Kumar Bahukhandi
A grand three-day event from January 23rd to 25th at Purkhauti Muktangan in Nava Raipur
Raipur: With the objective of establishing Chhattisgarh’s rich literary, cultural, and intellectual traditions at the national level, the grand Raipur Literature Festival – 2026 is being organised from January 23rd to 25th, 2026, at the Purkhauti Muktangan complex in Nava Raipur, Atal Nagar.
This three-day event will serve as a powerful platform for literature, culture, and intellectual discourse, with a large number of literature enthusiasts, writers, thinkers, and readers from across the country and state participating.
Approximately 120 renowned literary figures from across the country and state will be attending this three-day literature festival. A total of 42 literary sessions will be held during the event, featuring in-depth discussions on contemporary social, cultural, political, and intellectual issues.
The festival sessions will include discussions on intellectual discourse, Indian knowledge traditions, the Constitution, cinema and society, the new awakening in the country, literature in Chhattisgarh, literature through the lens of history, and the standard of language and literature in educational institutions, addressing the intellectual needs of the present times.
In addition, extensive discussions will be held on topics such as dramaturgy and artistic traditions, literature and politics, contemporary women’s writing, tribal literature, folk culture of Chhattisgarh, tourism, journalism, and governance. Contemporary issues such as the challenges faced by publishers and writing and readership in the digital age will also be central to the discussions.
Preparations for the event are underway on a war footing, and the administration aims to complete all arrangements by January 21, 2026. The stage, pavilions, technical arrangements, decorations, and other necessary facilities at the venue are rapidly being finalised.
The literature festival will be inaugurated on January 23, 2026, by the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and the Vice-Chancellor of Wardha International Hindi University, Dr. Kumud Sharma, will also grace the inaugural ceremony with their presence.
The literary festival will conclude on January 25, 2026, with the participation of state government ministers, along with renowned literary and cultural figures such as Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi and Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi.
During the festival, a special performance of the acclaimed play ‘Chanakya’ by renowned writer and theater artist Manoj Joshi will be held on January 23 at 7 PM, which will be a major highlight of the event.
Nitish Bhardwaj, who played the role of Lord Krishna in the Mahabharata television series, and well-known film producer-director Anurag Basu will also participate in the literary festival.
On January 24, 2026, a special poetry recitation will be organised in memory of former Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Four pavilions have been set up at the venue for discussions and sessions by literary figures. The main pavilion has been named after the late Vinod Kumar Shukla, the only writer from Chhattisgarh to have received the Jnanpith Award.
The second pavilion is named after Pt. Shyamlal Chaturvedi, the third after Lala Jagdalpuri, a celebrated writer from Bastar, and the fourth after the writer Anirudh Nirav.
A large book fair will also be organised at the venue, where approximately 15 national-level publishers, including Prabhat Prakashan, Rajkamal Prakashan, Saraswati Book, Yashasvi Prakashan, Hind Yugm Prakashan, and Rajpal Prakashan, will display and sell their books.
Books written by writers from Chhattisgarh and school students will also be displayed, and arrangements have been made for the release of new books by various authors.
An attractive exhibition showcasing the development of Chhattisgarh over the past 25 years will be set up at the venue.
A talent zone has been created for local youth and folk artists, where poetry recitation, storytelling, folk dances, and musical performances will be held. Daily quiz competitions will also be organised, and winners will be awarded prizes and certificates.
To facilitate travel to and from Purkhauti Muktangan from Old Raipur, the administration will operate approximately 20 free buses on six routes, including those connecting to the railway station, bus stand, Tatibandh, and Telibandha. Around 500 officers and staff are involved in managing the arrangements for the successful organisation of the literature festival.
Approximately 15 food stalls offering local cuisine, including traditional Chhattisgarh dishes, are being set up at the venue. All necessary facilities, such as drinking water, sanitation, and toilets, are being ensured at the event site.
The Raipur Literature Festival – 2026 is a powerful national showcase of Chhattisgarh’s intellectual spirit, cultural heritage, and contemporary thought. This festival will serve to connect society through literature, dialogue, and culture, and will further strengthen the interest in learning, expression, and creativity among the younger generation.
