The third edition of The White Owl Literature Festival & Book Fair will be held from February 5 to 7, 2026, in Chümoukedima, Nagaland, with a focus on the Northeast’s literary heritage, spanning oral traditions and contemporary writing.

The three-day festival will take place at Zone Niathu by The Park under the theme “Celebrating Stories, Inspiring Minds.” It is being organised by Penguin Random House India in collaboration with The White Owl literary institute.

The programme will feature writers, artists and cultural voices from the region and across the country, including author Daribha Lyndem, Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar awardee Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar, actor Merenla Imsong, and musician Alobo Naga.

Festival director Viketuno Rio said the event continues to remain rooted in the Northeast while engaging with wider national perspectives, adding that the festival aims to reflect the region’s cultural diversity and creative energy.

Discussions and sessions will cover a wide range of themes such as children’s literature, fiction and non-fiction, translation, cultural identity, mental health, podcasting, social media, media literacy, fake news, entrepreneurship, legacy building and artificial intelligence.

A key attraction of the 2026 edition will be Penguin’s “The Perfect Pitch” mentorship programme, which invites unpublished writers from across India to submit Northeast-inspired fiction by January 10, 2026.

Programme director Deepthi Talwar said the festival has been designed to offer meaningful engagement for readers, writers and young audiences from the region and beyond.

Tickets for the festival are available online. Entry will be free for school and college students on presentation of a valid identity card.