Three-day literary, culture fest from Jan 2
The Delhi Government will organise a three-day literary and cultural festival, Delhi Shabdotsav 2026, from January 2 to 4 at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium. The event will bring together writers, thinkers, artists and students from across the country. The festival was announced on Monday by the Minister for Art, Culture and Language, Kapil Mishra, who described it as a platform to unite literature, culture and intellectual discourse under one roof.
During a press conference at the Delhi Secretariat, Mishra said the new cultural initiative by the Delhi Government is aimed at reviving dialogue around India’s intellectual and artistic traditions. “Delhi Shabdotsav is not just an event but a living expression of India’s knowledge heritage,” he said.
The festival will commence on January 2 with Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan in attendance as the chief guest. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta will also be present. Over three days, more than 100 prominent writers, thinkers and cultural figures are expected to participate. The programme will feature over 40 book releases, two major poetry symposia, multiple panel discussions and cultural performances, including classical dance, folk music and devotional presentations.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, RSS leader Sunil Ambekar, scholar Dr Sachchidanand Joshi, former Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Bhadauria, filmmaker Chandraprakash Dwivedi, MP Sudhanshu Trivedi and several noted authors and intellectuals are scheduled to appear. Cultural performances will be put up by artistes such as Hansraj Raghuwanshi, Prahlad Singh Tipaniya and Hardeep Kaur. The festival will also see participation from students of more than 40 universities, supported by a special “DU Ambassador Programme” to encourage youth engagement. Entry to the event will be free and online registrations will be available to the public.
Hailing the initiative as a step towards establishing Delhi as a national cultural hub, Mishra said the government aims to make ‘Shabdotsav’ an annual feature that reflects India’s literary depth, intellectual traditions and cultural diversity.
