests and the focus is on literary and performing arts. Most music and dance performances take place on the stage in the center of Rampart Row with book and craft stalls lining the street and food counters at one side.

This year, the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is on February 5th to 13th and we are particularly excited about the dance and theatre shows. Check the website of the Kala Ghoda Association for more details and schedule of performances.