Manotsava – National Mental Health Festival is a free, vibrant public engagement platform that aims to build a bridge between science and society. The festival is organised by Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), and The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS).

Manotsava is not a festival about mental illness. Neither is it only for professionals who work in the field of mental health. This 2-day event – that  brings diverse community voices on one shared platform – is a celebration of all that makes us human, and hopes to forge a shared vision for a flourishing society.

The festival includes interactive experiences, hands-on workshops, meaningful discussions and engaging sessions with experts. If you are curious about mental well-being, want to learn more or just have fun, this is for you!

The third edition is happening on December 5-6, 2026 in Bengaluru at Jaymahal Palace.

People of all ages (including little children). It’s free and open to the public.

Anyone—individuals, organisations, collectives, artists, mental health professionals, educators, activists, students. If you have an idea for a public programme on mental health and wellbeing, you’re welcome to apply.

May 31, 2026.

You can only submit a proposal through the official form link. Proposals through other channels won’t be considered.

Yes, but submit separate forms for each programme.

Each proposal we receive is carefully reviewed by the Manotsava selection committee composed of representatives from RNP, NIMHANS and NCBS. Shortlisted proposals are invited for a virtual call. Please note, all decisions communicated by the Manotsava team are final.

We aim to notify all applicants about the status of their proposals by the end of August (this timeline is subject to change).

No, you cannot. Kindly contact the Manotsava team via email in case you would like to resubmit the proposals.

No. Submitting proposals and attending the festival are both free.

• Panel Discussions
• Talks
• Workshops
• Sharing Circles
• Stalls
• Performances
• Public Art & Interactive Experiences

Choose “Public Art and Interactive Experiences” for unconventional formats. Describe your idea clearly in the proposal.

Your stall must be available to the public on both December 5 and 6, 2026.

Anything related to mental health, wellbeing and its intersections is acceptable.These can include, but are not limited to children’s mental health, caregiving, gender, stigma, workplace wellness, art and healing, exercise, sleep, movement, emotional expression, neurodiversity, trauma, community care, policy, technology, addiction etc.

Any topic which intersects with wellbeing and mental health – determines, influences or shapes our wellbeing and mental health – is relevant. If it is an unexplored or new topic, please ensure the relevance is explained in the programme description section,

No. We welcome diverse perspectives—lived experience, creative expression, community practices, research, advocacy, etc.

The festival prioritises raising public awareness and critical dialogue over commercial promotion.

The form accepts responses in English and Kannada. Kannada-language programmes are strongly encouraged.

Yes.

Yes. Indicate all languages you’ll use in the form.

We suggest a maximum of 4 people in total: 3 speakers + 1 moderator. You can suggest fewer than 3 panelists as well.

Ideally yes, but if you are in discussions with them, mention this in your proposal. You’ll need confirmed participants if shortlisted.

Yes. At least 15 minutes will be reserved for audience Q&A. Previous panels have also conducted live polls during the session.

We invite proposals for 1 individual delivering a talk.

Workshops usually have hands-on activities. Sharing circles are peer-support or dialogue-focused. Both should be able to accommodate 50-100 people (sharing circles up to 50).

Yes, facilitators will need to provide materials for the workshop. Manotsava will provide technical and venue support.

No. Everything at Manotsava is free to attendees.

Information booths, resource centers, interactive displays, community organisation showcases, zines/literature, art installations that fit the stall format. If you have other ideas that are relevant and fit the stall format, please detail them in the form.

Yes, an outdoor covered space will be provided.

No, we prioritise stalls that engage with the public to generate awareness on mental health and wellbeing.

Art, music, dance, theatre, standup comedy, spoken word, storytelling, sports, meditation – anything embodied, and/ or performance-based that engages with mental health themes.

Specify all technical requirements (sound, lights, stage specs, etc.) in the logistics section.

Yes, but indicate this clearly and consider accessibility (subtitles, programme notes, etc.).

Installations, participatory art projects, immersive experiences, walking tours, games, photo booths, community mapping—anything experiential.

Possibly. Most venues are outdoors. Indicate preference and weather contingencies in your proposal.

Specify your needs: venue space, seating, AV equipment, accessibility requirements, etc. We’ll do our best to accommodate.

This will be communicated to selected proposals. Please mention if you’re traveling from outside Bengaluru.

For independent artists and individuals representing non-profit and educational organisations, we are able to cover travel and accommodation.

Absolutely. Detail any accessibility needs for facilitators or participants.

Yes. Include bios and links (websites, LinkedIn, social media, publications) where available.

Yes! We welcome fresh voices and new perspectives.

Inform the organising team via email as soon as possible.

Clarity, relevance to mental health, community value, feasibility, diversity of perspectives, and innovative approaches. Kannada-language proposals are particularly encouraged.

Due to volume, individual feedback will not be possible, but we appreciate all submissions.

Yes, please do apply for future editions of the festival.

All communication will only be done via email. Please send in any queries not covered here to manotsava@rohininilekaniphilanthropies.org.