The International Literature, Culture and Arts Festival-2026 concluded at Lekhak Gaon in Thano, Dehradun, with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attending the closing ceremony as chief guest. The 5-day event brought writers, researchers and cultural figures from different countries to the state.
The festival was held from 25 to 29 October. The Governor of Uttarakhand inaugurated it, while Chief Minister Dhami delivered the closing address. More than 60 countries were represented by writers and thinkers during the programme.
Dhami praises Lekhak Gaon initiative
Dhami praised former Union minister Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ for the initiative behind Lekhak Gaon. He said the concept had given writers and thinkers from India and abroad a global platform from which literature could gain wider recognition.
The Chief Minister said the Uttarakhand government was committed to protecting the state’s cultural identity, folk traditions and distinctive character. He also stressed the need to connect younger generations with their cultural roots and literary heritage.
According to Dhami, the participation of people from more than 60 countries could help place Indian languages, particularly Hindi and Uttarakhand’s regional languages, on the global stage. He described the event as an important step in strengthening that wider cultural dialogue.
Literature, culture and environmental responsibility
Dhami also linked literature with public welfare and environmental protection. He said preserving the Himalayas and advancing the dignity of Uttarakhand, known as Devbhoomi, was a shared responsibility.
The festival featured 32 discussion sessions focused on literature, art and culture. 4 cultural evenings were also organised during the 5-day programme.
A book fair and an art exhibition formed part of the event. The programme also gave prominence to Uttarakhand’s local languages and folk culture, including a poetry gathering in Garhwali, Kumaoni and Jaunsari.
Vidushi Nishank, the festival director, said its primary purpose was to promote literature and Indian languages on a global platform. The programme’s focus on regional languages provided space for Uttarakhand’s cultural traditions alongside the international participation.
Conclusion
The festival’s conclusion at Lekhak Gaon combined international literary participation with a focus on Hindi, Uttarakhand’s regional languages, folk traditions and Himalayan conservation. Dhami said the initiative could help connect local cultural identity with a global audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where was the International Literature, Culture and Arts Festival-2026 held?
It was held at Lekhak Gaon in Thano, Dehradun.
Q. When did the festival take place?
The 5-day festival ran from 25 to 29 October.
Q. Who attended the closing ceremony as chief guest?
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended as the chief guest.
Q. How many countries were represented at the festival?
Writers and thinkers from more than 60 countries participated in the event.
Q. Who inaugurated the festival?
The Governor of Uttarakhand inaugurated the festival.
Q. What activities were organised during the programme?
The festival included 32 discussion sessions, 4 cultural evenings, a book fair and an art exhibition.
Q. Which regional languages featured in the poetry gathering?
The poetry gathering featured Garhwali, Kumaoni and Jaunsari.
Q. What was the festival’s main objective?
Festival director Vidushi Nishank said its main objective was to promote literature and Indian languages on a global platform.
