Mumbai is gearing up for the much-awaited return of St. Xavier’s Malhar festival, one of the
most iconic youth festivals. It is much more than a college fest, it is an annual outburst of the
voices that yearn to be heard and a platform for the students to showcase their skills. Malhar
has a legacy of almost five decades, with a footfall of more than 20,000 people. It has been a
consistent benchmark setter over the years across all other colleges across Mumbai.
Colleges from all over India participate in the events hosted by St. Xavier’s during Malhar,
reflecting its wide and well- established student participation. Spanning over cultural, creative,
and performing arts, it offers a platform for large-scale student collaboration. Beyond student
participation, Malhar has also become a bridge that connects the youth with larger cultural
conversations, while continuing to host notable figures from different walks of life.
The Conclave session that happens during the main days of Malhar, with its dynamic speaker
lineup, remains one of the most anticipated highlights of the fest. Last year, Malhar saw the
presence of Ms. Supriya Sule, Aditya Roy Kapur, Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya,
Paralympic Gold medalist Bhagyashree Jadhav, founders of the famous ‘Benne’ – Akhil Iyer and
Shriya Narayan along with many other prominent figures.
The excitement for Malhar begins months before the fest, with various pre-events like Malhar by
the Bay, Yardsale and several others building momentum before the main days. Malhar by the
Bay is the flagship pre-event providing a platform to student bands, up-and-coming artists, and
surprise performances. Yardsale, on the other hand, is a charity-driven initiative aimed at giving
back to society and fostering a spirit of social responsibility. Along with its diverse events,
Malhar continues to carry forward its focus on social initiatives. This remains an integral part of
what the festival stands for.
The month of May marks the beginning of the countdown, anticipation among the students
continues to grow. Malhar returns this year, larger, louder, and unforgettable an experience that
goes beyond the fest.
