Lekhak Gaon festival draws writers from 60 countries to Uttarakhand

Writers, poets, artists and cultural figures from 60 countries will converge on a small village in Uttarakhand next month for a week-long festival celebrating literature, culture and the arts. The event, simply called Lekhak Gaon — Writers' Village — will transform the scenic Himalayan hamlet into a global meeting point for creative minds.

Organisers say the gathering aims to foster cross-cultural dialogue and showcase the region's literary heritage. The festival is expected to feature readings, panel discussions, music performances, art exhibitions and workshops spread across multiple venues in and around the village.

A village built for writers

Lekhak Gaon is not a temporary setup. The village was conceived as a permanent retreat for writers, located in the hills of Uttarakhand at an altitude that offers quiet and inspiration. Over the years, it has hosted residencies for authors from India and abroad.

For this edition, the organisers have invited participants from across Asia, Europe, Africa, the Americas and Oceania. The list includes novelists, poets, playwrights, translators, folk artists and scholars. Many of them will present their works in their native languages, with translation sessions planned to bridge linguistic gaps.

Culture beyond borders

The festival's programming extends beyond the written word. Traditional music and dance troupes from different states of India will perform alongside international acts. There will also be craft bazaars and food stalls featuring local Garhwali cuisine, giving visitors a taste of the region's culture.

Organisers emphasise that the event is not just for literary elites. Entry to most sessions is free, and the schedule includes public readings in open-air spaces. School children from nearby villages have been invited to attend storytelling sessions and interactive workshops.

Uttarakhand's quiet literary push

The state government has supported the event as part of a broader effort to position Uttarakhand as a destination for cultural tourism. Lekhak Gaon, located about 50 kilometres from Dehradun, has already drawn attention from literary circles in India and abroad.

Previous editions of the festival have seen participation from Sahitya Akademi award winners, Commonwealth Prize nominees and authors translated into dozens of languages. This year's edition is expected to be the largest yet, with over 200 confirmed participants from 60 countries.

What to watch

While the full schedule is yet to be released, organisers have confirmed that the festival will open with a procession of writers through the village lanes, followed by a lamp-lighting ceremony. A multilingual poetry reading under the stars is planned for the closing night.

For now, the hills of Uttarakhand are getting ready to welcome voices from every corner of the world. The question is not whether the writers will find inspiration — but whether the village will ever feel the same again.