**Three-day festival at historic Malla Mahal to feature over 40 curated sessions on literature, cinema, music, journalism and culture**
**Almora:** The fourth edition of the Almora Literature Festival (ALF) will be held from October 30 to November 1, 2026, at the historic Malla Mahal (Old Collectorate) in Almora. Organised by the Green Hills Trust, the three-day festival will bring together distinguished personalities from literature, cinema, music, journalism, dance and the visual arts. More than 40 curated sessions will provide a platform for meaningful discussions on literary, cultural and contemporary issues.
One of the major attractions of this year’s festival will be renowned lyricist and Prasar Bharati Chairman Prasoon Joshi. Actor Anant Vijay Joshi, associated with the popular Netflix series *Maamla Legal Hai* and films such as *Kathal* and *12th Fail*, will also participate in the event. Renowned classical dancer Malti Shyam and Hindustani classical vocalist Ravi Joshi will add to the festival’s artistic and musical appeal.
Journalist Kuldeep Mishra, known for the popular programme *Teen Taal*, will participate in discussions on journalism and contemporary affairs. Sanjeev Chopra, a retired IAS officer and author, will share his perspectives on literature, history and social discourse. Singers and rappers Rohan Pangti and Tarun Bisht will represent contemporary music and youth expression.
**Special Session on the Literary Legacy of Shailesh Matiyani**
Continuing its tradition of highlighting literary figures connected with the Himalayan region, the festival will host a special session on the contribution of eminent Hindi writer Shailesh Matiyani. The discussion will explore his literary legacy and his contribution to Hindi literature.
The festival will also feature panel discussions on Himalayan ecology, biodiversity and climate change. Special photo-talk sessions by Jaymitra Bisht and Harshit Rautela will focus on the Himalayan environment, its natural heritage and the lives of communities inhabiting the region.
To showcase Almora’s rich historical and cultural heritage, heritage walks titled *Chalmoda* and *Walk to Naula* will be organised under the respective leadership of noted anthropologist and historian Lokesh Ohri and photographer Jaymitra Bisht. These walks will offer participants an opportunity to explore the town’s history, traditional architecture and cultural identity.
The festival aims to strengthen Almora’s position as an important centre of literary and cultural exchange while bringing together writers, artists, thinkers and young participants from diverse fields.
A press conference regarding the festival was attended by Dr Vasudha Pant, Vinayak Pant, Dr Deepa Gupta, Manoj Gupta, Dr Hamid, Bharat Bhushan and others.
