The inaugural Nalanda Literature Festival (NLF) will take place from 21–25 December 2025 at the Rajgir Convention Centre in Nalanda, Bihar. Organized by Jashn-e-Adab, the Centre for Indian Classical Dances, the Shining Muskan Foundation, and Dhanu Bihar, in collaboration with Nalanda University, the first-ever edition of NLF celebrates India’s knowledge traditions at the historic epicenter of ancient learning. A key highlight of the festival is the introduction of a special North-East Section, created to bring the region’s rich linguistic, literary, and cultural legacy into national focus.
The North-East Section brings together acclaimed scholars, writers, and linguists for in-depth sessions on tribal languages, inscriptional history, oral traditions, and the evolution of the region’s major language families, including Assamese, Khasi, Bodo, Mizo, Manipuri (Meitei), Nagamese, and the diverse Arunachali languages. Designed with scholarly depth and cultural sensitivity, this segment highlights the region’s intellectual heritage and underscores the urgent need to preserve its endangered linguistic ecosystems, while reinforcing its deep connections with India’s civilizational narrative.
This special session dedicated to the North-East brings together an exceptional lineup of scholars and literary voices, including writer and linguist Prof. Upen Rabha Hakacham, acclaimed novelist and Sahitya Akademi awardee Prof. Rita Chowdhury, noted writer Kuladhar Saikia, linguistics scholar Dr. Madhumita Barbora, Padma Shri–winning author Arup Kumar Dutta, celebrated Khasi poet and novelist Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih, Head of the Department of English and Culture Studies at Mizoram University Prof. K.C. Lalthlamuani, and renowned linguist and cultural activist Prof. Ganesh N. Devy. Their perspectives, rooted in decades of research, writing, and cultural engagement, offer a nuanced understanding of the region’s knowledge traditions and contemporary literary landscape, positioning the North-East section as one of the festival’s most compelling intellectual showcases. Adding to the festival’s cultural richness, Padma Vibhushan Dr. Sonal Mansingh will be part of a book review session and will also present a special performance on the evening of 23rd December, themed “Appo Deepa Bhava.”
The Nalanda Literature Festival will offer a rich blend of literature, dialogue, cultural performances, youth engagements, and immersive experiences rooted in India’s legacy of learning. Registrations and tickets are now live on the NLF website and BookMyShow.
