Kathakar International Storytellers festival postponed due to Delhi’s air pollution

Apart from the regular logistics and government permissions, event and public activities organisers now have to factor in the hazardous AQI levels in the capital. The three-day Kathakar International Storytellers Festival, which was set to take place in Delhi from November 22 to 24 at Sunder Nursery Heritage Park for its 18th edition, has been rescheduled due to the severe-plus pollution level.
The organisers stated, “Given the high AQI levels in Delhi, which pose health risks to the public, Team Kathakar has been forced to postpone the Kathakar International Storytellers Festival from November to January next year.” The festival was expected to feature a conversation between patron Mohit Chauhan and Lucky Ali, as well as sessions with Sanjay Mishra and filmmaker Sajid Ali. Sajid Ali and Mohit Chauhan were also set to be sharing the making of songs, especially Chamkila, in one of the sessions.
Prarthna Gahilote, co-founder and Festival Director of the Kathakar International Storytellers Festival, said, “Mohit ji is a singer, and he understands the harm caused by staying outdoors for an extended period in pollution. We have to be responsible for the health of the artistes performing at our festival. We have international artistes coming from various countries, and we didn’t want to expose them to the harmful effects of spending six hours in the open when pollution levels are so hazardous. The artistes expressed their concern and constraints in performing in Delhi in this weather.”