The 25th edition of Mumbai’s iconic Kala Ghoda Arts Festival – meant to conserve and showcase the Kala Ghoda area’s art, architecture and culture – witnessed grand celebrations and participation of people from various walks of life. As the tinsel town Mumbai hosted the Silver Jubilee event from Jan 25 to Feb 2, 2025, The Voices student reporter covered the event that buzzed with over 300 events across 15 categories. Here is the kaleidoscope of silver jubilee celebrations of the iconic fest:
History behind the festival
Kala Ghoda Association was established in 1998 to preserve the heritage of the Kala Ghoda area, which was then neglected. The Association started the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival in 1999, claiming it to be the first of its kind. From a humble fest, it has grown into one of the most celebrated events in the country.
Highlight
This year’s greatest highlight was Silver Sitaare Fusion, a performance featuring 55 renowned artists dancing in 25 different dance forms.
Ashwagati Art by Sumithra Shridharan And Sangram Shankar Ingale
One concept on display was Ashwagati – a symbol of Mumbai’s lifeline – its transport system. Three knights – symbolizing the BEST Bus, Black-and-Yellow Taxi and Local Train – stood strong on a Mumbai-shaped base representing the city’s diverse culture
A rotating crown and a convex mirror above reminded of the constant movement and the need for awareness in the city’s hustle and bustle. It’s a tribute to the people of Mumbai, moving through the hustle with resilience, grace and a shared rhythm.
The Timeless Gallop by students of P.V. Polytechnic SNDT Women’s University
The art form ‘Timeless Gallop’, a horse made by P.V. Polytechnic SNDT Women’s University students, reflected fast-paced life and beauty. The horse, made from the five elements— water, fire, wind, earth and space—symbolized constant motion. Its details, like the clock and Worli art, reminded to pause, appreciate the present and find balance. The horse’s face hinted at the rise of AI, encouraging one to stay grounded amidst technological progress. This piece was a reminder to move forward while also savouring the journey.
Mirror of Change Art by Dr. Sumeet Sanjay Patil
This art form showcased a life-sized horse made of single-use plastic waste, highlighting environmental issues. A mirror reflected the plastic waste horse and a 3D steel horse made from reusable bottles, symbolizing sustainable change. One could take a step to the mirror at the back, click a picture and be a sustainability hero! Dr. Sumeet Sanjay Patil from Maharashtra Film Stage and Cultural Development Corporation Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari installed installation.
Precious Curious Ghoda Aaj, Kal Aur Kal by Kanika Bawa Art Projects
An artwork of Kanika Bawa Art, the old-world treasures like dabbas and Pettis trunks met a silver laptop at this installation, reminding one of the timeless links between culture, progress and of times to come.
Half and Whole Art by students of Sasmira’s Institute of Design and Textiles
Half a Whole was another art form that stood tall among all. It described the coming together of two halves into one complete unit: human and horse, the Centaur. It symbolized the balance of intellect and instinct, civilization and wildness. In this piece, elements like zippers, measuring tape, scissors, and patchwork give life to the sense of creation, precision, transformation, and the beauty of imperfection. This was prepared by students of Sasmira’s Institute of Design and Textiles.
Devika Gupta the student of Sasmira’s Institute of Desige and Textiles told The Voices explaining the art Our concept is called CENTAUR, which is all about mixing humanity with art—half human, half creation. We’re fashion design students, so you’ll see things like zippers in our work. Zippers are all about connecting things the way fashion connects us to the world.
Sustainability is a large part of what we believe in. Fashion isn’t just about being trendy—it’s about leaving a good mark. We want to use our art to make a difference. Our measure is the measuring tape in our piece, which is close to the boundaries we put on ourselves. It reminds us that one doesn’t have to live by other people’s expectations. Every second counts in life, and opportunities surround us. This isn’t perfection; it’s loving life’s journey and experiencing growth out of it.
Birthplace by Shrihari Bhosle
Finding out the lost ones may be something that can bring memories about those who may not be there now. Art form crafted from actual bamboo and adorned with organic birdhouses highlighted Mumbai’s disappearing bird species. Each birdhouse symbolized a lost species, emphasizing habitat loss and urbanization. Shrihari Bhosle installed it
Silver Strings Art by students Gauri Kothale, Rajasi Shringarpure, Ritika Despande, Srushi Bhosale
This installation was an ode to all the character-building moments at the Kala Ghoda. It was explored through a central Silver Strung Figure -the fest attendee. The viewers also glanced into a horse-hoof-shaped mirror (around the fest attendees) decorated with tiny memorabilia. It symbolized the way Kala Godha Fest left its imprint.
Fountain of Memories By students Mishti Porwal, Navvya Gehlot Guided by Faculty Nikita Sutar
The cube structure celebrated 25 years of the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, with stories and moments forming its journey. Inspired by Flora Fountain, cubes filled with photos and community memories showcased how art connects us, preserves our stories and inspires change.
The changing art by artists of Artists: Jatin Gala, Meherr Sawhney, Divya Bhavsar, Disha Goshar, Mazreen Mistry, Kishore Sonawane, Apurva Kulkarni, Komal Borana, Pooja Borana, Pankti Rajput, Merilyn Fernandez, Panchi Bezbaruah
“Reins of Change” symbolizes women’s resilience, strength, and versatility. It highlights their multifaceted roles in society and their journey toward empowerment.
Blending tradition with modernity by Tanvi Negandhi, Aditya Posnak
Woven Horse blended traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, weaving natural fibbers, straw, bamboo and even recycled a horse-shaped sculpture or functional object. This project aimed to celebrate both equestrian heritage and sustainable design.
Copy Editor: S Vishnu Sharmaa