The historic city of Jamshedpur witnessed a landmark cultural event as the East Singhbhum district's first-ever literary festival commenced with great enthusiasm on Friday. Titled 'Pratham Purvi Singhbhum Sahitya Utsav-2026', the three-day gathering at Gopal Maidan has successfully attracted a pan-India audience, including book lovers, celebrated authors, poets, historians, and cultural artists.
A Celebration of Literature and Tribal Legacy
Organized with the core mission of promoting literature, art, and culture while preserving tribal heritage, the festival boasts an impressive lineup of participants. The event was graced by the presence of eminent Padma Shri awardees like Pushpesh Pant, Jaanum Singh Soy, and Haldhar Nag. They were joined by distinguished scholars and writers such as Parvati Tirkey, Jerry Pinto, and Rahul Pandeta, adding significant intellectual weight to the proceedings.
In a written message read aloud at the inauguration, Chief Minister Hemant Soren lauded the district administration's efforts in hosting this pioneering event. He emphasized the district's profound and historic affinity for literature, noting that several local littérateurs have gained national and international acclaim for their work.
Government Initiatives and Community Engagement
CM Soren also highlighted the state government's ongoing efforts to foster a reading culture, including the establishment of Master Sobran Manjhi District Libraries across all districts. He specifically commended the East Singhbhum administration for its drive to open libraries in every block, ensuring wider access to knowledge.
Addressing the inaugural crowd, SDO (Dalbhum) Arnav Mishra described the festival as a crucial initiative to preserve and promote the diverse, unique, and informative traditions of literature. He made a heartfelt appeal to residents, especially the youth, students, women, and cultural activists, to participate in large numbers and immerse themselves in the celebration.
Tribal Worldview and Cultural Extravaganza
The festival's intellectual journey began with an insightful opening session on "Jharkhandi-Worldview of Tribal Language and Literature". This panel, featuring experts like Parvati Tirkey and Anuj Logan, facilitated a deep dive into various aspects of tribal literature, philosophy, lifestyle, and culture, setting a thoughtful tone for the days ahead.
To ensure the event is both engaging and entertaining, organizers have planned a lively array of performances and activities across all three days. Attendees can enjoy:
- Traditional tribal folk dances and Chhau performances.
- Demonstrations of tribal games.
- Energetic band performances.
- Creative workshops in glitter art, live painting, and pottery.
This vibrant mix of serious literary discourse and captivating cultural displays promises a holistic experience, firmly establishing the Pratham Purvi Singhbhum Sahitya Utsav as a major new fixture on India's literary calendar.
