The second edition of the Sikkim Arts and Literature Festival (SALF) is set to return this month, bringing a prestigious lineup of thinkers, writers, and artists to the heart of the Himalayas. Scheduled for April 26-28, 2026, the event will be held at The Ridge Park in Gangtok.
Initiated by Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang in collaboration with the Students’ Welfare Board and Teamwork Arts, the festival aims to celebrate the unique cultural identity of the Northeast while fostering a broader national dialogue.
Key Highlights and Themes
The three-day “literary extravaganza” will delve into a wide spectrum of contemporary and traditional subjects, including:
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Identity & Cultural Memory: Exploring the roots of Himalayan storytelling.
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Ecology & Climate Change: Addressing the urgent environmental challenges facing the region.
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Mental Health: Breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness through open discussion.
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The Nepali Imagination: A dedicated look at Nepali-language literature across different geographies.
Featured Speakers
The festival will feature an impressive roster of literary heavyweights and emerging voices:
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Renowned Authors: William Dalrymple, Namita Gokhale, Mamang Dai, and Ranjit Hoskote.
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Poets & Scholars: Robin S. Ngangom, Guru T. Ladakhi, and Bishnupriya Dutt.
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Regional Voices: Shankar Deo Dhakal, Dhruba Hazarika, and Chetan Raj Shrestha.
Engaging the Next Generation
A primary goal of the festival is to serve as an educational catalyst. Sonam Chopel Sherpa, Chairman of the Students’ Welfare Board, emphasized that the event is designed to “nurture curiosity and critical thinking” among students, providing a learning environment that extends far beyond the classroom.
“The festival provides an important platform to bring together voices from across India and the world… celebrating our rich cultural heritage while encouraging meaningful conversations on issues that resonate locally and globally.” — Aditya Golay, Soreng-Chakung MLA
From Yuksom to Gangtok
The inaugural edition of the festival took place in May 2023 in the historic village of Yuksom. This year’s move to Gangtok marks the continued growth of the festival as Sikkim establishes itself as a premier hub for arts and intellectual exchange in the Eastern Himalayas.
