The second edition of Shergaon Folk Quest will be held on October 17 and 18 in Shergaon, Arunachal Pradesh, bringing together indigenous artists, storytellers, writers, farmers, nature enthusiasts and local communities.
Held under the theme “The Hills Sing. The Heart Listens”, the festival aims to highlight the living cultural heritage of the Sherdukpen community while providing a platform for traditions from across Northeast India.
The event is being organised by Taksar Lu Farms in association with Redberry Riverbee Retreat and OK North East, with its music section curated by Music Malt.
Jim Ankan Deka, co-founder of Shergaon Folk Quest, said the festival seeks to preserve oral traditions and community knowledge that may otherwise be lost between generations.
“At its heart, Shergaon Folk Quest is about people and the stories they carry. When an elder passes away, we do not just lose a person. We often lose songs, stories, memories and knowledge that may never be documented anywhere. This festival is our small attempt to ensure that these voices continue to find listeners. If even a few young people leave feeling more connected to their roots, we will consider it a success,” he said.
A key feature of this year’s edition will be a literature conversation examining historical, cultural and folkloric connections between the Sherdukpen community and the Ahoms of Assam. The discussion will be moderated by Shergaon-based writer Sange Norbu Thungon and draw on oral traditions, community memories and shared histories.
Storytelling sessions will be led by Sonam Genchen Trangpodar of Morshing, founder of Kunphen Residential School. The sessions will draw on stories about mountains, forests, ancestors, spirits, journeys and community life.
Music will remain a central part of the festival, with performances by artists including Rinchin Norbu Thongchi, Nima Dorjee, Pema Tashi Trangpodar, the Monpa Institute of Performing Arts, Assamese singer Arupjyoti Baruah and folk-fusion ensemble FolkAGeet.
The festival will also feature local farms and artisans showcasing apples, mountain produce and handmade products. Women from Shergaon will prepare traditional meals using local herbs, indigenous ingredients and regional delicacies.
The organisers said the festival will also focus on Shergaon’s biodiversity and traditional knowledge, including its forests, birdlife, medicinal plants, wild mushrooms, mountain fruits and indigenous agricultural practices.
Ngawang Tsering Thungon, founder of Taksar Lu Farms and co-founder of Shergaon Folk Quest, said, “Shergaon has always been much more than a beautiful destination. Our dream is that people leave with more than photographs. We want them to leave with an understanding of the Sherdukpen way of life, the richness of our biodiversity, and the values of community, respect for nature and cultural continuity that have sustained these mountains for generations.”
The inaugural edition in 2025 drew approximately 550 guests and featured artists from across Northeast India, as well as a musician from France.
The 2026 edition will be held in Shergaon on October 17–18.