Kathmandu–Kalinga Literary Festival 2026 Opens, Celebrating South Asian Literary and Cultural Connections
Kathmandu [Nepal], June 8: The fourth edition of the Kathmandu–Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF) commenced on Saturday at Hotel Himalaya, Lalitpur, bringing together eminent writers, scholars, artists, and cultural leaders from across South Asia. The two-day festival was inaugurated by former Prime Minister Sushila Karki.
Addressing the inaugural session, Festival Director Ranjana Niraula emphasized that literature extends beyond words and books, serving as a shared celebration of ideas, culture, memory, empathy, and human potential.
“Literature is not merely a literary gathering; it is a platform that nurtures intimacy, dialogue, and mutual understanding among people. Its greatest strength lies in transcending geographical boundaries, transforming linguistic diversity into human connection, and building invisible bridges between communities,” she said.
Niraula noted that Kathmandu and Kalinga symbolize not only geographical locations but also rich civilizational traditions, cultural heritage, and intellectual journeys. She added that the festival aims to strengthen regional dialogue and cooperation through the exchange of literature, culture, and ideas.
Held under the theme “Beyond Borders: South Asian Literature in a Changing World,” the festival has attracted authors, researchers, intellectuals, and cultural personalities from Nepal, India, and other South Asian nations.
Sushila Karki Reflects on Literature and Life
In her keynote address, former Prime Minister Sushila Karki spoke about her enduring connection with literature, describing writing as deeply intertwined with society, personal experiences, and everyday life.
“I am not far from literature. In 1990, I wrote a novel with a protagonist named Tara and also translated poems by Ashesh Malla into Hindi,” she shared.
Karki reflected on the work of renowned American novelist Pearl S. Buck, noting how the author captured the realities of poverty, drought, and social life in China through close observation. Drawing parallels with her own literary journey, Karki said that literature is not simply a product of imagination but a reflection of society, experience, and human emotions.
Prominent Literary and Cultural Voices Participate
Festival Founder Director and Curator Rashmi Ranjan Parida said the fourth edition features panel discussions, keynote lectures, poetry recitations, musical performances, interactive author sessions, book launches, workshops, cultural programs, and cross-border literary collaborations.
Distinguished participants include acclaimed singer Ila Arun, celebrated author Pratibha Ray, renowned actor-writer Piyush Mishra, writer-filmmaker Raj Shekhar, and spiritual thinker Acharya Prashant.
Other notable participants include Vikas Swarup, Paramita Satpathy, Badri Narayan, Malini Awasthi, Narayani Basu, Vikram Sampath, Buddhisagar, Ashutosh Agnihotri, Sujit Kumar, Yunus Khan, and several leading literary figures from across the region.
According to Parida, the festival will examine how South Asian literature, art, and intellectual traditions engage with contemporary global challenges, cultural transformations, identity, inclusivity, spirituality, and social change.
Recognized as one of India’s leading international literary platforms, the Kalinga Literary Festival has organized its Kathmandu edition annually since 2022. The festival continues to strengthen literary, cultural, spiritual, and civilizational ties among Nepal, India, and the wider South Asian region.
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