Spoken Fest By Kommune Expands To Shillong And Bangalore, Marks A Grand Homecoming In Mumbai

Kommune's Spoken Fest, hailed as "the Mecca of the mindful millennial," is set to make history as India's first truly national celebration of storytelling traditions. For its 2024-2025 season, this premier spoken word festival will expand beyond its Mumbai roots, debuting in Shillong and Bangalore. This bold move marks a pivotal moment in India's cultural landscape, offering a platform for those "not looking to tune out, but tune in." By embracing the diverse voices of three distinct regions, Spoken Fest is poised to amplify India's rich narrative mosaic on an unprecedented scale.

National Expansion Highlights Cultural Diversity

Spoken Fest's expansion reflects the growing appetite for diverse cultural expressions across India. The festival, known for its unique blend of music, theatre, poetry, and storytelling, will take place on:

• November 20, 2024: Shillong

• February 22, 2025: Bangalore

• February 01 & 02, 2025: Mumbai 

The Mumbai edition of Spoken Fest will be a two-day event, while the Bangalore and Shillong editions will be single-day affairs. 

Roshan Abbas, Festival Director & Founder of Kommune, emphasised the strategic importance of this expansion: “Spoken Fest is more than just performances; it’s a tapestry of diverse voices and backgrounds, where poetry meets prose to create magic. By expanding to Bangalore and Shillong, we’re not only providing a platform for local artists to shine but also inviting audiences to connect with the cultural richness of these cities. Bangalore, with its diverse populace and thriving arts scene, offers a unique canvas where classical forms can intertwine with cutting-edge expressions. We’re particularly excited to tap into Shillong’s creative community, exploring new ways to blend traditional storytelling with contemporary art forms. In Shillong, we see an opportunity to push the boundaries of spoken word, creating a festival edition that’s as dynamic and artistically rich as the city itself.”

He further added, “Our festival celebrates the world of words, bringing together heart-rendering tales, laughter, and tears. Each artist adds a distinct flavour of creative expression, leaving our audience with an aftertaste to savour and regale in, all woven into unforgettable experiences.”

Shillong: Northeastern Narratives Take Centre Stage

For the first time, Spoken Fest will arrive in Shillong, a city known for its vibrant arts scene. As the capital of Meghalaya, Shillong is quickly establishing itself as a key destination for cultural events. In partnership with Meghalaya Tourism, the festival will add to the city’s blend of local traditions and modern influences. The event will also provide a platform for local artists, further solidifying Shillong’s role in India’s arts landscape.

Cyril Diengdoh, Director of Tourism, Shillong, stated, "Hosting Spoken Fest in Shillong is a landmark moment for Meghalaya. Our state, often called the 'Scotland of the East', has a rich tradition of music and storytelling. By bringing this nationally acclaimed festival to Shillong, we're not just showcasing our local talent but also inviting India to experience the unique cultural tapestry of the Northeast. Spoken Fest aligns perfectly with our vision of promoting Meghalaya as a hub for arts and culture. We're excited to see how the festival will blend our indigenous narratives with contemporary expressions, creating a truly immersive experience for both locals and visitors."

Bangalore & Mumbai: Two Cities, One Creative Pulse

In February, the festival will travel to Bangalore, known for its diverse and forward-thinking arts scene. The city’s mix of traditional and contemporary influences makes it a fertile ground for creative exploration. Spoken Fest in Bangalore will feature a range of genres, from experimental theatre to spoken word poetry, reflecting the city’s spirit of innovation.

Not only that, but the festival is also returning to its birthplace in Mumbai the same month, where it will once again offer a rich blend of performances across the creative spectrum - it will celebrate Spoken Fest’s roots while embracing new voices and stories. 

Past editions have deeply connected with Mumbaikars, leaving them with moments that felt intertwined with the essence of the city. From Zakir Khan’s humour and Vishal and Rekha Bhardwaj’s musical poetry to Faye D’Souza’s reflections on justice, each sparked emotion and thought-provoking conversations. Babil Khan’s heartfelt tribute to his father resonated with the audience. At the same time, Alok V Menon and Sushant Digvikar’s celebration of self, alongside Mithila Palkar and Shefali Shah’s deeply personal stories of womanhood echoed Mumbai’s spirit of constantly pushing boundaries.

Rachna Panikker, COO of Kommune, added, “Spoken Fest has become a place where stories are not just told, but truly felt. It has given audiences a chance to leave changed, carrying with them the unforgettable experiences shared in the city where it all began. In Mumbai, the festival has been a reunion of voices, a celebration of every feeling, and a space where stories have found a home. And now, expanding Spoken Fest to Bangalore and Shillong is a natural progression, where the vibrant mix of culture art, and  innovation in these cities mirrors the essence of our festival.” 

A Festival Rooted in Heart and Sustainability

Beyond entertainment, Spoken Fest's soul rests on the foundation of sustainability and inclusivity. The fest joins hands with Skrap to host India’s zero-waste and carbon-positive event that pays its tribute to the environment, ensuring its beauty remains untouched. The fest continues to strengthen its spirit of inclusivity by embracing diverse voices from various linguistic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, and is dedicated to making the performing arts accessible to all while driving social change through the power of storytelling.

"We are committed to ensuring that every word spoken at Spoken Fest leaves a lasting, positive impact on both society and the environment," mentions Abbas.

Kommune’s expansion of Spoken Fest marks a significant moment in India’s cultural landscape, uniting diverse voices from across the country. More than just a festival, Spoken Fest is a movement igniting a national conversation about identity and art, by harnessing the transformative power of storytelling for today’s India.