The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Literature Festival 2026, organized by the Northeast Frontier Railway, aimed to blend the industrial heritage of the UNESCO World Heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway with the literary traditions of the Himalayan region. The festival, held from May 15 to 18, featured a variety of events that brought together students, youth, writers, artists, and local community members.
The festival included workshops, storytelling sessions, music performances, and literary interactions across Kurseong and Darjeeling. Noted author Megha Mittal conducted a workshop on poetry at Victoria Boys’ School, while the second day offered a unique experience combining a steam locomotive journey with live music performances. The event also celebrated the oral traditions and folk narratives of the Himalayan communities.
The concluding day at Cafe House in Darjeeling showcased multilingual literary performances in Nepali, English, and Hindi, focusing on the cultural heritage and contemporary realities of the Himalayan region. A certificate distribution ceremony on May 18 recognized the active participation of children, students, performers, and community members throughout the festival. This initiative underscores the commitment to preserving cultural heritage and promoting creative engagement among the younger generation and local communities.
