The fifth edition of the Shillong Literary Festival opened on Wednesday at Ward’s Lake, where writers, poets and artists from India and abroad gathered for three days of discussions, readings and performances. The venue, surrounded by cherry blossoms, drew large crowds as the event returned to one of the city’s most recognisable public spaces.
Booker International Prize honouree Banu Mushtaq, Spanish writer Francesc Miralles, and noted authors including Sanjoy Hazarika, Sam Dalrymple, Jerry Pinto, Patricia Mukhim, Desmond Kharmawphlang, Malvika Banerjee, and Sonal Jain attended the opening day along with several writers from Meghalaya, such as Streamlet Dkhar and Valden John Pariat.
Vijay Kumar D., Commissioner and Secretary of the Tourism Department, said the festival had encouraged greater interest in literature and creative engagement in educational institutions across the state. He urged visiting writers to take stories from Meghalaya to wider audiences and emphasised that the festival was designed for young people to explore literary and cultural opportunities.
Banu Mushtaq described Shillong as a place where “stories breathe easily,” and spoke about the city’s creative character. She said the festival offered a chance to explore unfamiliar narratives and engage with ideas that endure beyond the event. Miralles, known for Ikigai, reflected on his long association with India and said his first visit in 1998 had inspired him to begin writing.
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Festival curator Malvika Banerjee said returning to Ward’s Lake after four years was significant and highlighted the decision to include dedicated Khasi and Garo programmes. She noted that the festival aimed to reflect the languages and voices of Meghalaya rather than focus solely on English-language sessions.
Three books were released on the opening day: Wad Shwa La Ka Tynrai by Streamlet Dkhar, Songs of Our People by Anurag Banerjee, and Is She Wise, a children’s title based on Biate folktales. Discussions through the day covered a wide range of themes, including the philosophy behind Ikigai, the Dibrugarh boat clinic project, myths and memory, and the cultural histories of the Eastern Himalayas.
Sessions featuring Dennis Laishram, Rosy Chamling, Hoihnu Hazel, Valden John Pariat and others drew attention to illustration, storytelling and folklore. A conversation on the children’s book Is She Wise explored women’s wisdom in Biate traditions, while another session with Jerry Pinto and Neena Verma focused on mental health, grief and care.
The day concluded with a discussion on the growth of Khasi literature, followed by a musical performance by artists from the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project.
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