The White Owl Literature Festival

Penguin Presents The White Owl Literature Festival and Book Fair Returns for Its Second Edition in Nagaland

Bigger and Better Than Ever, Celebrating Stories, Ideas, and Culture Like Never Before

DIMAPUR, 04 February 2025 – Following the resounding success of its inaugural edition, Penguin Random House India and The White Owl are thrilled to announce the return of Nagaland’s premier literary event, Penguin Presents The White Owl Literature Festival and Book Fair, from 17 to 19 February 2025. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Zone Niathu by the Park, Chümoukedima, this year’s festival is spanning across three days with independent programming for adult and young readers.

Themed Inspire, Imagine, Inscribe, the festival underscores the transformative power of books, writing, and reading. With a focus on inculcating a love for literature, it will feature an exciting mix of renowned speakers, local authors, workshops, and discussions spanning literary topics, history, pop culture, and more. The 2024 edition saw over 3,000 attendees, including an enthusiastic turnout from schools, making it a milestone event for the region. This year’s expanded programming aims to further establish the festival as a key event on India’s literary map while showcasing the rich literary and storytelling traditions of the Northeast.

Viketuno Rio, Festival Director and proprietor of The White Owl, comments, ‘The theme Inspire, Imagine, Inscribe encapsulates the Literature Festival’s vision by weaving together multiple layers of significance. It not only celebrates Nagaland’s vibrant storytelling heritage but also emphasizes the fundamental importance of reading, listening, and writing in our lives, advocating for a renewed commitment to literacy and creative expression, inspiring future generations to read, listen, and write with passion and purpose.’ She adds, ‘We are proud to associate with The Green Guard Nature Organization to make this year a zero- waste festival, which is an important goal for us. We are also excited to see increased participation from businesses and local communities who add immense value to the overall experience of the festival.’

Building on the success of its previous edition, this year’s festival will welcome an extraordinary gathering of literary luminaries and cultural icons, including published author and Turkey’s Ambassador to India Firat Sunel, beloved Indian cricketer Padma Shri Dr Syed Kirmani, culinary author Rohini Rana, Tech Mahindra’s Chief People Officer Richard Lobo, bestselling author Durjoy Datta, Illustrator and Art Director at Pratham Books Canato Jimo, award-winning author Lavanya Karthik, children’s author from Mizoram Hannah Lalhalanpuii, and many more.

Deepthi Talwar, Programme Director, Executive Editor, Ebury Press, Penguin Random House, says, ‘This year’s festival is an invitation to discover stories in every form—books, films, sports, and culture. We’ve curated a programme that speaks to every kind of audience, from passionate readers to curious minds. Sessions that revisit India’s first World Cup victory and explore the new-age rules of romance promise engaging conversations. With a perfect blend of Northeast voices and global perspectives, we’re creating a space where storytelling thrives. Most importantly, our exclusive programming for young readers is our small contribution to shaping a new generation that finds joy in books, authors, and the magic of reading.’

The programme also boasts of many first-time local authors, industry experts, bureaucrats participating in topical conversations and presenting a view of the Northeast like never before. From discussions on preserving indigeneity, food cultures, Indo-Mayanmar borderlands and romance in pop culture to film and storytelling, poetry and sports the programme will add depth, diversity, and dynamism to the festival, ensuring it remains a hub of inspiration and discovery. This time around, the festival is hosting an independent programme for young readers. Three days of art and writing workshops and interactive sessions that cover a range of topics such as the art of expression, stories in pictures, mental health, inclusivity and diversity. Award-winning and local authors are coming together for an exceptional literary adventure for 6- to 16-year-old readers.    

The White Owl Book Lounge, located in Chümoukedima, Nagaland, is more than just a bookstore; it’s a vibrant literary hub dedicated to fostering a love for reading and literature in the region. Beyond offering an extensive collection of books, including the only exclusive Penguin bookstore in the Northeast, The White Owl hosts regular book launches, workshops, and reading sessions. Their space serves as a welcoming environment for individuals preparing for exams and features a small academic library. By spearheading the White Owl Literature Festival and Book Fair, they aim to highlight Northeast literature, authors, heritage, and culture, placing Nagaland prominently on the literary map.

Event Details

Date: February 17-19, 2025

Venue: Zone Niathu by The Park in Chümoukedima

Ticketing Information: Entry Fee INR 50 per day. Free entry for school and college students with official student identification. You can book your tickets here- Event Details

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