The sixth edition of the Shillong Literary Festival began on Thursday at Ward’s Lake, bringing together acclaimed writers, poets and literary enthusiasts from Meghalaya, across India and abroad for a three-day celebration of literature, culture and storytelling.
Organised by the Meghalaya Tourism Department, the festival was inaugurated by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma in the presence of senior government officials, authors and literary personalities.
The opening day featured two internationally acclaimed Booker Prize winners, Indian author Kiran Desai and South African novelist Damon Galgut, who shared their reflections on literature, creativity and the cultural richness of the Northeast.
Desai expressed her deep admiration for the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, saying she had waited a lifetime to visit this part of India. She spoke of her eagerness to discover the literary traditions of Khasi, Garo and Jaintia writers, describing herself as a student keen to learn from their experiences and stories.
Galgut reflected on how India’s landscapes, people and diverse cultures have inspired his writing over the years. He said the creative energy at the festival and the books being launched offered fresh inspiration for literary exploration.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma emphasised that Meghalaya’s development must extend beyond economic growth to include cultural and intellectual advancement. He said literary platforms could inspire young people to explore their creativity while preserving the state’s indigenous heritage and identity.
A major highlight of the inaugural programme was the launch of eight books by seven authors, covering regional history, biography, diplomacy, fiction and cultural narratives.
The titles included Postcards from the Khasi Hills: Shillong and Beyond in Panorama by Daniel Challam, Adventures of a Peripheral Indian Diplomat by Rudy Warjri, and Lal Thanhawla by Sanjoy Hazarika.
Other releases included The Rainbow I Named by Yadawanka Pala, Wad Shwa La Ka Tynrai by Streamlet Dkhar, Hometown by Anjum Hasan, and two books by Bijoya Sawian, Chocho Momo and What Time Cannot Erase.
With a mix of international literary voices and regional storytelling, the festival provides a platform for conversations on literature, identity, heritage and contemporary society.
The Shillong Literary Festival will continue at Ward’s Lake until November 14, featuring panel discussions, book readings and interactions between authors, students and readers.
