Nagaland to host the White Owl Literature Festival and Book Fair on February 9-10

Nagaland is preparing to host its inaugural White Owl Literature Festival and Book Fair on February 9th and 10th, 2024 at the Zone Niathu by The Park in Chumoukedima, Nagaland. This two-day extravaganza promises to be a vibrant celebration of literature, culture, and community.

The White Owl Literature Festival and Book Fair is a joint effort by The White Owl Book Lounge, Penguin Random House India, and Cambridge University Press, centered around the theme ‘Echoes of Narratives.’

Viketuno Rio, the Festival Director and owner of The White Owl, expressed his excitement, calling the festival his most ambitious project. He shared, “Starting as a vision for the book lounge, the festival has now become a grand literary event.”

Highlighting the rich storytelling tradition of Nagaland and the northeastern states, Rio emphasized how literature, both oral and written, has deep roots in the region. The collaboration with Penguin and Cambridge University Press is seen as an opportunity to bring this unique event to a wider audience and generate fresh interest in the Northeast.

For the first time, Nagaland will host renowned authors like Vivek Shanbagh, Taslima Nasrin, Sarnath Banerjee, and more, along with local voices such as Mmhonlumo Kikon and Avinuo Kire.

Gaurav Shrinagesh, CEO of Penguin Random House India, expressed pride in organizing the first literature festival in the Northeast, celebrating the rich literary heritage of the region. Arun Rajamani, Managing Director of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, South Asia, sees the festival as a crucial initiative for encouraging literary work, fostering research, and empowering thought leaders from the Northeast to address global issues.

The White Owl Literature Festival introduces Nagaland’s first book fair, providing a platform for publishers to showcase and sell a diverse collection of books. The festival also includes workshops and play areas for younger audiences, aiming to nurture a love for literature and learning from an early age.

In addition to literary activities, the White Owl Literature Festival offers cultural performances, diverse food options and creating a multi-sensory experience. The entry fee is Rs 50, and school and college students with valid identification can enter for free, fostering accessibility and inclusivity.