Writing is never born in isolation. It flows from within, shaped by the soil we come from, the stories we inherit, and the surroundings that mold us. Growing up in Nalanda, I was enveloped by the tales carried through generations, the majestic hills of Rajgir, and the echoes of the great philosophers who once walked the corridors of Nalanda University. The serene charm of the Phalgu River and the cultural heartbeat of Bihar continue to inspire not just memories, but also the words that form our stories. This is the essence of a regional writer—leaving traces of their roots in every line they craft.

The Nalanda Literature Festival (NLF) celebrates and nurtures this essence. It provides a platform where regional writers are not just recognized but cherished, where their voices become bridges between memory, culture, and modern literary imagination.

The very identity of a writer is inseparable from their region—the soil, the dialect, the folklore, and the lived realities they carry within. History reminds us of this repeatedly: Rabindranath Tagore infused the soul of Bengal into his verses, R.K. Narayan’s Malgudi opened a window into Tamil life, and Ramdhari Singh Dinkar’s poetry echoed the fire and rhythm of Bihar.

At NLF, this connection comes alive through the voices of Bihar’s own storytellers. Writers from the Magahi belt enrich literature with their lyrical traditions, while those writing in Maithili, Bhojpuri, Angika, Bajjika, and Surjapuri capture the cultural identity of their people with authenticity. Each language is more than communication—it is a cultural map, etched with folk songs, oral traditions, festivals, and the wisdom of everyday life.

The festival also embraces the Northeast, celebrating literature in Bodo, Assamese, Manipuri, and other regional languages. The writings from these regions are like invitations to step into their hills, rivers, and villages—painting vivid landscapes of lived traditions. To read them is to momentarily live in those states, feeling the pulse of their music, myths, and communities.

The festival features prominent names who have kept regional expression vibrant. From Bihar:

•Manoj Bhawuk – poet and researcher breathing new life into Bhojpuri literature and cinema.

•Vandana Rag – whose Hindi writings are steeped in Bihar’s cultural fabric.

•Prabhat Ranjan and Yatindra Mishra – literary voices carrying regional flavors into the mainstream.

•Jay Ram Singh – a speaker and writer deeply attuned to Bihar’s cultural nuances.

•Vidya Choudhary – archaeologist, historian, and celebrated Bajjika writer, devoted to preserving and promoting Bajjika identity.

•Arup Kumar Dutta, Rituparna Neog, Upen Rabha Hakacham, and Santa Khurai—writers whose words carry the rhythm, resilience, and richness of their homelands.

Why Regional Literature Matters

Writing in regional languages is more than an artistic choice—it is an act of cultural preservation. It helps younger generations remain connected to their roots while creating fresh, magical expressions of identity. Through these dialects, traditions continue to live and thrive, ensuring that our heritage is never silenced.

When regional writers weave their memories, dialects, and cultural codes into literature, they do more than tell stories—they preserve voices that might otherwise fade away.

This is why the Nalanda Literature Festival is more than just a gathering of writers. It is a living archive of Bihar’s and the Northeast’s diverse linguistic and cultural heritage. It brings together voices from different soils and creates conversations that not only bridge regions but also remind us of India’s collective richness.

At NLF 2025, regional writers do not merely represent their languages—they embody their lands, their histories, and their people. And through them, we are reminded that literature is not just about stories; it is about keeping roots alive, one word at a time.