Conrad Sangma, Naseeruddin Shah, filmmakers and leading writers headline the opening day at Bikaner House ahead of the main festival in Shillong this November.
Shillong: The Shillong Literary Festival (SLF) 2026 made a vibrant debut in the national capital on Friday as its Delhi Prelude opened to a full house at Bikaner House, bringing together leading voices from literature, cinema, politics and the arts.
Organised by Meghalaya Tourism, the two-day event serves as a curtain-raiser to the main festival scheduled in Shillong from November 12 to 14. The initiative aims to promote Meghalaya as a hub for culture, literature and creative tourism while spotlighting the Northeast’s artistic identity on a larger stage.
A major highlight of the day was a conversation between Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and senior journalist Shekhar Gupta. Their discussion explored governance, youth aspirations, entrepreneurship and the changing narrative of the Northeast.
Praising the festival’s atmosphere, Gupta remarked that the Shillong Literary Festival remained “unmatched” among literary gatherings across the country.
Sangma said the state government was steadily building Meghalaya into a year-round cultural destination through flagship events like the Cherry Blossom Festival and SLF. “It has become a calendar event recognised across the country,” he said.
The event also featured sessions on regional cinema, indigenous literature and storytelling traditions. Acclaimed actor Naseeruddin Shah captivated audiences with readings from Vikram Seth’s Beastly Tales from Here and There and works by James Thurber.
The evening concluded with live performances under the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Programme.
Also Read: Sarma Congratulates Adhikari: Calls Bengal BJP Government a ‘Historic Awakening’
