Kahaaniwala : Zabaan-e-Hindustan

Zabaan-e-Hindustan is an intimate live literary reading and storytelling experience that brings together stories, language, history and the cultural memory of India.

Set within the quiet surroundings of a heritage monument, the audience will come together in an intimate seated setting as Ravie Solanky brings carefully selected literary works to life through live reading, voice modulation, pauses, expression and storytelling.

The experience is intentionally different from a conventional heritage walk. Rather than moving through the monument, the audience will pause at a suitable, quiet location within the heritage space and immerse themselves in the world of the stories. The monument itself becomes part of the atmosphere and context of the experience, creating a setting where literature and heritage come together.
The experience will be presented as an intimate, floor seated gathering within a suitable quiet location at the monument. Please note that seating will be on the floor, so guests are requested to come prepared accordingly.

Key Themes & Highlights

Literature and storytelling, Indian history and heritage, Hindi and Urdu language, cultural memory, Old Delhi and Hindustani culture, live literary reading, intimate audience experience, stories and poetry, voice modulation and oral storytelling.

Detailed Itinerary / Flow of Walk

"The experience will begin with a brief introduction to the evening and the cultural and historical context of the stories being presented.

Ravie Solanky will then present 12 Anna , followed by Cabinet Mission Plan, through live literary reading and storytelling. The stories will be brought to life through voice modulation, pauses, expression and narration, allowing the written text and its emotional nuances to remain at the centre of the experience.

The storytelling will be followed by Zindagi, a reflective nazm exploring different facets of life, human experience and the questions that shape our understanding of it.

The experience will be presented as an intimate, seated gathering within a suitable quiet location at the monument. There will be no opening act and no conventional stage setup. The focus will remain on the storyteller, the written word and the heritage surroundings, creating a calm and immersive experience where literature, history and the setting come together."

Important Information:

1) Please carry a valid photo ID and your confirmed e-ticket for entry.
2) Kindly arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of the heritage walk.
3) Monument entry tickets are not included in the heritage walk fee and must be purchased separately by participants either via ASI website or at the ticket counter.
4) The registration fee covers only the heritage walk (guided tour).
5) Outside food and beverages are not permitted within the monument premises.
6) Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, except in the event of cancellation by the organizer.