Unmesha Festival 2025: International Literature Festival

The third edition of the Unmesha International Literature Festival was held in Patna, Bihar, from 25th to 28th September 2025, bringing together an extraordinary confluence of writers, poets, translators, publishers, and scholars. With participation from 15 countries and over 100 languages, the festival highlighted the unifying power of literature in shaping societies and fostering dialogue across cultures.

The festival concluded with the Vice-President of India, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, gracing the valedictory session as the Chief Guest, marking his first official visit to Bihar since assuming office.

Bihar’s Spiritual and Historical Significance

Bihar has long been recognised as a land of dharma, culture, and knowledge. Its spiritual and historical legacy makes it an ideal host for an event celebrating global literature:

• Bodh Gaya: Where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment, now a global centre of peace and meditation.
• Vaishali: Birthplace of Lord Mahavira, symbolising Jain values of non-violence and truth.
• Ancient Universities: Nalanda and Vikramshila, once world-renowned hubs of learning, attracted scholars from across Asia.

Bihar thus stands as a historic intellectual powerhouse and a bridge between spiritual traditions and knowledge systems.

Political and Social Contributions of Bihar

Bihar’s significance extends beyond spirituality into politics and social reforms:

• Empires of Magadha and Maurya shaped the subcontinent’s history.
• Democracy in Vaishali (over 2,500 years ago) is one of the earliest known examples of participatory governance.
• Freedom Struggle: Bihar played a key role, especially through the Champaran Satyagraha led by Mahatma Gandhi.

• Great Leaders:

1. Dr. Rajendra Prasad – India’s first President.
2. Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan – champion of democracy and social reform.

Cultural Heritage and Festivals

The festival also showcased Bihar’s rich cultural identity:

• Mithila Painting – globally acclaimed folk art form.
• Bidesia Theatre – a folk theatre reflecting rural life and social issues.
• Chhath Puja – a spiritually profound and environmentally conscious festival honouring the Sun god, unique in worshipping both rising and setting sun.

This cultural vibrancy reflects Bihar’s deep-rooted traditions of art, devotion, and social life.

Unmesha Festival 2025: A Platform for Literary Diversity

The word “Unmesha” means awakening and unfolding of ideas. True to its name, the festival created space for cross-cultural dialogue and literary exploration.

Key Highlights:

• Writers, poets, and scholars from 15 countries participated.
• Over 100 languages were represented.
• Discussions, poetry readings, translation workshops, and book exhibitions were held.
• Organisers: Sahitya Akademi, with support from the Ministry of Culture and the Government of Bihar.

The festival reflected the vision of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”, strengthening unity through literature and cultural dialogue.

Notable Visits and Observances

During his visit, Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan:

• Paid tribute to Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan at J.P. Golambar in Patna.
• Visited Chamunda Devi Mandir in Muzaffarpur with dignitaries.
• Observed a moment of silence for the victims of the tragic incident in Karur, Tamil Nadu.

These gestures reinforced the message of solidarity, compassion, and cultural conscience.