Peerbagh

09/16/2026

Don’t wait, 🏃 friends! The summer issue is almost out and this is your chance to get your hands on Bento’s Curious Garden (issue #8) with lovely stories.

We promise deep research, wild imagination, fun, folk, and slowly building curiosity (not an instant dopamine hit). Your support goes toward building readers, artists, and giving South-Asian stories a new home.

DM us with questions and a link to join as a member. 🫶❤️

09/15/2026

Storytelling is how children build confidence, language, identity, and a sense of future. Through Varta storytelling fest and Bento children's magazine and other initiatives, Peerbagh works with a vision to help parents and educators find ways to tell joyful, living stories.

We talked about:
- Why open-ended questions and boredom can unlock a child's imagination and confidence
- How AI-generated stories can strip away connection, consent, and creativity
- Practical ways working parents can keep storytelling alive with a few minutes each day

If you're interested in helping or learning more, please get in touch!

Storytelling is not just entertainment - it is how children build c...

09/14/2026

The line up for the Varta Festival is up and we're inviting you to join us for this incredible experience for the 3rd time in Austin.

This is the 5th Varta Storytelling Festival and it promises to be a wonderful community event for the whole family.

From music, dancing, storytelling, to author conversations, art workshops, and books, this is not an event to miss. Come for your senses to be enthralled, stay for the conversations.

RSVPs are open here: https://www.peerbagh.com/varta-storytelling-festival/

09/09/2026

To go fast, sometimes it helps to slow down.

Austin, join us for a casual hang to make stories. Meet us at Opa Cafe, Austin on Sep 23, 6-7pm.

* Story prompt with art
* A story circle (with a prompt)
* Ability to be featured

Free to attend (ages 8+), 20 spots available.

DM for RSVP link ❤️

09/08/2026

Your friendly reminder that *humans* deconstruct scenes and think of the whys to find connection.

It's nothing that you can achieve with AI. We connect with stories and tellers because they're putting in the effort to break down life, writing, and scenes for us.

Lots of wonderfully nuanced insights in this Zubaani episode with master voice actor and teller Vikas Adam.

09/03/2026

School libraries are critical for student well-being. You notice the shift in confidence, a sense of belonging, almost instantly in a space designed for belonging.

We're eager to help support Austin school librarians in this journey. If you're a parent/ librarian/ educator, DM us to know more and receive free books for your libraries.

[south asian nonprofit raising readers]

09/02/2026

We are thrilled to note that we received several hundred entries for "Strictly No Elephants" from four countries and had many wonderful stories to choose from. Thank you, young writers for your creativity and artistic work.

Here is a list of the writers whose work we loved! A couple of the stories (congrats Hailey and Abigail) will be published in Bento early next year.

For those who missed it, you can join our fall event in October. Details will come up at peerbagh.com/submitkatha

08/25/2026

This week many in the subcontinent are celebrating siblings and the festival of Rakhi. Here's a poem that only makes sense in a desi contest (even if you don't celebrate the festival). Hope your sibling bonds shine forever.

For those who may have seen loss or harsher experiences, we see you, and send you stories that show bonds with all their varied facets.

08/24/2026

Austin friends, join us for a creative story circle on (Sep 23, 6-7pm, Opa coffee, max capacity 20)

Please see details here: https://www.peerbagh.com/upcoming-events/ to RSVP today or DM us.

If you're able to come and spread the word, you get free art and awesome stories :-)

08/21/2026

What are you reading this weekend?

We’re stuck on Bento stories with lovely art- a great way to engage the whole family ❤️📚