Bengaluru Celebrates Mental Health with Manotsava Festival

On November 10-12, 2025, Bengaluru played host to the second edition of Manotsava: The National Festival, a celebration of mental health and well-being. The festival featured over 130 speakers, including neuroscientists, therapists, artists, and educators, who came together for talks, workshops, and discussions on various aspects of mental health.

The objective of the festival, according to organizer Rohini Nilekani, was to create a community gathering where people could "talk, learn, and even play their way to awareness." The focus was on moving beyond just the clinical aspects of mental health, emphasizing the importance of connection, art, and laughter in our daily lives.

Nilekani stressed that there should be no shame or fear in seeking help for one's mental well-being. "The key is to know when to seek help and to build resilience," she added. Attendee Sheetal, a homemaker, echoed this sentiment, saying that starting a conversation about mental health with one's children is a good way to build understanding.

The Manotsava Festival aimed to make mental health a celebration, not just a conference, providing a platform for people to engage, learn, and find new ways to support their overall well-being.