About Shillong Literary Festival

Nestled in the green hills of Meghalaya, Shillong is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and its rich tradition of folklore and oral storytelling that has shaped the region's cultural identity. The Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo tribes have passed down stories of nature, spirit, and survival through generations, creating a vibrant tapestry of myth and memory closely tied to the land. These stories, woven into the rhythms of Shillong’s hills and valleys, form the heart of its literary tradition, preserving the wisdom and values of its indigenous communities.

The Shillong Literary Festival has emerged as an essential platform to celebrate this unique cultural heritage, allowing local poets and writers to share their voices with the wider world. By embracing contemporary writing and traditional forms of storytelling, the festival fosters a deeper understanding of the region’s literary wealth and the intricate connections between nature, folklore, and identity. It is a space where local talent is nurtured, ensuring that the stories rooted in Shillong’s hills thrive in the modern world while connecting this rich tradition to broader literary currents.

The Shillong Literary Festival, an annual celebration in the scenic city of Shillong, is dedicated to enriching Meghalaya's literary and reading culture. Held at the stunning Wards Lake, the festival’s timing aligns perfectly with the cherry blossom bloom, creating a captivating backdrop for literature lovers and casual visitors.

Launched in 2021, the festival made a grand entrance with the participation of iconic figures such as Naseeruddin Shah, acclaimed writers Kynpham Nongkynrih, Shekhar Gupta, Amitav Ghosh, and local talent David Laitphlang. This inaugural year also established a reading hub, fostering a community dedicated to literature. In 2022, the festival continued to thrive, featuring luminaries like Rahul Bose and celebrated authors Vidya Krishnan and Easterine Kire. Shri. Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya emphasized the importance of engaging youth and children and encouraging their participation in literary discussions.

Since its inception, the festival has offered a miscellany of activities designed to engage audiences of all ages. Highlights include open mic poetry sessions, where aspiring poets share their work, and storytelling workshops that captivate younger audiences. In-depth conversations with authors and journalists allow for insightful discussions on various literary themes, while book launches introduce exciting new titles to the public.

Last year’s third edition featured prominent speakers such as journalist Sam Miller, poet Janice Pariat, literary critic Jeyamohan, filmmaker Naveen Kishore, and Indian-American poet Chitra Banerjee. These discussions spotlighted contemporary issues and celebrated the diverse voices of Indian literature.