The fifth edition of the Shillong Literary Festival was held at Ward’s Lake from November 20–22, 2025, bringing together international, national, and local voices for a three-day celebration of literature and creativity.

Day 1 opened with a welcome address by Dr. Vijay Kumar D., followed by sessions featuring Banu Mustaq and Francesc Miralles. Speakers, including Sanjoy Hazarika, Sonal Jain, and Desmond Kharmawphlang, shared insights, alongside a live drawing by Dennis Laishram and readings by Valden Pariat. Sessions with Rosy Chamling, Hoihnu Hauzel, and others enriched the day, culminating in a discussion with Banu Mustaq and a theatrical performance, Nothing Like Lear.

Day 2 began with book launches in the presence of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. Panels featured Vinay Pathak, Dominic Sangma, and Rajat Kapoor, followed by sessions with Anita Agnihotri, Narayani Basu, and more. Highlights included Shehan Karunatilaka in conversation with Sanjoy Hazarika and a talk by Jamling Norgay. The day concluded with a jazz performance by the Gino Banks Groove Project.

Day 3 featured sessions by emerging and established voices, poetry readings, a discussion focused on the UPSC, and reflections from the Shillong Chamber Choir. The festival concluded with a musical performance by Alex Poulton.

**Footfall (approx)**: 13000 nos. ( total of all 3 days)

**List of International Authors**:

- Francesc Miralles(Barcelona, Spain)

- Lucy Hannah(North Devon, England)

- Sam Dalrymple(Scotland)

- Alexander Poulton (United Kingdom)

**List of National & Local Authors**: Ailynti Nongbri

- Dr. Amanda Tongper

- Anita Agnihotri

- Ankush Saikia

- Anurag Banerjee

- Arupa Patangia Kalita

- Bandarilin Bairo

- Banu Mushtaq

- Dr. Barbara S. Sangma

- Basilica Nongpluh

- Brian Daly Kharpran

- Dr. Colnat B. Marak

- Daniel Ebor Challam

- David R. Syiemlieh

- Desmond Kharmawphlang

- Dr. Dokatchi Ch. Marak

- Dr. Dorothy R. Marak

- Ellerine Diengdoh

- Dr. Etawanda Saiborne

- Fivebilson R. Marak

- Glenn C. Kharkongor

- Hoihnu Hauzel

- Jakmatchi M. Sangma

- Jamling Tenzing Norgay

- Janice Pariat

- Jemimah Marak

- Jerry Pinto

- Jyotsna Mohan

- Kanishka Gupta

- Karishma Upadhyay

- Keshava Guha

- Kroshnil D. Sangma

- Lalnunsanga Ralte

- Madeline Y. Tham

- Mmhonlumo Kikon

- Narayani Basu

- Neena Verma

- Patricia Mukhim

- Paul Lyngdoh

- Prayaag Akbar

- Preeti Gill

- Priyambada Jayakumar

- Prince S. R. Marak

- Rahul Bhattacharya

- Rajat Kapoor

- Rev. Dr. Bluwin Ch. Sangma

- Rhinkle M. Marak

- Rosy Chamling

- Sajjan Yadav

- Sandip Roy

- Sanjeeb Kakoty

- Sanjoy Hazarika

- Seema Sharma

- Sengsime A. Sangma

- Shehan Karunatilaka

- Streamlet Dkhar

- Upamanyu Chatterjee

**Name of International Artists**: Alexander Poulton, Philippe Engel

**Name of National Artists**: Mr. Gino Banks, Ms. Eden Shyodhi, Mr. Rahul Wadhwani, Mr. Shashank Das, Mr. Jarryd Rodrigues, Mr. Neil Vardon Banks

**Name of the Event Management Agency**: The Circus Entertainment

**Ticket Prices**: ₹ 100 per day

**Ticketing Portals**: Sold from the ticket counter at the venue

**Tender Value**: ₹ 2,63,16,537