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.

We explore diverse themes at the intersection of Mental Health and Society, Technology, Philanthropy, Childhood, Ageing, Parenthood, Gender, Art, and much more.

There is no minimum age limit, but we recommend that adults accompany children under 16. Some sessions may discuss sensitive topics that might be more appropriate for mature audiences.

The call for proposals for Manotsava 2026 has closed. However, you can stay updated about future opportunities by following our social media channels.

We welcome volunteers. Information about volunteer opportunities will be shared on our website, or you could write to us at manotsava@rohininilekaniphilanthropies.org.

Follow our website and social media channels for the latest updates, session schedules, speaker announcements, and other important information.

For specific queries not covered in this FAQ, please contact us at manotsava@rohininilekaniphilanthropies.org or reach out through our social media channels.

Manotsava is completely free to attend!

Register here, we’ll share updates via email and our social media handles [FB, LinkedIn, Insta].

You can choose to attend one or both days based on your availability and interest.

Everyone is welcome at Manotsava, and we look forward to welcoming persons with disabilities. The venue is wheelchair accessible.

If you have specific accessibility needs or require a reasonable accommodation to participate fully in the event, please write to us at manotsava@v-shesh.com. We encourage you to reach out as early as possible, preferably at least 14 days before the event, to allow us sufficient time to make appropriate arrangements. We will make every reasonable effort to accommodate requests and ensure an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

Yes, the Jayamahal Palace Hotel offers parking. However, we encourage using public transport when possible.

Will be updated soon.

The venue will have provisions for water, and food can be purchased from stalls present at the festival.

Yes, the venue provides quiet spaces that can be used for nursing mothers and prayer. Please contact the festival volunteers for assistance.

Sessions will be recorded for educational purposes and will be made available on the festival website and YouTube channel in the future.

Yes, there will be multiple parallel sessions running simultaneously. The detailed schedule will be available closer to the event date, allowing you to plan your day.

While Manotsava is not a treatment facility, we will have mental health professionals available for immediate support if needed. The festival is a means to build awareness and is primarily community-focused rather than therapeutic. Please contact the festival volunteers for assistance.

Here are some important mental health resources:

• Tele-MANAS: 14416 (24/7 mental health helpline by Ministry of Health)
• Resources in Kannada – https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1f3E_unWKCboVxU1B5sw6zPTWBTYW_v-o
• Resources in Hindi – https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LRLHmdzCOpQLbTHE6SlRxy9PHfqZr3-J
• Resources in English – https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13KqngGmFb3JglMSvCdiU1laa-t7uDmn_
• For more resources, visit www.nimhans.ac.in 

We are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all participants. Harassment or discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. If you have any concerns regarding a speaker (as listed on our website), festival staff, or witness any inappropriate behavior, please report it immediately.

You may reach out to our festival coordinators at the registration desk, contact on-site security personnel, or write to us at manotsava@rohininilekaniphilanthropies.org.