Shillong Literary Festival : A Gem in Need of Equal Spotlight
The growing divide between music and literature at the Shillong festivals. While the Cherry Blossom Festival shines bright with government support and international stars, the Shillong Literary Festival struggles to gain the same recognition, sparking concern about the future of literary culture in Meghalaya.
Just a few days ago, I was over the moon to spread the word about the Shillong Literary Festival, buzzing with excitement at the thought of a cultural revival. But today, the thrill has ebbed away like a half-baked cuppa left out too long. I stumbled upon some rather glum news at the Shillong Times — a report on the steady decline of literary culture in Shillong. And it makes you wonder, has literature become the underappreciated wallflower while music gets to be the life of the party?
Since its grand start in 2016, the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival has been the star of the show, a spectacle of grand concerts, international and national music stars, and cherry trees in all their blushing splendour. It’s the kind of event where everyone wants to be seen — and you can bet the government’s all in, too, spending and promoting with gusto. But lurking in its shadow is the quieter, bookish cousin, the Shillong Literary Festival, which, despite its 2021 debut, has struggled to keep up. The contrast is stark, really, and it speaks volumes about where the government’s cultural chips are being placed.
Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih, poet and author of The Distaste of Earth (longlisted for the JCB Prize, mind you), puts it rather well. “There was a time when people in Shillong had a strong reading culture. Lending libraries were common, and literature was valued — even as entertainment,” he recalls, hinting at the glory days. “But as other mediums gained popularity, that habit faded. Now, the government invests heavily in crowd-pulling events like music festivals, while the potential of literary festivals remains under-utilised.” He’s spot on, isn’t he? You get the feeling that books are becoming yesterday’s news, tucked away like old love letters, while music’s all glitz and glamour.
And it’s not just poets and writers taking notice. A young student who frequents the last remaining lending library in Laitumkhrah shared her lament: “I come here often as an avid reader, but the owner is considering closing it down due to declining interest,” she explained. “I was excited about the literary festival when it began. I wish we could reach the level of events like the Goa or Jaipur literary festivals, with guests like Booker or Pulitzer Prize winners.” The hope is there, simmering away among students and educators who still cherish the written word — but, alas, hope doesn’t fund a festival.
Even this year’s literary fest, though it promises a few bright sparks, pales in comparison to the glitzy lineup of the Cherry Blossom Festival. And that, sadly, says it all. Shillong-based author Bijoya Sawian, known for works like Journey from Sylhet to Shillong and Shadow Men, sees this decline as a result of shifting interests. “Over the past two decades, there’s been a noticeable dip in the appeal of literature,” she observed. “Music is more accessible and connects with people instantly, while literature requires more engagement.” It’s true — you can bop along to a tune without much ado, but a good book demands a bit of patience. And in this fast-paced, swiping world, patience is often in short supply.
Young voices echo this sentiment. “We have plenty of music shows but very few literary events,” said Marin Syiem, a high school student. “Music is great, but we also enjoy reading and would love more chances to meet authors or attend book readings. These experiences can be inspiring and educational.” Another student, Maity Khongwir, agreed, adding, “The government should promote literary festivals with the same enthusiasm as music events. Literature is more than entertainment — it broadens our perspectives. Many of my friends love reading, but public events featuring authors or book discussions are rare.”
Bijoya Sawian goes on to highlight the lasting impact of literature compared to the fleeting thrill of a music concert. “A rock concert with international bands brings excitement, but it’s temporary,” she noted. “Literature, however, has a lasting impact. Supporting it means fostering a culture where stories, especially local ones, are valued and shared.” It’s a fair point. Sure, concerts bring in a roaring crowd, but who remembers the music years later? Books, on the other hand, have the potential to shape minds, foster empathy, and build bridges between generations.
And the problem doesn’t stop at festivals. Book fairs and similar events are thin on the ground in Shillong. A local schoolteacher shared her experience: “We organised a book week once, and the response was fantastic. Students were eager to participate and discover new books. If such events had more consistent support, it could make a big difference.” And one can only imagine — what if that enthusiasm had a year-round outlet? If students had the chance to regularly meet authors, discuss literature, and explore the world through words?
Summing up the shared longing of many in the literary community, Nongkynrih asks the question on everyone’s lips: “If we can host international music stars and invest in their shows, why can’t we do the same for Booker Prize winners or renowned authors? Literature is just as important as music. It’s time for the Shillong Literary Festival to receive the attention and resources it deserves.” After all, shouldn’t the government be as keen on creating future writers and thinkers as they are on drawing crowds to dance along to the latest beat?
So here we are, with the Cherry Blossom Festival strutting about like the belle of the ball while the Literary Festival waits in the wings. The question remains: can we expect the same level of government backing and ambition for literary events as we do for music? Only time will tell, but it’s high time the powers that be took a leaf out of their own book and gave literature in Shillong its proper due.
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