SLF Goes Hybrid:
Physical Festival at Santiniketan
Aug 9 to 11, 2024
Online Meet: Aug 23rd to Sept 22nd, 2024

Immerse Yourself in the Euphoria of the Santiniketan Literature Festival!

Where literature comes alive, hearts connect, minds expand, and creative ideas ignite…
Journey beyond the heart of Bengali literature at the Santiniketan Literature Festival. Inspired by the idyllic beauty of Rabindranath Tagore’s Visva-Bharati University: this festival is a vibrant celebration of words, ideas, cultural exchange, and a confluence of creative ideations.

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Bengal’s Renaissance, encompassing literature, music, mysticism, folk and tribal legacies, and the exploration of both tangible and intangible art forms.

Santiniketan is a melting pot of tribal, folk, Tagore’s universalism and modern Bengal’s aspirations. This festival draws sustenance from this rich heritage, offering a platform for the exchange of diverse creative energies.

A Pause in Celebration

Considering the heart-wrenching tragedy that has befallen the city of Kolkata, the Santiniketan Literature Festival (SLF) stands in Solidarity with its citizens, who are protesting Pan-India.

The brutal rape and murder of the RG Kar Hospital victim has deeply shaken us all.

As a mark of respect for the victim and their family, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the commencement of our online meeting by a week. The festival will begin on August 23rd and conclude on September 22nd, 2024.

We believe that while literature and art are powerful forces, there is a time for reflection and mourning. We hope this pause will allow us to collectively process this immense loss and come together as a community.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family and friends.

Imagine:

  • Engaging in In-depth Discussions with renowned authors, poets, thinkers, and even launching your own book!
  • Delving into Diverse Genres – fiction, non-fiction, poetry, folk and tribal arts, and more – through insightful sessions, panel discussions, and captivating storytelling experiences.
  • Experiencing the Magic of Storytelling at poetry readings, songs, and networking events with authors and fellow creatives.
  • Immersing Yourself in a Cultural Tapestry woven with discussions, music, art, cinema, and more.

The Santiniketan Literature Festival is more than just a literary event. It’s a sensory experience, an intellectual awakening, and a chance to connect with a passionate community of writers, poets, thinkers, and anyone with a spark of creativity.

Don’t miss this opportunity to:

  • Be Inspired by Luminaries and gain a deeper appreciation for the written word and artistic expression.
  • Network with Fellow Creatives and discover new voices, perspectives, and potential collaborations.
  • Create Lasting Memories in the enchanting setting of Santiniketan.

The Wait is Over – August 9-11, 2024.

Prepare to be enthralled!

#SantiniketanLiteratureFestival #SantiniketanLitFest #LitFestIndia #BookLoversParadise #CreativeConfluence

Tagore’s Legacy in Santiniketan

  • Influences town’s spirit with nature-loving poems.
  • Promotes holistic education in open-air classrooms and gardens.
  • Continues to inspire students and educators.

Santiniketan Literature Festival: A Celebration of Minstrels, Mystics, Music & Muse

Nestled in the verdant embrace of West Bengal, Santiniketan is a place where tranquillity transcends into a vibrant tapestry woven with rich history, artistic expression, and a deep connection to nature. The rhythmic pulse of tribal life, steeped in ancient traditions and folklore, intertwines with the soulful melodies of Baul mendicants, creating a unique symphony that resonates with the spirit of Rabindranath Tagore, the Nobel-crowned poet who made Santiniketan his home.

A Seed of Vision Takes Root: Tagore’s Legacy

  • Rabindranath Tagore’s first encounter with Santiniketan was in 1878 as a 17-year-old
  • 1888: Debendranath Tagore dedicates property to establish Brahma Vidyalaya
  • 1901: Rabindranath Tagore establishes Brahmacharya Ashrama
  • 1913: Tagore awarded Nobel Prize in Literature
  • 1921: Tagore founds Visva-Bharati, a unique educational institution
  • 1951: Visva-Bharati receives recognition as a Central University

A Mosaic of Tribal Traditions & Baul Mysticism

Vibrant cultural hub with indigenous communities.

Tribal lifestyle inspires artists, writers, and cultural enthusiasts.

Baul mendicants embody spiritual freedom and ecstatic expression.

Drawing from Sufi, Vaishnavite, and Tantric traditions.

Distinct instruments and improvised lyrics spread universal love and liberation.

Santiniketan: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Over a decade (2010 onwards) of tireless efforts culminated in inscription on September 17, 2023.

Elevated to India’s 41st World Heritage Site.

Recognises the town’s rich tapestry of culture and education.

“Outstanding Universal Value” transcends national borders.

Kind Attention Poets & Scholars

We, at SLF, wish to protest against the henious crime perpetrated against an innocent victim of RG Kar Hospital. She was raped and murdered brutally.

Delegates might participate in any one of the two modes, Physical meet at Santiniketan or Online mode only. Let’s give others a fair chance. Also, because the two together form the Hybrid mode of SLF.

Registration for Online Meet