On December 7th 2024, Khushi Kesari presented her research at the BHU International Conference on the theme “Stories Matter: (Re) Thinking Narratives, Aesthetics and Human Values.” The Conference explored various dimensions of storytelling in the context of contemporary challenges, emphasizing narratives’ role in shaping human values and fostering interconnectedness. Her research, “Katha Traditions and the Construction of Regional Identity: Insights from Patachitra and Harikatha Storytelling,” was selected for presentation from over 300 submissions. The research examined how Storytelling has been a foundational element of cultural expression in India, where various Katha (narrative) traditions play a crucial role in the formation of regional identities. Among these, Patachitra, a visual storytelling art from Odisha and West Bengal, and Harikatha, a performative tradition rooted in South India, emerge as pivotal mediums for transmitting cultural values, religious ideologies, and historical narratives. By examining their aesthetic, narrative, and performative dimensions, the study highlights how these traditions contribute to the construction and reinforcement of regional identities. Employing cultural history, art analysis, and performance studies, it underscores their enduring relevance in fostering collective identity in modern India.