Kathmandu to host KLF on June 6 and 7

Kathmandu will host the 4th edition of the Kathmandu Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF) on June 6 and 7, 2026, at the Hotel Himalaya. This event, organized by India's Kalinga Literary Festival since 2022, aims to foster literary, cultural, spiritual, and civilizational connections across Nepal, India, and the South Asian region.

The central theme for Kathmandu KLF 2026 is 'Beyond Borders: South Asian Literature in a Changing World.' The festival will delve into how South Asian literary, artistic, and intellectual traditions are responding to contemporary global issues, cultural shifts, identity politics, inclusion, spirituality, and social change. It promises to celebrate a wide array of artistic expressions, including literature, music, poetry, cinema, and dance.

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The 4th Kathmandu Kalinga Literary Festival will celebrate literature, music, poetry, cinema, dance, and diverse artistic traditions. The festival will further strengthen the long-standing cultural and literary ties between Nepal, India, and South Asian countries in the context of emerging global cultures.

Rashmi Ranjan Parida, founder and director of KLF, stated that the festival will further solidify the deep-rooted cultural and literary bonds between Nepal, India, and other South Asian nations amidst evolving global cultures. The event is expected to draw participation from numerous distinguished figures in literature, cinema, music, diplomacy, spirituality, and public life.

Notable attendees will include singer and actress Ila Arun, author Pratibha Ray, spiritual thinker Acharya Prashant, actor and writer Piyush Mishra, and writer-filmmaker Raj Shekhar, among many other renowned writers, artists, filmmakers, scholars, musicians, diplomats, and public intellectuals from South Asia and beyond. The festival program includes panel discussions, keynote addresses, poetry readings, musical performances, author interactions, book launches, workshops, and cultural evenings, all designed to encourage cross-border literary collaborations.

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The festival theme reflects the growing importance of South Asian literature and cultural traditions in shaping global conversations around identity, migration, inclusion, spirituality, environment, and social engagement.