Workshops
Workshops
Killing Buddha — A Book That Questions Itself
Bodhi (Urvi Earth Centre)
Duration: 1.5 hours
Age group: 20+
Number of participants: 25–30
This session invites participants not merely to engage with a book, but to confront it. Killing Buddha by Bodhi is a provocative, anti-instructional exploration that undermines its own authority, challenging seekers, skeptics, and spiritual practitioners alike to question their deepest beliefs. Through a short reading and a radically honest discussion, the session explores themes like disillusionment with the dogma of spiritual systems, the illusions of the seeker’s path, and the hunger for authenticity. It is a shared inquiry designed to disrupt comfort zones and ignite clarity. Drawing from the spirit of the book’s launch in Kochi, where copies were symbolically torn apart, the session is a departure from answers or ideologies.
Decode Misinformation: A Fact-checking Workshop
Bharath Guniganti (Factly)
Duration: 1–1.5 hours
Age group: 18–50+ (anyone with a smartphone and digital presence)
Number of participants: 50–60
In an era where misinformation spreads faster than facts, the ability to identify fake news has become an essential life skill. With Artificial Intelligence now amplifying the scale through deepfakes, synthetic images and manipulated videos, the challenge has grown even more urgent. Factly’s “Decode Series” unpacks why people believe and share misinformation, while offering practical strategies to counter it. This workshop brings the series to life at HLF 2026 through an interactive, hands-on format. Participants will watch select episodes, engage in discussions with practitioners, and learn step-by-step methods to identify fake news. Designed for anyone with a smartphone and digital presence, the workshop aims to build media literacy and foster responsible digital behaviour. Participants will walk away with a sharper eye for spotting falsehoods and with tips to combat the spread of misinformation. By anchoring the session in real-world examples, Factly brings a timely and engaging experience to HLF 2026.
Weaving Dance Movements
Jayachandran Surendran
Duration: 2 hours
Age group: 15+
Number of participants: 20
This workshop, “Weaving Dance Movements,” explores the shared language of movement that exists beneath all Indian dance forms. Rather than focusing on a particular style such as Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathak, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, Kathakali, Sattriya, or Chhau, the session will guide participants through form-neutral and style-neutral fundamentals of dance. Participants will learn basic movement principles that are common to all Indian dance forms — understanding how postures, the transitions between them, movement, and rhythm work together in the body. The workshop does not teach finished choreography or fixed dance pieces. Instead, it encourages participants to combine these fundamental movements logically and creatively to weave their own dance patterns. The session is open to anyone interested in movement — dancers or enthusiasts — and aims to nurture a deeper understanding of dance as a universal, embodied form of expression.
Yoga Sādhana: Beyond the Mat — A Journey Inward
Harshita Soni
Duration: 1.5 hours
Age group: 18+
Number of participants: Upto 50
Yoga today is practiced and celebrated all over the world. Most of us have experienced bahiraṅga (external) practices of āsana (postures) and prāṇāyāma (breathwork) on the mat. Yet, the deeper dimension of yoga — antaraṅga sādhana consisting of inner, reflective work — often remains unexplored. We are much like icebergs: a small part of us is visible above the surface, while beneath lies a vast inner world of our emotions, patterns, beliefs, and the meanings we give to our experiences. When we begin to turn inward and gently explore this inner world, we start to understand ourselves more fully, ease our sorrows, and taste the inner freedom and peace that yoga points toward. Of the 195 “Yoga Sūtras”, only a few speak of āsana and prāṇāyāma. The majority delve into the nature of the human mind, guiding us toward self-awareness and transformation — the essence of antaraṅga sādhana.
Yes, You Can Sketch!
Mohammed Ishak Ziaee (Urban Sketchers)
Duration: 1.5 hours
Age group: 15–80
Number of participants: 20–30
A lively, no-experience-required workshop, where we’ll break down the barriers stopping you from picking up a pencil, pen or brush. You will learn in a few simple steps, how to capture the energy of a street scene, a charming building, or a cozy café corner — without worrying about perfection. The workshop is conducted by Urban Sketching — a non-profit regional chapter among 500+ worldwide USk chapters with 1 million members and growing! Founded in 2017, it has completed 355 sketchmeets! Leave with your very first urban sketch, a smile, and the confidence to keep drawing your world.
Kalamkari Fabric Jewelry Making Workshop
Gunti Venkata Naga Aparna
Duration: 1.5 hours
Age group: 14+
Number of participants: 25
Discover the charm of handcrafted adornments in this immersive workshop that celebrates Kalamkari fabric and sustainable creativity. Participants will learn to transform vibrant Kalamkari scraps into elegant jewelry pieces — earrings, pendants, and bracelets — using simple tools and techniques. The session introduces basic design principles, color pairing, and upcycling practices, making it ideal for craft enthusiasts, educators, and eco-conscious creators. Rooted in tradition, yet open to innovation, this workshop invites participants to create wearable art that tells a story. No prior experience is required, just a love for handmade beauty and a willingness to explore.
Urdu for the Curious: A Taste of the Language
Nayeem
Duration: 1.5 hours
Age group: Flexible
Number of participants: 30
Step into the lyrical world of Urdu — a language of poetry, culture, films, and everyday beauty. This interactive sampler introduces participants to the script, sounds, and expressions of Urdu. From writing your name in flowing Nastaliq letters to decoding couplets and practicing mini-dialogues, the session blends language discovery with cultural immersion. Perfect for the curious learner, this workshop makes Urdu approachable for all ages and backgrounds.
