Nagaland Literature Festival begins sixth edition in Kohima

The sixth edition of the Nagaland Literature Festival commenced at the Don Bosco Higher Secondary School auditorium in Kohima. Organized by the Writers Collective Kohima under the theme ‘From Hearth to Page’, the two-day event focuses on the transition of Naga heritage from oral storytelling traditions to contemporary written and digital formats.

Keynote speaker and Advisor for School Education, Kekhrie Yhome, emphasized the responsibility of writers to uncover hidden societal stories and preserve indigenous oral traditions, myths, and folklore. Yhome noted that these traditions serve as vital vehicles for transmitting cultural identity and moral values. He also addressed the historical social unrest in the Northeast and the importance of providing deeper societal understanding through literature.

Writers Collective President Vishü Rita Krocha highlighted the organization’s mission to promote Naga literature since its formation in 2019. The festival included poetry recitals, folk songs, and the release of four new books: ‘Maria’ by Visemenuo Sekhose, ‘Aigha Lê’ and ‘The Tragopan’s Song’ by Inakali Assumi, and ‘Faithful Ink’ by Avila Mongzar.