Nalanda Literature Festival 2025

Theme: Legacy, Language & Literature
Dates: 21st – 25th December, 2025
Venue: Rajgir Convention Centre, Nalanda, Bihar

Vision Statement

The Nalanda Literature Festival aspires to become a beacon of cultural renaissance rooted in the ancient ethos of Nalanda — one of the world’s most celebrated centers of knowledge. By celebrating languages, literature, and global cultural collaboration, the festival envisions a confluence of literary luminaries, emerging voices, and global diasporas, inspiring a literary-conscious society that bridges tradition and modernity.

Core Focus Areas

Languages | Literature | Legacy
Reviving and honoring classical and contemporary languages and literary traditions of India.
Encouraging regional, national, and global literary exchanges with a special spotlight on Bihar and the North East.
Creating an inclusive platform for diverse voices — from folklore to future-forward writing.
Critically engaging with diasporic literature and cultural barriers.

Festival Theme 2025

“States of Stories: Bihar & The North East”

This year’s thematic lens will explore:

Storytelling traditions, folk narratives, poetry, and contemporary literature from Bihar and the North Eastern states (Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim).
Celebrating literary icons alongside emerging writers, poets, lyricists, and performers.
Exploring cultural intersections through cuisine, craft, music, and oral traditions.

Diaspora Focus: “Routes to Roots”

Through this segment, the festival will:

Celebrate literary and cultural connections of Indian-origin communities abroad.
Highlight diaspora literature reflecting migration, memory, and identity.
Invite authors, scholars, and artists for panel discussions, performances, and readings.
Build diplomatic and cultural bridges with partner embassies and cultural institutions.

Proposed Partner Countries:
Mauritius • Sri Lanka • Laos • Trinidad & Tobago • South Africa • Nepal • South Korea • Vietnam • Bhutan • Japan • Cambodia • Thailand • Seychelles • Indonesia • Suriname • Fiji

Festival Features

Sessions & Programs

Mainstage Conversations with literary legends and young influencers.
Regional Spotlights: Dedicated sessions on Bihar and each North Eastern state.
Language Labs: Workshops in Maithili, Bhojpuri, Magahi, Angika, Bajjika, Surjapuri, Hindi, Bodo, Assamese, Manipuri, and more.
Diaspora Dialogues: International panels on literature of displacement and belonging.
Youth Takeover Stage: Poetry slams, performances, and digital-age storytelling.

Attractions & Highlights

Book Fair & Publisher Pavilion
Tribal & Folk Art Exhibitions
Local Cuisine Festival
Poetry Under the Stars – open mics & musical poetry evenings
Diaspora Café
Music Jam Sessions
Heritage Walks & Literary Trails around Nalanda & Rajgir
Interactive Press Meets in Patna, Mumbai, Guwahati, Kolkata, New Delhi & Nalanda
Wellness Activities – Yoga, meditation, laughter therapy

Target Participants

Writers, Poets, Translators, Publishers
Filmmakers & Screenwriters inspired by literature
Linguists & Folklorists
Cultural Diplomats & Diaspora Leaders
Educators, Students & Researchers
Literature Enthusiasts & Cultural Explorers

Partnerships & Collaborations

We seek collaborations with:

Institutions: Sahitya Akademi, ICCR, IGNCA
Governments: Bihar, Tripura, Assam, Manipur; Ministry of DoNER; North Eastern Council (NEC)
Embassies: Mauritius, Suriname, Japan, Fiji, Trinidad & Tobago, Cambodia, Thailand, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Laos, South Africa, Nepal, Seychelles, Indonesia, South Korea, Vietnam
Cultural & Publishing Houses
Corporate Sponsors with literary, educational, or regional focus

Long-Term Vision

Establish Nalanda as a permanent hub of literary and cultural scholarship.
Promote a literary tourism circuit across Nalanda–Rajgir–Bodh Gaya–Vaishali.
Develop archival and translation projects for regional literature.
Mentor young curators, translators, and writers through fellowships and residencies.