SHILLONG, NOV 20: The 5th Shillong Literary Festival 2025 opened on Thursday at Ward’s Lake, which came alive under the soft bloom of pink cherry blossoms as authors, poets, columnists, artists, and cultural thinkers from across the world gathered for the three-day celebration of literature and creativity.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of Meghalaya’s rolling hills, the festival promises a vibrant blend of ideas, performances, discussions, and cultural showcases that highlight both global literary excellence and the rich storytelling traditions of the Northeast.

A Distinguished Line-Up

The inaugural ceremony witnessed a powerful convergence of literary luminaries, including Booker International Prize-winning writer Banu Mushtaq, Spanish bestselling author Francesc Miralles, and celebrated Indian writers and thinkers Sanjoy Hazarika, Sam Dalrymple, Jerry Pinto, Prof Desmond Kharmawphlang, Malvika Banerjee, Sonal Jain, Dennis Laishram, Patricia Mukhim, and others.

The event also welcomed noted local writers such as Streamlet Dkhar and Valden John Pariat, whose presence reinforced the festival’s commitment to uplifting indigenous voices.

Celebrating Imagination and Youth Engagement

Declaring that the Shillong Literary Festival has now become an annual “ritual,” Vijay Kumar D, Commissioner & Secretary of the Tourism Department, described the festival’s influence on Meghalaya’s academic and cultural spaces.

“This has spawned a whole movement of engagement in colleges, schools, and institutions,” he said. “Literature, conversations, poetry — this festival has nurtured interest in all of these. To the young people of the state — this festival is for you. Take these opportunities and create great things for yourselves and for the state.”

Voices from Around the World

Calling the Shillong Literary Festival a “Festival of Imagination,” Banu Mushtaq reflected on the creative spirit of the city.

“To stand in Shillong today feels like walking into a page that has been quietly waiting for me,” she said. “Let these next days be filled with conversations that surprise us and stories that stay long after we return home.”

Francesc Miralles, author of Ikigai, shared how India shaped his journey as a writer.
“Without India, I would never have written books,” he said, recalling his first transformative visit in 1998.

A Curated Celebration of Khasi and Garo Voices

Festival Curator Malvika Banerjee expressed her delight at returning to Ward’s Lake and highlighted the honour of curating sessions in Khasi and Garo this year.

“If we don’t have these sessions in these languages, it will not truly represent the state,” she said, reflecting the festival’s commitment to authenticity and inclusivity in its programming.

Book Launches Spotlight Local Creativity

Day one of the festival featured the launch of three significant works:

Wad Shwa La Ka Tynrai by Streamlet Dkhar

Songs of Our People by Anurag Banerjee

Is She Wise by Monica Thomas, Gladinia Pyrtuh, and Anthony Durpui

Each book celebrates diverse narratives rooted deeply in regional identity and cultural memory.

Dialogues, Performances & Cultural Narratives

The inaugural day unfolded through a range of insightful sessions:

Francesc Miralles in conversation with Prof. Desmond Kharmawphlang on the Japanese philosophy behind Ikigai.

Sanjoy Hazarika and Preeti Gill discussing his transformative Dibrugarh boat clinic initiative.

A reflective segment on myths and memory titled “Puri – The Shape of Water”.

A live drawing performance by Dennis Laishram.

Readings by Valden John Pariat and sessions exploring Himalayan folklore with Rosy Chamling and Hoihnu Hazel.

A discussion on Biate folktales featuring the authors of Is She Wise.

A powerful conversation on empathy, grief, and healing titled “Heal The World,” featuring Jerry Pinto and Dr. Neena Verma.

Sam Dalrymple and Cyril V.D. Diengdoh, IAS, discussing the historical ruptures detailed in Shattered Lands.

Banu Mushtaq in conversation with Patricia Mukhim on her award-winning work Heart Lamp.

A session titled “Making Khasi Literature Travel,” highlighting translation and the global journey of Khasi writing.

A Musical Finale to the Opening Day

The day concluded with a soulful performance by artists of the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project, celebrating the musical heritage and youthful vibrancy of Meghalaya, marking a fitting end to an inspiring opening day.