Wednesday, June, 03,2026

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Booker prize winner Banu Mushtaq among eminent writers at 5th Shillong Literary Festival

Shillong: The 5th Shillong Literary Festival 2025 commenced on November 20, where eminent authors, columnists, and artists converged at the iconic Ward's Lake of Meghalaya's capital city, Shillong, currently draped in pink Cherry Blossoms.
The setting offered the perfect backdrop for literary lovers, marking the beginning of three days of literary brilliance and creative dialogues.
The opening day witnessed the presence of some of the most distinguished literary and cultural figures of the region and the world, including Booker International Prize-winning writer Banu Mushtaq; internationally acclaimed Spanish author Francesc Miralles; Sanjoy Hazarika, Sam Dalrymple, Jerry Pinto, Prof. Desmond Kharmawphlang, Malvika Banerjee, Sonal Jain, Dennis Laishram, Patricia Mukhim; and several celebrated local writers such as Streamlet Dkhar and Valden John Pariat.
Their presence lent immense gravitas and creative energy to the inaugural ceremony.
Stating that hosting the Shillong Literary Festival has become a ritual, Vijay Kumar D., Commissioner & Secretary, Tourism Department, said, "This has spawned a whole movement of engagement in colleges, schools, and institutions. The levels of interest in literature, conversations, and poetry - this festival has been able to spawn all of this. I'm sure the festival will be a huge success, and we look forward to the conversations, the interactions, and the authors who have come from far away."
"A request from our side - please take our stories to the world. And to all the young people of the state who are here, this festival is for all of you. Everything the government does, all these wonderful events, are for the young people, so that you are able to leverage these opportunities and create great things for yourselves and for the state," he added.
Terming the Shillong Literary Festival as a Festival of Imagination, Banu Mushtaq, Booker International Prize-winning author of Heart Lamp, reflected on the city's creative spirit.
"To stand in Shillong today feels like walking into a page that has been quietly waiting for me. The city of music and gentle hills has always lived in the Indian imagination as a place where stories breathe easily. I am honoured to add my own voice to that landscape. This festival, here in these hills, is a reminder of how deeply stories connect us," she said.
She added, "As we begin this celebration, I hope we allow ourselves to wander into unfamiliar narratives, to listen with patience, and to imagine with courage. Let these next days be filled with conversations that surprise us, words that challenge us, and stories that stay long after we return home."
Sharing his bond with India and his experience in the region, Francesc Miralles, internationally acclaimed Spanish author of Ikigai, said, "I feel very honoured to be in Shillong for the first time. I am just discovering this beautiful region, but I am very attached to India in my relationship with writing books. I was a publisher and a translator of books; I studied German language and literature. But it was during my first trip to India in 1998 that I decided to become a writer. Without India, I would never have written books."
Malvika Banerjee, Curator of the Shillong Literary Festival 2025, expressed her delight at returning to Ward's Lake after four years. She described it as an honour to curate the festival and shared her hope that the audience would enjoy the programme, thoughtfully crafted over the past months.
She highlighted the distinct privilege of curating the Khasi and Garo programmes this year, acknowledging the guidance she received from several contributors.
"When I first came in 2021, I heard a Garo Poet; I didn't know her name. She recited a poem, and it was so beautiful when she recited the translation. So, I thought we should have these poems- these voices, because this is Shillong- this is the heart of Meghalaya. And if we don't have these sessions here in these languages, then just bringing outside voices or even having sessions just in English, with locals, will not really represent the state," she said.
Day 1 of the festival also witnessed the launch of three books- 'Wad Shwa La Ka Tynrai' by Streamlet Dkhar (renowned Khasi poet and writer), 'Songs of Our People' by Anurag Banerjee (writer and researcher) and 'Is She Wise' by Monica Thomas, Gladinia Pyrtuh and Anthony Durpui (authors and cultural documentarians).
The launches reflected the diversity of voices and the rootedness of the festival in the local literary landscape.
The day continued with an engaging session where Francesc Miralles, in conversation with Prof. Desmond Kharmawphlang, discussed the Japanese way of life that inspired Ikigai. This was followed by a conversation with Sanjoy Hazarika and Preeti Gill, exploring his journeys and the genesis of the Dibrugarh boat clinic project.
A reflective segment on myths and memory unfolded through "Puri - The Shape of Water," after which a live drawing session by Dennis Laishram, readings by Valden John Pariat, and a discussion by Rosy Chamling and Hoihnu Hazel brought forward the richness of Himalayan folklore.
A special session on the bilingual children's book Is She Wise featured its authors in conversation with Moushumi Dey, highlighting Biate folktales and the wisdom of women. Another powerful session titled "Heal The World" brought together Jerry Pinto and Dr. Neena Verma to discuss empathy, grief, mental health and palliative care.
A conversation between Sam Dalrymple and Cyril V.D. Diengdoh explored the five partitions that shaped modern Asia, as detailed in Shattered Lands. Later, Banu Mushtaq engaged with Patricia Mukhim on her award-winning collection Heart Lamp.
The evening closed with a session titled, "Making Khasi Literature Travel," featuring Streamlet Dkhar, Bandarilin Bairo, Alfidarie Kharsyntiew and Smti Basilica Nongpluh, who reflected on translation, literary platforms and the future of Khasi literature.
The day ended with a soulful musical performance by artists of the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project, celebrating the musical talent and creative vibrancy of Meghalaya's youth.

