After the success of its inaugural edition, Penguin Random House India and The White Owl are thrilled to announce the return of Penguin Presents The White Owl Literature Festival and Book Fair from February 17 to 19, 2025. This year, the festival will take place at the picturesque Zone Niathu by the Park in Chümoukedima, Nagaland, over three exciting days packed with programs for both adults and young readers.

With the theme Inspire, Imagine, Inscribe, the festival aims to celebrate the transformative power of books, writing, and reading. It will bring together a vibrant mix of authors, local writers, workshops, and discussions covering a wide range of topics from history and pop culture to the art of storytelling.

The first edition of the festival in 2024 was a huge success, drawing over 3,000 attendees, including a large number of students. Building on that success, this year’s festival promises an even bigger experience, aiming to further establish the event as a cultural highlight on India’s literary calendar while also showcasing the unique storytelling traditions of Northeast India.

Viketuno Rio, Festival Director and the owner of The White Owl, explained, “The theme Inspire, Imagine, Inscribe beautifully captures the festival’s mission. It’s not only about celebrating Nagaland’s rich tradition of storytelling, but also about highlighting the importance of reading, listening, and writing in our lives. The festival calls for a renewed commitment to literacy and creative expression, hoping to inspire the next generation to engage with books and write with passion.”

Rio also highlighted the festival’s commitment to sustainability, partnering with The Green Guard Nature Organization to make this year’s event a zero-waste festival. She expressed excitement about the growing involvement of local businesses and communities, which will contribute significantly to the overall experience.

This year’s festival will welcome a star-studded lineup of speakers, including Turkish author and Ambassador to India Firat Sunel, 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 Canato Jimo, award-winning author Lavanya Karthik, and children’s author Hannah Lalhalanpuii from Mizoram, among others.

Deepthi Talwar, Programme Director and Executive Editor at Ebury Press, Penguin Random House, shared, “This year’s festival invites you to discover stories in every form—books, films, sports, and culture. We’ve put together a program that will appeal to everyone, from passionate readers to curious minds. With engaging sessions on topics like India’s first World Cup victory and the evolution of romance in pop culture, there’s something for everyone. We’re also excited to create a space that brings together voices from Northeast India alongside global perspectives. Most importantly, our special programming for young readers is a step toward nurturing a new generation that finds joy in books and the magic of reading.”

The festival will also feature a host of local authors, industry experts, and public figures in discussions covering fascinating topics like preserving cultural heritage, food traditions, the Indo-Myanmar borderlands, and the role of romance in pop culture. Sessions on film, poetry, sports, and storytelling will add variety and depth to the festival’s program.

For young readers, the festival will offer a dedicated program with three full days of interactive workshops and sessions. Topics will include everything from creative expression and stories in pictures to mental health and inclusivity. Local and award-winning authors will guide young participants on an unforgettable literary journey, designed for readers aged 6 to 16.

The White Owl Book Lounge in Chümoukedima continues to be more than just a bookstore—it’s a thriving community space dedicated to nurturing a love for literature in the region. In addition to its extensive book collection, including the only exclusive Penguin bookstore in Northeast India, the lounge regularly hosts book launches, workshops, and reading sessions, helping foster a deeper connection to the written word. Through the White Owl Literature Festival and Book Fair, the bookstore is playing a key role in showcasing the literary talent, heritage, and culture of Northeast India, putting Nagaland firmly on the literary map.

The second edition of Penguin Presents The White Owl Literature Festival and Book Fair promises to be a celebration of storytelling, culture, and the power of literature, and is sure to become one of India’s most anticipated literary events of the year.

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

Website: https://thewhiteowl.in/