Bengaluru’s Ghost Story Collective holds ₹299 storytelling sessions

Tarun Sridharan’s Ghost Story Collective offers two ways into its gatherings: arrive with a story or arrive ready to listen. Both tickets cost ₹299.

Sridharan, who is based in Bengaluru, said he began the storytelling format after a dinner party in Hyderabad where guests from different parts of the world shared personal ghost stories. He said he wanted to create a setting where strangers could speak without scripted performances or prepared material.

Since July, the collective has held about 10 events in Bengaluru, Delhi and Hyderabad, according to Sridharan. Participants register as storytellers or listeners. A session can accommodate up to eight registered storytellers, depending on its duration, along with a few additional slots for people who decide to speak during the event.

Stories first, then conversation

Sessions begin with a short discussion about the historical, cultural and psychosocial aspects of ghost stories. Participants then share their experiences, with conversations about paranormal traditions continuing through the programme.

Sridharan said the sessions also explore links across folklore traditions. He cited creatures associated with blood-sucking and flesh-eating in Indian traditions alongside figures such as vampires in Western folklore.

Time to meet after the session

Each gathering ends with time for attendees to meet. Sridharan said many participants are migrants or are new to a city, and that the format offers a low-pressure way to meet others.

The collective is exploring events in Kolkata and other cities. Sridharan said its initial plan is to hold two events a month with local hosts running regular gatherings.