SUMMIT REPORT, Gangtok 15 Jan: Adharxila Trust has announced plans to host the Brahmaputra Literature Festival at the World Book Fair Edition 2025 from 06 to 08 Feb at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.
An official press release informs that the special edition of the book fair, a highlight of the National Book Trust’s ‘Festival of Festivals’ initiative, “will showcase a wide range of literary, cultural and industry perspectives, aiming to be both representative of Northeastern communities and appealing to a diverse demographic, including international visitors to the fair.”
The lit fest will feature an array of 42 speakers across 12 sessions, promising a journey through the rich tapestry of literature, art, and ideas that define the region.
To be hosted at the Authors’ Corner, Hall No 5, Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, the Festival will have sessions beginning at 3PM every day on the three days. From evocative fiction and soul-stirring poetry to engaging discussions on children’s literature, graphic novels, music, and food, the programme promises something for every literature enthusiast.
“Expect thought-provoking conversations on translations, publishing trends, bookselling, and international literary exchanges—a reflection of the festival’s mission to connect the Northeast with the rest of the country and the global literary landscape,” the organisers promise.
Featured speakers include award-winning author and journalist Arup Kumar Dutta, writer, translator, columnist and trained Shastriya Sangeet vocalist, Mitra Phukan, writer and artist Parismita Singh, award-winning Assamese poet and writer Rita Chowdhury, acclaimed and award-winning writer Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih, among others.
The festival will conclude on a musical high with a performance at The Amphitheatre, Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, by poet, singer, songwriter, and academic Maitrayee Patar, known for her work in Assamese literature and new-age music.
Rita Chowdhury, Founder & Director, Brahmaputra Literature Festival, Adharxila Trust, shares, “It has been a dream for me to organise and bring a literary festival to Assam that sets the standards in terms of curation and inclusion. In 2012 when I inaugurated my Trust – Adharxila, I had made this announcement which saw fruition in the festival’s earlier avatar during my role as the Director of the National Book Trust and presently under the aegis of my Trust. Giving a platform to established and new voices, it will showcase the best that our state, region and country has to offer while building bridges within the country and internationally; through literature, writing, dialogue and sharing of perspectives.”
“Curating a literature festival is, for me, both deeply meaningful and a great responsibility. It requires careful reflection on its purpose and themes, shaping them into a programme that thoughtfully considers the how, where, and for whom it is created,” says Mary Therese Kurkalang, Festival Co-Director.
“Co-curating this festival is a dream come true for me, inspiring me to deepen my understanding, learning, and connection with our region through the lens of literature, art, and music. I look forward to continuing this work and expanding the festival’s reach and scope in the years to come,” says Raman Shresta, Festival Co-Director.
The Brahmaputra Literature Festival celebrates the finest writing and culture from Assam and the Northeast region and aims to create meaningful connections between the Northeast and the rest of India, as well as with neighbouring countries and the global literary and publishing communities. The Festival is held every February in Assam, moving to New Delhi this year as a special edition.