Workshop highlights:
- ✍️ Introduction to Urdu script and sounds: Learn the basics of Urdu letters and phonetics with transliteration support
- 💬 Everyday phrases and expressions: Practice greetings, gratitude, and poetic lines in simple dialogues
- 🎭 Fun Activities: Write your name in Urdu, decode couplets, and role-play short exchanges
- A chance to experience Urdu as both a language and an art form
- 📖 Takeaway: A phrasebook bookmark or mini Urdu-English zine to continue your journey
No prior experience is needed, just curiosity, openness, and love for the language.
Documenting Dignity: A Workshop on Creating Living Wills
Hardik Dua
Duration: 1.5 hours
Age group: Flexible
Number of participants: 30
The Supreme Court recently laid down the exact principle and structure of implementing the “right to die with dignity”, as an extension of Article 21. The key outcome of this was the recognition of “living wills”. These documents, largely consistent with their Western counterparts, outline treatment preferences as a function of personal values and the available medical information. Additionally, they cover a section on designated healthcare representatives to assist in the event of you losing decision-making capacity. Join us as we define “dignity” in healthcare, lay down the process of creating these wills, and discuss the extent of implementation.
The workshop covers:
- Contours of dignity in law and medicine
- Ensuring a voice in healthcare choices till the end of life
- A living will template
- Communication strategies for discussing death at home
- Additional resources for planning departures
Running as an Inclusive and Sustainable Fitness Practice
Dr Lahari Surapaneni, Dr Rajat Chauhan and Archana Chillala
Duration: 2 hours
Age group: 18–70 years
Number of participants: 30–50
This workshop is designed to promote running as an accessible, adaptable, and effective form of physical activity for adults aged 18–70 years, irrespective of current fitness levels. The session will begin with a brief self-introduction of the workshop leads (5 minutes), followed by an ice-breaker (10 minutes) to understand participants’ perceptions of running and physical activity. A fun-based activity (15 minutes) will help participants experience movement in a non-intimidating manner. A fitness scorecard activity (20 minutes) to help individuals assess their current activity levels. A knowledge-sharing presentation (15 minutes) will cover the benefits of running, followed by a myth-busting segment (10 minutes) to address common misconceptions around running and exercise. A story-sharing session (15 minutes) featuring 2–3 speakers will provide motivation and relatability. The workshop will conclude with a practical demo of simple exercises and movements (15 minutes) to maintain an active lifestyle, followed by a Q&A session (15 minutes).
How to Write Right
Chandra Shekhar Varma
Duration: 1–1.5 hours
Age group: Class 11, 12 and UG students
Number of participants: 30–40
This workshop is designed to engage students in creative writing, exploring themes and ideas relevant to their age group. The interactive session will include writing exercises, critical thinking exercises, and opportunities for students to share their work.
Indian Sign Language Workshop
Drama Association of the Deaf and Deaf Rainbow Films
Duration: 1.5 hours
Age group: Flexible
Number of participants: 30
This workshop introduces Indian Sign Language (ISL) to hearing children and adults, promoting inclusion and understanding of the Deaf community. ISL is a complete, rich, and expressive language, and learning it helps bridge communication gaps while encouraging respect for Deaf culture. Through interactive activities, participants will explore the importance and significance of sign language as the primary mode of communication for Deaf individuals. This year, the workshop will also teach participants to sign the Indian National Anthem in ISL, enabling everyone to proudly sign along with us on 26th January, Republic Day. The session will feature Deaf actors and presenters, who will share their lived experiences, creative journey, and insights into their language. Their presence will help hearing participants appreciate ISL as a vibrant linguistic and cultural identity. The workshop aims to build awareness, empathy, and a shared sense of community.
Starting Compassion Young: A Workshop for Families on Making our Planet Better for Animals and Children
Alokparna Sengupta (Humane World for Animals)
Duration: 1 hour
Age group: 6–12
Number of participants: 25+ children and their parents (approx 50)
This workshop introduces children and their parents to the idea of compassion towards animals as part of everyday life. Through stories and games, participants will explore how animals perceive the world, why kindness matters, and how small acts can create safer, more caring communities for all living beings. Children will learn to see animals as friends who share our world, not as “others.” Parents will discover practical ways to encourage empathy at home without pressure or fear. They will be able to guide conversations on empathy at home, ensuring that children think about compassion towards animals and internalize it as part of their values. Together, families will understand how to respond when they encounter community animals, how to respect wildlife, and how to be responsible with companion animals. Families will take home ideas and knowledge to nurture compassion together on raising children who grow up with respect and kindness for every animal.
Festival Lineup
Discover the sessions, speakers, and stories waiting for you this year.
Literature
Books and Ideas
Kaavya Dhaara
Poetry Stream
Stage Talks
Creators’ Platform
Science & the City
Where Science meets Culture
Climate Conversations
Dreamcatchers
For Children and Teens
Youngistaan Nukkad
Youth Programmes
Indigenous & Endangered Languages
Storyweavers
Narratives for All Ages
Cultural Events
Interlude
Segue into Performances
Workshops
Exhibitions
Moving Images
Screenings and Interactions
Meet My Book
Authors’ Pitch