The second edition of the revived Brahmaputra Literature Festival 2026 was held in Sivasagar, bringing together writers, artists and scholars from India and abroad. 

• The festival has re-emerged as a major cultural platform for the Northeast.

Origin and Revival

• The festival was first organised in 2017 under the leadership of eminent Assamese author Rita Chowdhury, then Director of the National Book Trust. 
• It placed the Northeast prominently on India’s literary map.
• After a pause, it was revived under the literary trust Adharxila, and the 2026 edition was hosted in Sivasagar, the historic capital of the Ahom kingdom.

Key Highlights

• Nearly 50 sessions covering literature, history, archaeology, ecology, artificial intelligence and identity.
• International participation from Hungary, Slovakia and Kenya.
• Discussions ranged from Madhab Kandali’s Ramayana to modern warfare narratives.
• Theme and Focus:
  • The 2026 theme is “A confluence of Rhythm, Word & Spirit – Celebrating the Voice of Humanity.”
  • The festival will place a special spotlight on tribal heritage, multi-ethnic, multi-lingual identities, and indigenous storytelling traditions of the region, including the Bodo and Mishing communities.
  • It serves as a vital platform to bridge local traditions with global perspectives, fostering dialogue across nations, languages, and cultures.

Exam Hook: Key Takeaways

• Launched in 2017; revived in 2025–26.
• Hosted in historic Sivasagar.
• Promotes Northeast’s literary and cultural heritage.
• Examples of cultural soft power and decentralised literary movement.

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