Author - Chhagan Lonhare, Deputy Director (Public Relations Department),
Raipur. Starting on Basant Panchami, January 23rd, the three-day Raipur Literature Festival is being organized at the Purkhauti Muktangan complex in Nava Raipur. More than 100 eminent literary figures from across the country are expected to participate. This three-day festival will give Chhattisgarh a new identity. Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai stated that the entire state is celebrating the Silver Jubilee of Chhattisgarh's 25th anniversary. The Raipur Literature Festival is an important chapter in that series. This festival will provide a common platform for renowned literary figures not only from Chhattisgarh but from across the country. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that this event will give Chhattisgarh a new identity in the literary world and inspire the public to embrace literature, writing, and reading. During the Literature Festival, literary discussions will be open dialogues and discussions on contemporary topics. There is considerable enthusiasm among the public regarding the Literature Festival. 
In today's din, when the flow of knowledge is often drowned out by the noise of social media, the flow of information is drowned out by the din of information. At such a time, the Sahitya Mahotsav provides a vital opportunity, where the culture of dialogue lives on amidst discussions. Creation is born where the mind is open, and stories take shape where humans have the courage to communicate their truth. The phrase "From the beginning to the end" inscribed in the Sahitya Mahotsav's logo (design) reflects the unbroken journey of literature, encompassing all forms, from ancient works to the ever-evolving modern literature. Literature is timeless; it is a continuous flow connecting time, society, language, and generations. For three days, Purkhauti Muktangan will be a vibrant hub of literary dialogues, book releases, brainstorming sessions, cultural presentations, and art exhibitions. This event is considered an important step towards establishing a strong identity for Chhattisgarh on the national literary map.

The Raipur Literature Festival is a matter of cultural pride for all of Chhattisgarh, as it showcases a beautiful, meaningful, and artistic confluence of the state's thousands of years-old literary roots, tribal traditions, social harmony, and modern creative vision. Chhattisgarh's literary journey has been unwavering, vibrant, and prosperous from time immemorial, and will continue to write new stories of continuous development in this vein. The literary festival will feature a total of 11 sessions, including five parallel sessions, four group sessions, and three interactive sessions, which will feature direct dialogue and discussion between writers and participants. The Raipur Literature Festival celebrates the confluence of literature, thought, and culture, with participation from youth, educators, writers, and general readers. The festival's primary objective is to connect the new generation with literature, thought, and culture.

A book fair is also being organized during the festival, with approximately 40 stalls showcasing books from prestigious publishers across the country. The Raipur Literature Festival will feature a special staging of the play "Chanakya," a powerful example of Indian intellectual tradition and theatrical art. Folk dances, folk songs, and Chhattisgarhi cultural performances will also introduce audiences to the vibrant folk culture of the state. A Kavi Sammelan will be held featuring renowned poets, where their powerful works will provide the audience with a literary treat. Open dialogue sessions will also be held with journalists, thinkers, and social activists, fostering meaningful discussions on contemporary socio-cultural issues. 

This event is emerging as a powerful initiative to connect Chhattisgarh's literary consciousness, thought tradition, and cultural spirit with national dialogue. Raipur Literature Festival 2026 will not only bridge writers and readers but also serve as a medium to sensitize the new generation to literature, culture, and thought. This three-day festival, rich in literary discourse, creative expression, and cultural diversity, will prove to be an important and memorable chapter in establishing Naya Raipur among the country's leading literary centers. A poem by the late Vinod Kumar Shukla, a recipient of the Bharatiya Jnanpith Award, enshrined in Chhattisgarh's literary soul and folk memory, reads: " 
A man sat down in despair; I knew
not the man, but the despair; we both walked together, we knew how to walk together. " This is the literature that gives people patience and teaches the civility of walking together.