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Daily Astro

03-06-2026

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Aries

Ganesha says it will be an important day for you, Aries. Your energy and confidence are ready to take you to new heights. Today you will be able to express your thoughts with clarity, which will increase your communication skills. New opportunities may arise in the working areas, which you have to be ready to take advantage of. In social life, you can make new meetings, which will prove beneficial for you in the future. This day will be good for solving family issues, and you will be able to establish better relations with your close ones. In the field of health, take care of your routine and resort to yoga or meditation to relieve mental stress. Controlling your expenses will be a smart move, as any sudden financial need may arise. Overall, this day is for you to stay positive, just use your insight and energy properly.

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Pisces

Ganesha says it is going to be a positive day for you. Your sensitivity and intuition will flourish today, allowing you to establish better connections between yourself and others. It is time to connect with someone or refresh old memories. Try to communicate with people close to you, as it will strengthen your relationships. In the field of work, your creativity will be cyclical today. If you are working on a project, your ideas will be new and full of innovation. Do not be afraid to share your ideas, it will give you positive feedback from your colleagues. In terms of financial condition, avoid any big investments. Small expenses will prove to be justified but think well before making any big decisions for the long term. In terms of health, focus on a balanced diet and regular exercise. For mental health, practicing meditation or yoga will help keep you stress-free.

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Aquarius

Ganesha says new opportunities are likely to open up for you. You will be in a position to take your creative abilities to new heights. This is the time to share your ideas and make new plans. Your friends and family will support your ideas, so it will be beneficial to take their advice into account. Positive changes are possible in business. This is the right time to work on an important project. You will get an opportunity to use your skills and knowledge properly. But, be careful; in some cases, you will need to control your emotions. In personal life, relationships will deepen. You will try to spend more time with your loved ones. This is a good time for love and companionship. Enjoy emotional moments that will make your relationships stronger. Be health conscious. Dedication to yoga and meditation will give you mental peace. These activities will keep not only your body but also your mind active. Overall, today will be full of possibilities for you. Stay committed to your dreams and work on them.

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Capricorn

Ganesha says your day is full of some new possibilities. You will experience grace and stability in your actions. This is the time to focus on your goals and work with determination to pursue your plans. You are likely to get success in your work, especially if you maintain your hard work and dedication. Positive changes can also be seen in your relationships. You will get a chance to spend time with family and listen to them, which will increase mutual understanding and depth. Focus on communication, as it will make your relationships stronger. However, it is also time to make monthly plans. Take care of your financial matters and try to save. This is the time when you can take concrete steps for your future. Your health condition is likely to remain normal but take some rest. Maintaining a mental balance will be important for you. Stay positive and keep faith in your actions!

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Sagittarius

Ganesha says today will be full of new possibilities and positive energy for you. You will feel a rise in your confidence, which will keep you open to new opportunities. This is the right time to make an important decision. Your spirituality and intuition will be strong, which will enable you to understand and face difficulties. Spending time with friends and family will awaken a sense of happiness and satisfaction in your mind. Relationships with colleagues at work can take a new direction. Cooperation and communication will help solve problems. If you face an obstacle or challenge, remember that you can overcome it. In terms of health, you may need to make a little improvement in your routine. Regular exercise and a balanced diet will give you freshness and energy. Strengthening social relationships and contacting new people will also be beneficial today. This is the time for self-growth and positive change for you, so recognize the energy within you and use it properly.

