Come to Arunachal Pradesh to experience beautiful prose, poetry in its 1st literature fiesta

Now, the state is all set to host its first literature festival in August to highlight the best of books, music, food and culture of Arunachal Pradesh.

Itanagar, July 12: Those who have visited Arunachal Pradesh will tell you about the natural beauty and hospitality of the border state. The natives of the state are a little 'biased' or say it is their undying love for their land, for them Arunachal Pradesh is the most beautiful place on earth.

The locals are right in their assessment. Where on earth will you encounter undulating mountains, gurgling rivers and flourishing flora and fauna like that in Arunachal Pradesh to enrich your life daily?

Modernisation has undoubtedly led to haphazard development disturbing much of the natural grandeur of the state, one of the most obscure places in the country. In spite of everything, Arunachal Pradesh still retains its pristine beauty and innocence that is hard to find in our smart cities and towns.

Now, the state is all set to host its first literature festival in August to highlight the best of books, music, food and culture of Arunachal Pradesh, stated a report by The Indian Express.

The two-day festival--Arunachal Pradesh Art and Literature Festival-- beginning from August 5 in Itanagar (the capital city), will be a platform to bring to the fore the rich treasure trove of literature of the state and other northeastern states.

The festival is the brainchild of a motley group of 15 people, who all have a day job at their hands, but it is their undying love for literature which motivated them to host the festival, in spite of all the odds.

The organisers of the festival call themselves "artists at heart", which is true as it is for the love of art and literature for which they are organising the festival.

"The festival includes panel discussions, poetry sessions, workshops and performances. The line-up will feature Shillong-based author Ankush Saikia, historian and writer Dharamsing Teron from Karbi Anglong, filmmaker and cultural activist Moji Riba and artist Bengia Zarjo from Arunchal Pradesh, architect Kallol Kishore Brahmadutt, artist Throngkiuba Yimchungru from Nagaland, Shillong-based doodle artist Rinchen Choden, among others. Publishing houses from the Northeast such as Tullika Books and the National Book Trust will also be present," stated The Indian Express report.

"We wanted it to be the representative of only Northeastern voices because there is so much talent here, and not enough platforms. Just our way of saying 'hello, we are here, too'," an organiser was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

The whole festival has been financed by the organisers--who are either government employees or artists--to encourage writers and poets to carry forward their pursuit. Thankfully, the government has taken notice of the unique endeavour of the "artists at heart". The state's tourism department has helped the organisers in hosting the festival.

We wish the organisers of the festival all the best for attempting to bring to the fore the little known literary treasures of this beautiful state.