Editions
Explore the journey of the Shillong Literary Festival — from its origins by Ward’s Lake to the current edition’s campus preludes, conversations, launches, performances, and food. Relive each year’s highlights below.
Introduction
Meghalaya, a paradise of clouds and rain, is celebrated for its rich folklore and storytelling traditions. The region's literary talent creates narratives that reflect its captivating nature and the wisdom of its people. The three main tribes – Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo – have, for generations, passed down tales of their ancestors, folklore, and stories of cultural heroes, often intertwined with natural elements.
Since 2021, the Festival has taken place at Ward’s Lake, where the crisp winter air, the serene lake, and delicate pink cherry blossoms create a magical ambiance—an ideal setting to host an annual celebration of writing, poetry, music, and ideas.
The Shillong Literary Festival offers a deep dive into the minds of great writers from Meghalaya, across India, and around the world. Alongside conversations and readings, live performances and local food stalls showcase the region’s culinary and cultural vibrance.
This Year’s Edition (Edition V)
The 5th edition builds on four successful years. In September 2025, Campus Preludes across colleges in Shillong set the tone—promoting storytelling, reading, and meaningful dialogue among youth. The main event in November brings poetry readings, storytelling sessions, panel discussions, and interactive workshops spanning indigenous literature to contemporary writing, with acclaimed voices—both international and local.
Past Editions
Edition I
November 25–27, 2021Inaugurated by CM Conrad K. Sangma and Japanese Ambassador H.E. Satoshi Suzuki; featured Devdutt Pattanaik’s ‘Marriage’ launch and the conversation ‘Between the Lines’ with Shekhar Gupta and David Laitphlang.
Speakers (selection)▾
- Christine G. Momin
- Darhmingliani Suting
- Dasumarlin Majaw
- Madeline Tham
- Naphibahun Lyngdoh
- Daiarisa Rumnong
- Dokatchi Marak
- Ramona Sangma
- Parismita Singh
- Bikram Grewal
- Sukanya Das
- Laurige Boyer
- Kanishka Gupta
- Raman Shresta
- Daribha Lyndem
- Amitav Ghosh
- Janice Pariat
- Daisy Hasan
- Bijal Vachharajani
- Balaji Vittal
- Devdutt Pattanaik
- Sandip Roy
Edition II
November 21, 2022Opened by CM Conrad K. Sangma; began with a tribute to Temsula Ao and conversations with Rahul Bose, Vidhya Krishnan, Jerry Pinto, Junisha Khongwir, Isawando Laloo, and more. (Shortened due to unforeseen circumstances.)
Speakers (selection)▾
- Esther Syiem
- Julie Sun Wahlang
- Theyiesinuo Keditsu
- Preeti Gill
- Mayumi Murayama
- Sanjoy Hazarika
- Anurag Basnet
- Chuden Kabimo
- Mamang Dai
- Shrayana Bhattacharya
Edition III
November 14–16, 2023Featured Sam Miller, Janice Pariat, and Ankush Saikia; launched ‘Stories from the Valley’ by D. Junisha Khongwir & Karen L. Donoghue; filled with performances, local delicacies, open mic, and interactive sessions.
Book Launches
- ‘Stories From the Valley’ — D. Junisha Khongwir & Karen L. Donoghue
- ‘The Mystery of the Cave/Ka Krem Pubon ba Phylla’ — Careen Langstieh, Glenn C. Kharkongor & Patricia Mukhim
- ‘Looking East – Indian Wisdom for Modern Management’ — Sanjoy Mukherjee
- ‘From Sylhet to Shillong’ — Bijoya Sawian
- ‘Tears of the Dragon’ — Ankush Saikia
Speakers (selection)▾
- Amar Chitra Katha
- Bhogtoram Mawroh
- Esther Syiem
- Jemimah Marak
- Mario Pathaw
- Rohan Chakravarty
- Ambarish Satwik
- Arghya Sengupta
- Barbara S. Sangma
- Nandini Oberoi
- Colnat B. Marak
- Fameline K. Marak
- Semberthus A. Sangma
- Ambar Sahil Chatterjee
- Senthil Kumar
- Melkior Ch. Sangma
- Donovan Swer
- James W. Momin
- Sebanti Chatterjee
- Lalnunsanga Ralte
- Ian A. Lyngdoh
- Massimo Warglien
- Naba Battacharjee
- Kyntiew War
- Nathaniel Majaw
- Samira Bose
- Shannon Massar
- Trishita Sur
- Zubin Miller
Edition IV
November 18–20 (Year per program narrative)Inaugurated by CM Conrad K. Sangma; featured Shobhaa De, Jerry Pinto, Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih, and H.E. Firat Sunel; included launches like Anita Agnihotri’s ‘A Touch of Salt’ and Khasi poetry collection ‘Ka Sngi Thame u Hynniewtrep’. Ended with ‘Mamma Mia’ by St. Edmund’s School.
Book Launches
- ‘A Touch of Salt’ — Anita Agnihotri
- Khasi Poems ‘Ka Sngi Thame u Hynniewtrep’ — curated by Avner Pariat
- ‘The Chicken Who Flew To Canada’ — Abie Alexander; illustrated by Benedict Hynniewta
Speakers (selection)▾
- Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih
- Sabir Hussain
- Amabel Susngi
- Roopam Kapoor
- Mario Pathaw
- Arupjyoti Saikia
- Vikram Seth
- Jerry Pinto
- Shobhaa De
- Ramona Sangma
- Hannah Lalhlanpuii
- Ankush Saikia
- Sanjoy Hazarika
- Anita Agnihotri
- Yeshe Dorjee Tongchi
- Moushumi Kandali
- Bikash Rai Debbarma
- Anil Kumar Boro
- Basan Marak
- Avner Pariat
- Benedict Hynniewta
- Abie Alexander
- Abhay Kumar
- Patricia Mukhim
- H.E. Firat Sunel
- Nicholas Kharkongor
- Nancy Nisa Beso
- Samrat Choudhury
- Prof. Desmond Kharmawphlang
- Nina Sabnani
- Elizabeth Kuruvilla
Activities & Specials
Jazz by Gino Banks
Mumbai-based drummer and producer Gino Banks has performed with renowned musicians nationally and internationally.
British Songs in India by Alex Poulton
International opera singer and composer; qualified as a music therapist at Guildhall School of Music (2023).
Nothing Like Lear by Vinay Pathak
A stirring solo inspired by Shakespeare’s King Lear, performed by acclaimed theatre actor Vinay Pathak.
Chief Minister - Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project
State initiative supporting music talent at the grassroots, featuring live performances across Meghalaya.
The Forgotten Folklore Project
SauraMandala Foundation’s initiative—45 storybooks celebrating Meghalaya’s heritage and connecting children to their roots.
Tribute to ABBA
A celebratory musical segment paying homage to timeless pop classics.
See the full 2025 program
Explore schedules, sessions, and more on the site.