Srinagar, October 13, 2025 – The second edition of the Kashmir Literature Festival (KLF) 2025 drew to a triumphant close on October 12 at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of the Valley. Organized by the Srikula Foundation in collaboration with the J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, the two-day extravaganza – held from October 11-12 – wove together threads of poetry, prose, history, and contemporary discourse, drawing over 5,000 attendees, including luminaries from the literary world, young enthusiasts, and dignitaries who celebrated Kashmir’s enduring narrative spirit.Inaugurated on the opening day by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who praised the festival as a “beacon of intellectual harmony and creative revival,” the event unfolded against the backdrop of Srinagar’s autumnal serenity.
Sessions delved into pressing themes like environmental literature, digital storytelling, and the preservation of indigenous languages, featuring panelists such as renowned Kashmiri poet Naseem Shafaie, environmental activist Anjal Prakash, and acclaimed author Mirza Waheed. Interactive workshops on creative writing and book launches spotlighted emerging voices, including debut collections like “Whispers from the Willow” by local scribe Ayesha Bhat, which explores themes of displacement and resilience.The festival’s cultural crescendo came alive through mesmerizing performances: soul-stirring poetry recitals under the stars, folk music ensembles blending Sufi rhythms with modern beats, and an art exhibition showcasing works by Massrat-un-Nissa, whose evocative pieces fused traditional Kashmiri motifs with abstract expressions of hope and healing. School quizzes and storytelling circles engaged hundreds of students, fostering a new generation’s love for literature, while evening podcasts with guests like journalist Basharat Peer amplified voices on media ethics and regional identity.
Advocate Jehanzeb Allaqband, a key organizer, reflected on the event’s deeper resonance: “KLF was more than a gathering of writers and thinkers; it was a vibrant platform featuring sessions on literature, art, history, and contemporary thought. It concluded on a reflective and hopeful note, reminding attendees that literature is not merely about words, but about preserving the collective soul of a people.” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who attended the valedictory session, echoed this sentiment, calling the festival a “vital pulse in J&K’s cultural renaissance,” and urged continued investment in such initiatives to amplify marginalized stories.Partners like NIFT, J&K Bank, and Mewar University played pivotal roles, sponsoring sessions on fashion’s intersection with folklore and sustainable development through narratives. As the curtains fell, participants departed inspired, with whispers of KLF 2026 already circulating – poised to expand its footprint and invite global dialogues. In a region rich with untold tales, the Kashmir Literature Festival reaffirms that words, like the Dal Lake’s gentle ripples, can bridge divides and illuminate paths forward.
