New Delhi, May 7, 2026 — The Shillong Literary Festival (SLF) is set to bring the vibrant literary and cultural essence of Meghalaya and the Northeast to the national capital with a special two-day prelude event in New Delhi on May 8 and 9, 2026. Held at Bikaner House on Pandara Road, the programme serves as an engaging curtain-raiser to the main festival, traditionally hosted in November at Ward’s Lake in Shillong.
Organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, the Delhi Prelude aims to amplify Northeast narratives on a wider stage. It will explore themes of literature, culture, identity, ecology, cinema, food, and indigenous traditions, particularly those of the Khasi and Garo communities. The event also seeks to position Meghalaya as a premier destination for experiential and culture-led tourism.
A major highlight of the prelude will be an exclusive conversation featuring Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma in dialogue with senior journalist Shekhar Gupta. Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah will deliver a special reading from Vikram Seth’s Beastly Tales From Here and There during the session titled “The Elephant and the Tragopan.”
The lineup includes several prominent voices such as Shobhaa De, Sanjoy Hazarika, Patricia Mukhim, filmmaker Pradip Kurbah, actor-filmmaker Dominic Sangma, Namita Gokhale, Maharani Priyadarshini Raje Scindia, and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Suparna Sharma.
Key sessions planned for the two days include:
- Shillong On A Plate, which will delve into the rich and evolving Northeast cuisine and Shillong’s dynamic food culture.
- Once Upon a Time At A Literature Festival, a discussion on the evolving role of literary festivals featuring Namita Gokhale, Shobhaa De, and Sanjoy Hazarika.
- Panels focusing on regional literature in translation, governance, ecology, and the preservation of indigenous traditions.
Live performances by artists supported under the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Programme (CM-MGMP) will add a melodic dimension to the literary gathering.
Launched in 2021 by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma in collaboration with former Japanese Ambassador Satoshi Suzuki, the Shillong Literary Festival has steadily grown into a significant platform that bridges local Northeast voices with national and international perspectives. Past editions have hosted acclaimed authors including Janice Pariat and Shehan Karunatilaka.
The Delhi Prelude is expected to draw literature enthusiasts, cultural aficionados, and policymakers, offering them a deeper appreciation of the Northeast’s rich storytelling heritage and its contributions to India’s cultural tapestry. This initiative also strengthens cultural diplomacy and highlights the region’s creative potential.
Registration for the event is open and free via the official website shillonglitfest.com/register. Select sessions will also be live-streamed on platforms such as Hello Meghalaya for those unable to attend in person.
As the literary world turns its gaze toward the Northeast, the Shillong Literary Festival’s Delhi Prelude promises two days of insightful conversations, artistic expressions, and unforgettable encounters with some of the region’s most compelling voices.
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