Rajgir, Bihar:
The historic town of Rajgir is set to emerge as a major centre of contemporary literary and cultural dialogue this December as the Nalanda Literature Festival prepares to host its inaugural edition from 21 to 25 December at the Rajgir Convention Centre. Conceived as a platform that reconnects India’s ancient intellectual heritage with present-day literary and cultural concerns, the festival brings together writers, scholars, diplomats, artists, filmmakers, and regional voices for five days of sustained conversation and creative exchange.
Set close to the ruins of the ancient Nalanda Mahavihara, the festival draws symbolic strength from a location that once attracted scholars from across Asia. Organisers have repeatedly emphasised that the choice of Rajgir is deliberate, not ornamental. The festival seeks to revive Nalanda not merely as an archaeological memory, but as an idea grounded in debate, inquiry, multilingual learning and openness to diverse traditions.
A Thematic Focus on Regions and Stories
The central theme of this year’s festival, States of Stories: Bihar and the North East, places regional narratives at the heart of the programme. Rather than positioning literature as a metropolitan pursuit, the festival foregrounds voices, languages and storytelling traditions that have long remained outside the mainstream literary spotlight. Sessions are expected to engage with folk traditions, oral histories, regional writing, translation practices and cultural memory.
This thematic direction aligns with the festival’s broader vision, which treats literature as an inclusive cultural practice rather than a narrowly defined elite activity. By bringing Bihar and the North Eastern states into focused discussion, the festival highlights how regional histories, landscapes and languages continue to shape India’s literary imagination.
Distinguished Line-up of Speakers
The Nalanda Literature Festival has announced an extensive list of participants drawn from literature, diplomacy, cinema, public life and the performing arts. Among the prominent speakers scheduled to appear is Dr Shashi Tharoor, whose work as an author and former diplomat has consistently engaged with questions of history, language and cultural identity. His participation is expected to anchor discussions on literature’s relationship with nationalism, democracy and global discourse.
Joining him is Pavan K. Varma, writer and cultural commentator, whose interventions often examine the ethical and civilisational foundations of Indian society. Poet and diplomat Abhay K is also a key participant, bringing to the festival his engagement with poetry as a form of cultural diplomacy and global dialogue.
The festival’s interdisciplinary character is further strengthened by the presence of Dr Sonal Mansingh, whose contributions span classical dance, cultural writing, and public discourse. Celebrated filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan is expected to participate in discussions exploring narrative, realism, and the moral responsibilities of storytelling in cinema.
Actor Anupam Kher and theatre practitioner Akhilendra Mishra will present perspectives from performance and popular culture, offering reflections on how stories travel across literature, theatre, and film. Their sessions are likely to examine the intersections between written texts and performative traditions in shaping collective imagination.
Policy thinker and former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant is also part of the speaker line-up. His presence sparks conversations about culture, development, and the role of creative narratives in shaping national aspirations. Writers and cultural figures from the Northeastern states, including well-known regional voices, will contribute to discussions that foreground indigenous traditions, memory, and identity.
Conversations, Panels and Dialogues
Over five days, the festival will host a wide range of panel discussions and conversations. These sessions are designed to encourage depth rather than speed, allowing speakers and audiences to engage meaningfully with complex ideas. Topics are expected to range from the future of Indian writing and the politics of language to translation, regional publishing, cinema as narrative art, and the responsibilities of writers in polarised times.
Special attention has been given to multilingual dialogue. Sessions in Indian languages, including Hindi and several regional languages of Bihar such as Maithili, Bhojpuri, Magahi, Angika and Bajjika, are integral to the programme. Languages from the North East, including Assamese and Bodo, will also find representation. Translation workshops and discussions on linguistic mediation are expected to play a significant role, reflecting the festival’s commitment to cross-cultural exchange.
Poetry, Performance and Cultural Evenings
Beyond formal discussions, the Nalanda Literature Festival places strong emphasis on lived cultural experience. Evening programmes are expected to include poetry readings, performances and open-mic sessions that encourage participation beyond established literary circles. One of the anticipated highlights is the series of informal poetry gatherings that bring poets and listeners together in a shared space of reflection.
Cultural performances showcasing folk music, dance and indigenous art forms from Bihar and the North East are also part of the festival’s design. These events aim to remind audiences that literature does not exist in isolation, but grows out of shared cultural practices, rituals and performative traditions.
Book Fair and Literary Marketplace
A dedicated book fair and publishing pavilion will run alongside the main festival sessions. Independent publishers, regional presses and literary organisations are expected to showcase works across genres and languages. The emphasis remains on accessibility, encouraging readers to discover books that may not always find space in commercial book markets.
Interactions among authors, publishers, and readers are a crucial part of this space, reinforcing the festival’s role as a meeting ground rather than a display platform. For young writers and students, the book fair offers exposure to diverse literary ecosystems and publishing practices.
Engaging with Place and History
One of the distinctive features of the Nalanda Literature Festival is its engagement with place. Heritage walks and literary trails have been planned to connect participants with the historical and spiritual landscape of Rajgir, Nalanda and nearby sites. These guided explorations allow visitors to situate contemporary literary conversations within the physical spaces that once nurtured ancient learning.
Morning yoga and meditation sessions are also part of the programme, reflecting the region’s philosophical traditions and offering participants a reflective start to each day. These initiatives reinforce the festival’s holistic approach to culture, integrating intellectual, physical and spiritual dimensions.
A Festival with Long-Term Vision
Organisers have described the Nalanda Literature Festival not as a one-time event, but as the beginning of a sustained cultural initiative. By situating the festival in Rajgir and anchoring it in regional and Asian perspectives, the organisers aim to create an alternative literary geography that challenges the dominance of metropolitan centres.
The festival also contributes to Bihar’s evolving cultural narrative. Long associated primarily with political discourse or historical monuments, the state is increasingly asserting itself as a site of living cultural production. The Nalanda Literature Festival plays a significant role in this reimagining, presenting Bihar as a place where ideas are discussed, questioned and renewed.
Looking Ahead to December
As December approaches, anticipation around the Nalanda Literature Festival continues to grow among writers, scholars, students and readers. With its carefully curated programme, diverse speaker line-up and strong sense of place, the festival promises a literary experience that is reflective, inclusive and grounded in intellectual seriousness.
In a time when public discourse often prioritises speed over substance, the Nalanda Literature Festival offers a counterpoint. It invites participants to slow down, listen and engage with stories that emerge from history, region and lived experience. As Rajgir prepares to host voices from across India and beyond, the festival reaffirms a timeless idea that once defined Nalanda itself: that learning flourishes where dialogue remains open, patient and deeply rooted in shared humanity.
News Desk
Nalanda, Bihar
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