New Delhi, May 10: The national prelude to the Shillong Literary Festival 2026 concluded in New Delhi on Friday after two days of discussions focused on literature, identity, ecology, food, sports and cultural storytelling from Northeast India.
Organised by the Meghalaya Tourism Department at Bikaner House, the event brought together writers, filmmakers, policymakers, journalists and entrepreneurs ahead of the sixth edition of the festival scheduled to be held in Shillong later this year.
A major focus of the second day was the increasing national and international attention on the Northeast’s cultural and creative industries. Former India footballer Eugeneson Lyngdoh and entrepreneur Mayukh Hazarika discussed how sports, tourism and local products could generate broader economic opportunities for the region. Conversations also highlighted Meghalaya’s growing sports infrastructure, including the proposed Mawkhanu Football Stadium project.
Another session examined Shillong’s evolving food culture and indigenous culinary traditions, with speakers discussing farm-to-table practices and the rising interest in local ingredients and Khasi cuisine.
Panels featuring emerging writers from the Northeast explored issues of representation, regional storytelling and the challenge of overcoming stereotypes often associated with the region. Environmental conservation and the relationship between ecology and indigenous identity also emerged as key themes during the discussions.
Literary sessions further focused on the role of festivals in promoting regional languages and local storytelling traditions. Authors and speakers stressed the need for stronger platforms for Khasi, Garo and Jaintia literature alongside mainstream publishing spaces.
The opening day of the prelude featured a conversation between Conrad K Sangma and senior journalist Shekhar Gupta, along with sessions involving filmmakers, authors and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Suparna Sharma. Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah also addressed the gathering during the event.
The sixth edition of the Shillong Literary Festival is scheduled to be held at Wards Lake in Shillong from November 12 to 14.
