Sikkim Arts And Literature Festival 2026 Concludes In Gangtok
Held from October 28 to 30, the festival celebrated Sikkim's literary and cultural heritage
Festivals
The second edition of the Sikkim Arts and Literature Festival (SALF) 2026 concluded at The Ridge Park in Gangtok after three days of literary discussions, storytelling sessions and musical performances, bringing together writers, artists, musicians and cultural practitioners from across India.
Held from October 28 to 30, the festival celebrated the literary and cultural heritage of Sikkim and the wider Himalayan region through conversations on literature, history, translation, folklore, biodiversity and the arts.
The festival was inaugurated by Aditya Golay, Member of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Soreng-Chakung, followed by a keynote address from Raju Basnet, Education Minister, Government of Sikkim. Sonam Chopel, Chairman of the Students’ Welfare Board, Education Department, was also present.
Presented by the Students’ Welfare Board and the Education Department, Government of Sikkim, and produced by Teamwork Arts, the festival was initiated under the leadership of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay).
The festival also received a special message from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, who highlighted the role of literature, art and music in fostering shared humanity, cultural understanding and environmental responsibility. He also emphasised the importance of preserving the Himalayan region's cultural heritage and fragile ecosystems.
Literary Conversations and Musical Performances
The opening day featured historian and author William Dalrymple in conversation with Tashi Chophel for A Life in History, exploring the intersections of history and storytelling.
The musical programme included Celebrating the Legends of Ghazal, presented by Aagaaz, founded by vocalist Suhavi Kalsi. The performance paid tribute to legendary singers Mehdi Hasan, Begum Akhtar and Noor Jehan.
Members of Indian Ocean also participated in Indian Ocean Unplugged, a conversation with Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director, Teamwork Arts, discussing the band's musical journey and influences.
On October 29, sessions explored translation, storytelling and the relationship between literature and nature. Ranjit Hoskote and Sandhya Subba participated in In Other Words: Across Languages, while Chetan Raj Shresta, Dhruba Hazarika and Mamang Dai discussed literary imagination and nature in A Natural Disposition: A Life in Stories.
The day's musical performances included Mystical Journey through Flute and Rhythms, featuring Kartikeya and Makrand, followed by a performance by Indian Ocean.
The concluding day brought regional musical traditions to the forefront with Khamma Ghani Sikkim: Rajasthani Folk, performed by Magda Khan and Group, showcasing the musical heritage of Rajasthan's Manganiyar community.
The festival closed with a performance by Neeraj Arya's Kabir Cafe, known for its contemporary interpretations of 15th-century mystic poet Kabir's compositions, blending Indian folk, rock, reggae, pop and Carnatic influences.
Across three days, SALF 2026 brought together diverse literary and musical voices, creating a platform for cultural exchange and conversations across generations and communities.
The festival aims to encourage reading, nurture creative expression and connect writers, artists, musicians and cultural practitioners from the Himalayan region with audiences across India and beyond.