Kahaani: Dilli Ki 2026 – Delhi Culture Festival

Kahaani: Dilli Ki marks its inaugural edition in February 2026 at the historic Travancore Palace, New Delhi. Curated and conceptualised by Sara Abdullah Pilot and Aishwarya Jha of Indophile, and supported by the Ministry of Culture, the festival is a two-day celebration of Delhi’s soul, history, and living heritage.

Built on the idea that Delhi is many cities in one—ancient, medieval, colonial, modern, and lived—Kahaani: Dilli Ki invites audiences to experience the capital through music, food, craft, storytelling, conversations, and visual culture. The festival offers an immersive journey through Delhi’s layered identities, traditions, and creative expressions.

The programme features music and performance inspired by Delhi’s cultural heartbeat, including Dilli gharana artistes, classical and contemporary performances, theatre, poetry, and storytelling. Musical highlights include Deveshi Sahgal (14 February), Sonam Kalra, and Indian Ocean (15 February), alongside kathak by Gauri Diwakar, dastangoi by Ashhar Haque, and street theatre performances.

A key highlight is the curated culinary experience, exploring Delhi’s gastronomic evolution across Mughal, Kayastha, and Baniya traditions. Curated by food historian Anoothi Vishal and produced by EVH International, the food showcase brings together home cooks from diverse communities and iconic street food traditions, presenting Delhi’s living food heritage.

Adding a sensory dimension is a special Khari Baoli–inspired installation by Edible Archives, featuring spices sourced from Old Delhi’s historic spice market. Visitors can explore spice traditions, create fresh blends, and taste dishes that reflect Delhi’s diverse culinary legacies.

The festival also hosts a rich line-up of conversations and talks with leading voices in history, architecture, literature, and culture, along with a photography exhibition by Mahatta Photo Studio, a vintage photo booth, and Ink & Empire, Rathin Mitra’s centenary exhibition tracing the journey between Calcutta and Delhi. A thoughtfully curated Crafts Bazaar brings together artisans from Delhi and across India, showcasing live demonstrations and traditional crafts.

Kahaani: Dilli Ki is envisioned as a tribute to Delhi’s plurality, resilience, and evolving cultural identity, celebrating the city not as a static past, but as a vibrant and living force.

Event Details:
Dates: 14 & 15 February 2026
Time: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Venue: Travancore Palace, New Delhi
Curated By: Indophile
Supported By: Ministry of Culture
Festival Focus: Delhi’s culture, heritage, food, music, craft, and storytelling