Raipur, The Raipur Literature Festival 2026 continued with high enthusiasm in Nava Raipur today, featuring a series of poetry recitals and satirical sessions at the Surjit Navdeep Pavilion. More than 90 contemporary and budding writers from across the state participated in the day’s proceedings, which were headlined by a special all-women poetry session.
The “Mahila Kavyapath” was organised under the joint aegis of the Jai Johar Sahitya-Sanskriti Sansthan, the Chhattisgarh Sahitya and Sanskriti Sansthan, and Chhattisgarh Mitra. Coordinated by Dr Seema Nigam, the session featured prominent guests including Dr Rashmilata Mishra, Shashi Surendra Dubey, and Shakuntala Tarar.
Participating women poets used the platform to highlight Chhattisgarh’s rich folk culture, the importance of environmental conservation, and themes of women’s empowerment and patriotism. Notable participants included Vimla Maheshwari, Bharti Yadav Medha, Purva Srivastava, and Pallavi Jha, among others. The session was conducted by Dr Seema Awasthi and Suman Sharma Bajpayee.
The pavilion also hosted various other sessions that focused on regional dialects and social commentary. A 15-member team from Dhamtari, led by Doomanlal Dhruv, presented works rooted in rural sensitivities, while a 12-member group from Mahasamund, led by Ashok Sharma, brought regional anchalik culture to the forefront.
Satire remained a major draw for the audience, with a Raipur-based group led by Rajshekhar Choubey presenting humorous takes on contemporary issues. Additionally, a youth collective led by Ashish Singhania showcased experimental poetry, reflecting the changing perspectives of the younger generation.
Organisers noted that the festival has successfully transitioned from a cultural event into a significant intellectual movement, providing a vital platform for the state’s literary heritage to flourish. The day concluded with a large turnout of literature enthusiasts, marking a successful second day for the three-day event.