Gangtok: The second edition of the Sikkim Arts and Literature Festival (SALF) 2026 concluded at The Ridge Park in Gangtok on October 30, bringing together writers, historians, artists and musicians for three days of literary conversations, cultural exchange and musical performances.
Held from October 28 to 30, the festival featured discussions on history, storytelling, translation, nature and folklore, alongside performances celebrating India’s diverse musical traditions.
The festival was inaugurated by Aditya Golay, Member of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly representing Soreng-Chakung, while Education Minister Raju Basnet delivered the keynote address. Sonam Chopel, Chairman of the Students’ Welfare Board under the Education Department, was also present.
Presented by the Students’ Welfare Board and the Education Department of the Sikkim government, and produced by Teamwork Arts, the festival was organised under the initiative of the state government led by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.
A special message from the 14th Dalai Lama was also shared with festival participants. Recalling his visits to Sikkim, beginning in 1956, he highlighted the state’s natural beauty and the peaceful coexistence of its diverse communities and religious traditions.
He emphasised the role of literature, art and music in promoting shared humanity across linguistic, cultural and religious differences. He also welcomed the festival’s focus on folklore, biodiversity and climate change, stressing the need to preserve the Himalayan region’s cultural heritage and fragile ecosystems.
The opening day featured historian and author William Dalrymple in a session titled ‘A Life in History’, in conversation with Tashi Chophel, exploring the relationship between history and storytelling.
The musical programme included ‘Celebrating the Legends of Ghazal’, a tribute by Aagaaz, founded by vocalist Suhavi Kalsi, to legendary singers Mehdi Hasan, Begum Akhtar and Noor Jehan.
Members of the iconic band Indian Ocean also participated in ‘Indian Ocean Unplugged’, a conversation with Sanjoy K Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, discussing the band’s musical journey and influences.
The second day focused on translation, storytelling and the relationship between literature and the natural world.
In ‘In Other Words: Across Languages’, writers Ranjit Hoskote and Sandhya Subba spoke with Arundhati Nath about the movement of stories across languages and cultures.
Another session, ‘A Natural Disposition: A Life in Stories’, brought together Chetan Raj Shresta, Dhruba Hazarika and Mamang Dai in conversation with Rosy Chamling to examine how landscapes and the natural environment shape literary imagination.
At White Memorial Hall, ‘Tiny Tales, Tall Stories’ featured Anuradha Sharma and Charmi Chheda in conversation with Puneeta Roy.
The day’s musical performances included ‘Mystical Journey through Flute and Rhythms’ by Kartikeya and Makrand, followed by a performance by Indian Ocean.
The festival’s concluding day showcased Rajasthan’s folk traditions through ‘Khamma Ghani Sikkim: Rajasthani Folk’, presented by Magda Khan and Group, featuring the musical heritage of the Manganiyar community.
The closing performance was by Neeraj Arya’s Kabir Cafe, whose contemporary interpretations of the 15th-century mystic poet Kabir’s verses combine Indian folk music with rock, reggae, pop and Carnatic influences.
Across three days, SALF 2026 provided a platform for conversations across generations and cultures, bringing together voices from Sikkim, the wider Himalayan region and other parts of the country.
The festival aims to promote reading, encourage creative expression and connect regional writers, artists, musicians and cultural practitioners with audiences across India and beyond.
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