Mar 26, Kathmandu - The fifth edition of the International Literature Festival is scheduled to be held in Ilam this coming Baishakh, promising to be a vibrant celebration of literary and cultural exchange under the theme "Literature for Tourism."

Organized jointly by the Ilam Municipality’s Literature and Arts Institute and the Ilam Literature Society, the festival will feature renowned writers and poets from Nepal and India. Notably, literary figures from regions such as Sikkim, Darjeeling, and Patna are confirmed to participate, according to Ilam Literature Society President Prakash Thamsuahang.

Tham Suahang highlighted the festival’s impact on local reading culture, stating, “Since the previous festivals, we have seen a significant development in reading habits here in Ilam. Libraries, which used to be quiet, now see many visitors. The younger generation is actively practicing literary writing.” He added that Indian visitors are increasingly engaging with Ilam’s language and literature for study and understanding.

The festival traces its origins back to 1952, when a literary conference was held in Kafook, Ilam, featuring prominent writers such as Mahakabi Laxmi Prasad Devkota, poet Bala Krishna Sama, Lekhnath Paudyal, and Dharanidhar Koirala. Since then, Ilam has been hosting annual literary conferences and festivals.

This year’s event will also honor Bairagi Kaila, a respected literary figure, with a citizenship welcome ceremony. Additionally, the festival will feature the distribution of awards, including a cash prize of NPR 50,000 established by the Hangyug Junita Foundation, along with the Radika Nembang Devan Memorial Award and other honors.

The festival aims to strengthen cultural ties, promote literary exchange, and showcase Ilam as a hub of literary activity.