The Sikkim Arts and Literature Festival 2026 (SALF 2026) returns for its second edition with a thoughtfully curated programme that celebrates culture, creativity, and dialogue in the Eastern Himalayas. An initiative of Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), presented by the Students’ Welfare Board, Education Department, Government of Sikkim, and produced by Teamwork Arts—the producers of the iconic Jaipur Literature Festival—the festival will take place from 26th to 28th April 2026 at The Ridge Park in Gangtok.
This year’s line-up features an impressive mix of acclaimed writers, thinkers, and artists from India and around the world. Prominent speakers include Mamang Dai, Namita Gokhale, Shankar Deo Dhakal, Ranjit Hoskote, Chuden Kabimo, Robin S. Ngangom, and William Dalrymple. They will be joined by a diverse group of writers, cultural practitioners, and thought leaders representing a wide range of disciplines and perspectives.
The festival programme reflects SALF’s commitment to meaningful dialogue, cultural exchange, and intellectual engagement. Key sessions include The Golden Road, where William Dalrymple discusses his latest book exploring India’s pivotal role in ancient Eurasia; The Wild Pulse, with Ishan Shanavas and Neha Sinha in conversation with Pema Wangchuk Dorjee, examining forests, biodiversity, and conservation; and Echoes of Verse, bringing together Mamang Dai, Ranjit Hoskote, Robin S. Ngangom, and Guru T. Ladakhi to explore poetry, identity, and voice. Other sessions such as Conversations for the Mind address mental health and stigma, while The Nepali Imagination: Between Mountains and Memory explores storytelling in the Nepali language across geographies. A Natural Disposition: Life in Stories will see Dhruba Hazarika, Chetan Raj Shrestha, and Mamang Dai in conversation with Rosy Chamling, reflecting on narratives rooted in nature, memory, and lived experience.
Aditya Golay, Member of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Soreng – Chakung, said, “The Sikkim Arts and Literature Festival reflect our state’s commitment to fostering dialogue, creativity, and cultural exchange. As Sikkim continues to emerge as a vibrant hub for arts and ideas, the festival provides an important platform to bring together voices from across India and the world. We are proud to support an initiative that not only celebrates our rich cultural heritage but also encourages meaningful conversations on issues that resonate locally and globally.”
Sonam Chopel Sherpa, Chairman, Students’ Welfare Board, Education Department, Government of Sikkim, said, “At its core, the Sikkim Arts and Literature Festival is about inspiring young minds and creating opportunities for learning beyond the classroom. By bringing together writers, thinkers, and artists from diverse backgrounds, the festival nurtures curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking among students and young audiences. It is a valuable initiative that strengthens Sikkim’s cultural ecosystem while encouraging the next generation to engage with literature, ideas, and the world around them.”
Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, said, “The Sikkim Arts and Literature Festival is a celebration of ideas, imagination, and cultural dialogue set against one of the most inspiring landscapes in the world. Sikkim, with its deep-rooted traditions and evolving creative energy, offers a powerful setting for conversations that are both local in spirit and global in resonance. Through Sikkim Arts and Literature Festival we hope to create a space where stories connect communities, spark curiosity, and foster a deeper understanding of our shared cultural journeys.”
Syed Shams Jawaid, Festival Producer and Vice President, Festivals and Special Projects, Teamwork Arts, said, “The Sikkim Arts and Literature Festival 2026 is designed as a space for meaningful exchange where diverse voices, ideas and lived experiences come together in conversation. The programme reflects both the cultural richness of the Eastern Himalayas and the urgency of global themes, creating a platform that is inclusive, relevant and deeply engaging. As the festival grows, our focus remains on building a dynamic and sustainable cultural platform that connects communities and inspires dialogue across borders.” Through these sessions, SALF 2026 will spotlight themes ranging from literature and poetry to climate change, ecology, identity, mental health, and cultural memory. The festival continues to position Sikkim as a vibrant cultural destination where local voices meet global conversations, and where stories from the Eastern Himalayas resonate across the world.
