CM Dhami attends closing ceremony with Union Minister of State Ajay Tamta; organisers report participation from over 60 countries
DEHRADUN, Uttarakhand, October 29, 2026: The five-day Lekhak Gaon International Festival 2026 concluded on Thursday at Lekhak Gaon in Thano, Dehradun, with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Minister of State Ajay Tamta attending the closing ceremony. The festival featured discussions on literature, art, culture, education and Indian knowledge traditions, with organisers reporting participation from more than 60 countries.
A key highlight of the closing ceremony was Dhami’s announcement of plans to establish two literary villages in Uttarakhand. The proposed facilities are expected to include residential accommodation for writers, modern libraries, seminar halls and dedicated study spaces. The initiative aims to provide a platform for literary activity and strengthen the state’s cultural and literary heritage.
Publications unveiled at closing ceremony
The Chief Minister unveiled Dharti Ka Swarg Uttarakhand, a magazine published by Lekhak Gaon, and Devbhoomi Ka Kavya Pushp, a booklet celebrating the literary and cultural traditions of Uttarakhand.
Addressing the gathering, Dhami described Lekhak Gaon as a platform for creative expression, intellectual exchange and nurturing local talent. He also emphasised the role of writers and poets in shaping public thought and contributing to nation-building.
Literary heritage and tourism in focus
Dhami highlighted state government initiatives to support literary and cultural preservation, including awards recognising writers and grants for publishing works in Hindi and regional languages. He also spoke about efforts to promote Uttarakhand as a destination for literary tourism.
Preserving the state’s literary heritage, including collecting and restoring scattered literary works, was another focus highlighted at the event.
Union Minister of State Ajay Tamta also addressed the gathering, speaking about development in Uttarakhand and improved connectivity to remote border regions. He referred to tourism growth in areas such as Adi Kailash and Niti-Mana.
Connecting Indian literature with global audiences
Held from October 25 to 29, the festival brought together writers, artists, educators and cultural representatives for exchanges on literature, language, identity, education and contemporary challenges. Organisers said the international participation reflected the festival’s ambition to encourage dialogue across languages and cultures.
Conceived by former Uttarakhand Chief Minister and former Union Education Minister Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, Lekhak Gaon is directed by Vidushi Nishank.
The third edition concluded with a focus on strengthening literary initiatives, supporting emerging creative voices and connecting Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage with wider national and international audiences.
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