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Scorpio

Ganesha says today will be full of enthusiasm and energy. You will move towards achieving your goals, and your hard work will pay off. Social life will also be active; you will get a good chance to spend time with friends and family. In terms of health, take a little caution. Focusing on meditation and exercise will help reduce mental stress. This is also a good time to take up a new hobby, which can unleash your creativity. Take wise steps in terms of money. Make informed decisions while investing. For potential financial gains, take a look at past projects again. Your career is showing good signs of progress. Your ideas may be appreciated at the workplace, which will increase your confidence. Still, some issues may require restraint. Overall, today will prove to be positive and auspicious for you. Spend it with pride with your loved ones.

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Libra

Ganesha says today will be a very auspicious and positive day. You will get a chance to clarify your thoughts, which will bring stability to your personal and professional relationships. Your communication skills will increase, and this will open the doors of new possibilities for you. Your creativity and aesthetic sense will be especially strong today. If you are associated with any art or design, your work will be appreciated. This is the right time to express your feelings. If you are confused about a decision, trust your intuition; it will show you the right path. In terms of health, small changes can make your life better. Focus on regular exercise and a balanced diet. In love and relationships, a new understanding will develop, which will strengthen the mutual bond even more. Overall, this day is a sign of positive changes and new beginnings for you. Stay focused on your goals and recognize your inner strengths.

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Virgo

Ganesha says today is a suitable day to highlight your cognitive abilities and business skills. Today, you will be full of clarity and precision in your actions, which will increase your value among your colleagues and superiors. There is a possibility of bringing some changes to your routine, which will bring positive results for you. This is a good time to improve relations with family members. Try to resolve any old disputes, and keep communication open. In terms of health, meditation and yoga will bring mental peace. Also, take some time out of your routine for exercise. From a financial point of view, this is the right time to make a good plan for the right investment. Take a good look at the options available to you and make a wise decision. Overall, today will prove to be a day of new possibilities and positive changes for you. Be full of confidence and stay focused on your goals.

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Leo

Ganesha says today will be a day full of energy and inspiration. Your confidence will increase and your thoughts will come out with clarity. On this day, you will be able to see some new possibilities in your career, which will bring you hard work. Mutual understanding and harmony will increase your relationship, which will create a happy atmosphere among the family. This is a great time to express your thoughts clearly, so do not hesitate to communicate with your partner or friends. It is important to be health conscious, a little exercise and meditation will maintain your mental and physical health. Overall, this day will bring activity and positivity for you, so make the most of all the opportunities!

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Cancer

Ganesha says it will be a day of information and communication for you. Your mind will be full of ideas and you will be able to express your ideas well. There is a possibility of some new opportunities in professional life, which can prove beneficial for you. It is a good time to strengthen relationships with your colleagues, so work together at the workplace. Your emotional state will also be strong. Time spent with family will give you satisfaction. If you have any old problem going on, then the right time is coming to solve it. However, you need to keep your emotions under control, so that you do not get agitated over small things. In terms of health, try to practice yoga and meditation. It will empower you both mentally and physically. Take informed decisions in financial matters; do not rush into any investments. In summary, this day will be all about communication and cooperation, which will lead to positive changes for you.

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Gemini

Ganesha says there will be a new energy and freshness in your thoughts, which will make your personality even more attractive. Social contacts are likely to increase, which will expand your network. You will be inspired to spend blissful time with your friends and family. Some positive changes can also be seen in the business sector. The results of your hard work will gradually start coming, and this will motivate you to move forward. Keep in mind that while sharing your ideology, work with empathy, this will strengthen your relationship with colleagues. It is important to be health conscious. A little attention and relaxation will give you mental freshness. Practicing yoga or meditation will be beneficial for you. This day will be full of positivity and new possibilities for you. Express your mind openly and do not hesitate to adopt new ideas.

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Taurus

Ganesha says it will prove to be a positive day for you, Taurus. You will feel energetic and full of confidence. The time has come to reap the fruits of your hard work and efforts. The workload may stress you for a while, but you will face all the challenges recognizing your strengths. Sweetness will also remain in your relationships. Spending time with your family and friends will be a source of joy for you. Conversation with someone special can give you a new vision and promote mutual understanding. A special occasion may be organized among friends or family, which will bring happiness and harmony to you. Moments spent with loved ones will give you mental peace. It is important to be health conscious. A little exercise or yoga will give peace to your mind and energy to your body. Your day will be full of happiness and positivity, just keep your thoughts and emotions balanced.

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03-06-2026