Aizawl: Picture this: a gentle October breeze in Aizawl, the kind where light winds keep you cool, making both thin knit sweaters and t-shirts equally welcome. On a rooftop hall, draped in flowing white cloth like waves overhead. Coffee pours endlessly, its warmth mingling with the crisp air. The room hums with the quiet energy of authors, gathered together, words swirling in the air like the breeze itself. This was the scene at Mizoram’s first-ever literature festival, held on October 17-18 at Aijal Club in Aizawl.
But what was it that inspired the organizers to launch the first literature festival in this quaint hill state? They explained that despite the flourishing literary scene in Mizoram, Mizo authors largely remain unknown beyond the state due to a lack of translations into languages such as English and Hindi. The Mizoram Literature Festival, LEI, was organized for the first time to bridge this gap and celebrate the state’s rich literary heritage. The title “LEI” carries multiple meanings in the Mizo language, reflecting the festival’s multifaceted nature.
Bringing together 25 writers from Mizoram and across India would have taken hundreds of hours of logistical planning—especially with Mizoram’s road conditions being weather-dependent—but the organizers pulled it off smoothly.
Encouraged by the public’s response, Festival Organizing Committee Chairman, Vanlalruata Ralte, expressed optimism for the future. “The next LEI will be bigger, with better participation and support. This is just the beginning, and it’s been a huge learning experience for us.”
The event created a rare opportunity for Mizo youth to witness their authors live, a sight almost unheard of, aside from a few talks organized by the Book Café. Ziki, an English Literature lecturer, shared her thoughts with EastMojo: “Personally, it was a deeply rewarding experience. Seeing authors in person—those we had only known from a distance—and listening to their insights was truly unique. Witnessing the renowned writers of the Northeast come together to engage in discourse was a beautiful sight. I sincerely hope they continue to organise such festivals.”
Another attendee, journalist Dr. Vanlalruata, said, “This festival will greatly motivate students and young writers. It will help revive the reading culture in Mizoram.”
The festival covered a broad range of topics, including modern Mizo writing by both established and young authors and poets. Sessions featured discussions on military history, translations, and publishing, along with talks by writers like Sanjoy Hazarika on ‘Walking the Land/Listening to the Land’ and Prof. Joy Pachuau from JNU on ‘Being Mizo.’ Panels included prominent poets and writers like Jerry Pinto, Shiny Anthony (Co-director of the Bangalore Literary Festival), and David Puig, the Ambassador of the Dominican Republic.
Also present at the festival was Mmhonlumo Kikon, a politician and author. He discussed his latest book, The Majesty’s Headhunters: The Siege of Kohima That Shaped World History, which illustrates the significance of the Battle of Kohima in shaping the course of the Second World War by defeating the invading Japanese forces. Kikon shared the stage with Yaiphaba Kangjam, who spoke about his book Forgotten Voices of the Japan Laan: The Battle of Imphal and the Second World War in Manipur, and Ushinor Majumdar, who discussed his book, India’s Secret War: BSF and Nine Months to the Birth of Bangladesh.
Kikon reflected on his experience with EastMojo, saying, “The Mizoram Literature Festival has been a great experience for me. The organizers have done well to maintain a good mix of national, international, and local authors from Mizoram! The exchange of ideas and sharing of experiences have definitely enriched our understanding of a variety of works.”
He added, “I am especially happy that many Mizo poets are writing in both the Mizo language and English. There is a vibrant culture of reading in Mizoram, and having prominent authors from other parts of India and the Northeast at the festival made it even more meaningful. I hope the organizers continue to host this event in the coming years!”
Minister of State for Sports and LESDE, Lalnghinglova Hmar, addressed the audience, calling the festival “proof that we have talented writers ready to share their stories with the world.” He urged writers “to keep writing fearlessly,” noting that they could build bridges in areas of tension and conflict. Hmar emphasized that the festival showcased Mizoram not just as a small place in the hills but as a vibrant community with important stories to tell.
Chief Secretary Renu Sharma, speaking the previous day, expressed her encouragement at seeing young Mizo writers in attendance. She stressed the need for more translations of Mizo writing to reach wider audiences. The keynote speaker on the first day was an advisory council member from Mizoram of the Sahitya Akademi.
This landmark literature festival drew about 150 participants to a packed hall at Aijal Club, including writers, students, faculty, government officials, and translators. It was supported by The Book Café, Aizawl, Sahitya Akademi, LESDE, and small businesses in Mizoram, with partners like the Centre for North East Studies and Policy Research (C-nes) and Majha House, Amritsar.
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