Dehra Dun fest 2017
Ghummakad Narain introduced children to the world of storytelling with performances by storyteller Shaguna Gahilote and poet and illustrator Viky Arya. The festival visited Jaswant Modern School and the Rashtriya Anusandhan Vidyalaya and reached out to over 1500 children during the two days on 15-16 September 2017.
Shaguna introduced the children to the world of travellers starting from Ghummakkad Narain itself. The name of the festival comes from the noted writer and journalist Thakur Vishva Narain Singh, given his flair for not just writing but for spreading the joy of reading and stories among people especially the children, Ghummakakd Narain is therefore a traveller who travels with stories in his bag to wherever he is called much like the festival. Shaguna went on to narrate the stories of Mullah Nassruddin, Sheikh Chilli and MS Subbulakshmi. Her stories were received with wrapped attention not just by children but even the teachers who were enthralled by her performance.
Principal RAV School said, "This is the first time such a function has been organised in our school. This is a very good initiative as it helps develop the imagination and creating of the children. I have never seen such large crowds of children sit so quiet to listen to stories."
Viky Arya introduced poetry and illustrations to children, getting them to draw with her. While Shaguna narrated stories, Viky drew the story with her illustrations. Children were then asked to add to the illustrations from the story they had just heard. Viky also took a session of poetry with students at RAV and many students came up with impromptu poems.
Prarthana Gahilote, Curator of the festival said, "We try to bring in a new flavour to the festival every day. So this time we brought Hindi poetry and south Indian tales to the children through the festival. The festival this year was supported by the IGNCA to bring the stories of Bharat Ratna MS Subbulakshmi."
The festival will now travel to Delhi with it's Kathakar - the International Storytellers festival from 1 to 3 December and to Mumbai on 9 and 10 December 2017.
