Guwahati: Northeast Frontier Railway successfully concluded the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Literature Festival 2026 with a grand valedictory ceremony on May 18, marking the end of a vibrant three-day celebration of literature, music and Himalayan culture. Organised by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in collaboration with the creative collective Poets of Community, the festival was held from May 15 to 17 across Kurseong and Darjeeling. The event brought together writers, artists, students and literature enthusiasts from across the region.
The festival aimed to connect the industrial heritage of the UNESCO-recognised Darjeeling Himalayan Railway with the rich literary and oral traditions of the Himalayan communities. Through workshops, storytelling sessions, poetry readings and cultural performances, the programme created a unique platform for artistic expression and community participation. The opening day at Victoria Boys’ School in Kurseong featured an interactive workshop titled “Why Poetry Is Boring?” conducted by noted author Megha Mittal, encouraging students to view poetry as a modern and expressive art form.
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One of the highlights of the festival was the “Rail & Rhythm: The Open-Deck Experience,” where participants enjoyed a heritage Toy Train journey accompanied by live music performances by regional artists. The programme also included folklore and storytelling sessions celebrating Himalayan traditions. The concluding events at Café House in Darjeeling featured multilingual literary performances in Nepali, Hindi and English focusing on identity, culture and contemporary issues of the hills. A certificate distribution ceremony was held on May 18 to honour students, performers and community participants. Officials stated that the initiative reflects DHR’s continued commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of the Himalayan region while promoting creative engagement among youth and local communities.
