Yashaswi Pragya Pratisthan, Nepal, and Kalinga Literary Festival, India are set to co-host the 3rd edition of the Kathmandu Kalinga Literary Festival (KKLF) on September 7th and 8th in Kathmandu. A press release issued by Ranjana Niraula, the founder, director, and curator of the Kathmandu Kalinga Literary Festival, announced that the event would feature over 400 authors from Nepal, India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Renowned figures such as Geetanjali Shree, winner of the International Man Booker Prize, along with celebrated writers like Uday Prakash, Jerry Pinto, Mrinal Pandey, and many others from India will grace the festival as speakers. Similarly, a distinguished lineup of Nepali authors including Dr. Abhi Subedi, Tulasi Diwas, and Ashesh Malla, among others, will share their insights at the event.
The central theme of this year’s festival will be “The gateways to Asian art, culture, and literature,” aiming to explore the rich tapestry of cultural heritage across the region.
Rashmi Ranjan Parida, founder and director of KLF, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “The 3rd edition of KKLF will showcase literature, music, dance, poetry, and other art forms, offering a memorable experience for enthusiasts of various cultural expressions. The festival will serve as a platform to celebrate the enduring bonds between Nepal, India, and other South Asian nations amidst the evolving global cultural landscape.”
Niraula further emphasized Nepal’s significant contributions to global civilization, citing its unique cultural heritage, abundant natural resources, and strategic geographic location.
Additionally, the Kathmandu Kalinga Literary Festival will introduce the Yashaswi Book Awards, honoring 15 authors across 15 categories, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, translation, and others, recognizing outstanding literary works.
The annual Kalinga Literary Festival, a prominent international literary event from India held annually in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, has been collaborating with Yashaswi Pragya Pratisthan, Nepal, and Himalayan Diary Pvt Ltd since 2022 to organize the Kathmandu edition.
The upcoming KKLF promises to be a celebration of literature, culture, and creativity, fostering dialogue and exchange among diverse literary communities across Asia.