SHILLONG, NOVEMBER 20: The 5th Shillong Literary Festival 2025 was inaugurated today at Ward’s Lake, draped in pink cherry blossoms, drawing eminent authors, columnists, and artists from across the globe. Over three days, the festival will showcase literary brilliance and creative dialogues against the backdrop of Meghalaya’s scenic hills.
The opening day witnessed distinguished literary and cultural figures, including Booker International Prize-winning writer Banu Mushtaq; Spanish author Francesc Miralles; Sanjoy Hazarika, Sam Dalrymple, Jerry Pinto, Prof. Desmond Kharmawphlang, Malvika Banerjee, Sonal Jain, Dennis Laishram, Patricia Mukhim; and local writers Streamlet Dkhar and Valden John Pariat.
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Commissioner & Secretary, Tourism Department Vijay Kumar D said hosting the festival has become a ritual, inspiring engagement in colleges, schools, and institutions. He urged young people to leverage these opportunities to create meaningful contributions for themselves and the state.
Banu Mushtaq described Shillong as a city where stories breathe easily and hoped the festival would encourage audiences to explore unfamiliar narratives, listen patiently, and imagine courageously. Francesc Miralles reflected on his bond with India, noting that his first visit in 1998 inspired him to become a writer.
Malvika Banerjee, Curator of the festival, expressed her delight at returning to Ward’s Lake and highlighted the inclusion of Khasi and Garo programmes to showcase local voices alongside international contributors.
Day one also saw the launch of three books—Wad Shwa La Ka Tynrai by Streamlet Dkhar, Songs of Our People by Anurag Banerjee, and Is She Wise by Monica Thomas, Gladinia Pyrtuh, and Anthony Durpui—reflecting the festival’s commitment to diverse local literary voices.
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Sessions included Francesc Miralles in conversation with Prof. Desmond Kharmawphlang on Japanese life and Ikigai; Sanjoy Hazarika and Preeti Gill discussing the Dibrugarh boat clinic project; “Puri – The Shape of Water” exploring myths and memory; a live drawing session by Dennis Laishram; readings by Valden John Pariat; and discussions by Rosy Chamling and Hoihnu Hazel on Himalayan folklore.
A session on the bilingual children’s book Is She Wise highlighted Biate folktales and women’s wisdom, while “Heal The World” brought together Jerry Pinto and Dr. Neena Verma to discuss empathy, grief, mental health, and palliative care.
Sam Dalrymple and Cyril V.D. Diengdoh explored the five partitions that shaped modern Asia in Shattered Lands, while Banu Mushtaq engaged with Patricia Mukhim on Heart Lamp.
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The evening featured “Making Khasi Literature Travel,” reflecting on translation, literary platforms, and the future of Khasi literature. The day ended with a musical performance by the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project, celebrating the state’s youth and creative vibrancy.