Raipur: With the objective of giving national recognition to Chhattisgarh’s rich literary, cultural and intellectual traditions, Raipur Sahitya Utsav 2026 is set to be organised from January 23 to 25, 2026, at Purkhouti Muktangan, Nava Raipur Atal Nagar. The three-day literary festival is expected to emerge as a major platform for dialogue, creativity and cultural exchange, drawing writers, thinkers, scholars and readers from across the state and the country.
120 Writers, 42 Sessions Over Three Days
Nearly 120 renowned writers and literary personalities from Chhattisgarh and other parts of India will participate in the festival. A total of 42 literary sessions have been scheduled, featuring in-depth discussions on contemporary social, cultural, political and intellectual themes.
Key subjects include intellectual discourse, the Indian knowledge tradition, the Constitution, cinema and society, India’s new awakening, Chhattisgarh literature, history through literature, and the quality of language and literature in educational institutions.
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Focus on Contemporary and Regional Literary Themes
The festival will also host detailed discussions on Natyashastra and artistic traditions, literature and politics, contemporary women’s writing, tribal literature, folk culture of Chhattisgarh, tourism, journalism and governance. Special attention will be given to modern challenges such as publishing issues, writing in the digital age and evolving readership in the digital era.
Grand Inauguration and Eminent Dignitaries
The festival will be inaugurated on January 23 by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Mr. Harivansh Narayan Singh. The inaugural ceremony will also be attended by Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai and Dr Kumud Sharma, Vice-Chancellor of Wardha International Hindi University.
The closing ceremony on January 25 will witness the presence of state ministers and eminent personalities including Dr Sachchidanand Joshi and renowned filmmaker Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi.
Theatre, Cinema and Poetry as Major Attractions
A special highlight of the opening day will be the staging of the popular play ‘Chanakya’ by acclaimed writer and theatre artist Mr. Manoj Joshi, scheduled for January 23 at 7 pm.
The festival will also feature participation from Mr. Nitish Bharadwaj, widely known for portraying Lord Krishna in the Mahabharat television series, and celebrated filmmaker Mr. Anurag Basu.
A special poetry session in memory of former Prime Minister Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be held on January 24, paying tribute to his literary and poetic contributions.
Four Literary Pavilions Named After Eminent Writers
Four dedicated pavilions have been set up for discussions and sessions.
- The main pavilion is named after Chhattisgarh’s only Jnanpith Award winner, late Mr. Vinod Kumar Shukla.
- The second pavilion is named after Pt Shyamlal Chaturvedi.
- The third honours Lala Jagdalpuri, a noted writer from Bastar.
- The fourth pavilion is named after author Aniruddh Neerav.
Book Fair, Exhibitions and Youth Talent Zone
A large book fair will be organised featuring around 15 national-level publishers, including Prabhat Prakashan, Rajkamal Prakashan, Saraswati Book, Yashasvi Prakashan, Hind Yugm Prakashan and Rajpal Prakashan. Books by Chhattisgarh authors and school students will also be showcased, along with arrangements for book launches by participating writers.
An exhibition highlighting Chhattisgarh’s 25 years of development will be displayed at the venue. A dedicated talent zone has been created for local youth and folk artists, featuring poetry recitations, storytelling, folk dance and music performances. Daily quiz competitions will also be organised, with prizes and certificates for winners.
Extensive Arrangements for Visitors
To ensure smooth access to the venue, the administration is arranging around 20 free buses on six routes, including Railway Station, Bus Stand, Tatibandh and Telibandha. Over 500 officers and staff have been deployed to manage logistics and arrangements.
About 15 food stalls offering local cuisine, including traditional Chhattisgarhi dishes, will be set up. Facilities such as drinking water, cleanliness and toilets are being ensured, with all preparations targeted for completion by January 21.
Celebrating Literature, Culture and Dialogue
Raipur Sahitya Utsav 2026 stands as a powerful national showcase of Chhattisgarh’s intellectual spirit, cultural heritage and contemporary thought. The festival aims to strengthen social dialogue through literature and culture, while inspiring the younger generation towards reading, expression and creativity.
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