The New Delhi Prelude to the Shillong Literary Festival 2026 was a two-day cultural event held at Bikaner House, New Delhi, on May 8 and 9, 2026. Organized by the Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, this event served as a precursor to the main Shillong Literary Festival scheduled for November. Designed to expand the festival's national outreach and promote Meghalaya's rich cultural heritage, the prelude featured literary conversations, book readings, cultural performances, and panels on the Northeast's creative landscape. The event hosted prominent figures including Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma in conversation with journalist Shekhar Gupta, actor Naseeruddin Shah, and author Shobhaa De.