CM Dhami at Lekhak Gaon Intl Festival closing in Dehradun
Synopsis
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami broadcast the closing ceremony of the Lekhak Gaon International Mahotsav-2026 live from Dehradun on 29 October, spotlighting the state's growing literary and cultural ambitions.
Key Takeaways
The Lekhak Gaon International Mahotsav-2026 concluded in Dehradun on 29 October 2026 .
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami shared a live broadcast of the closing ceremony on X.
The festival brought together writers and the literary community in Uttarakhand's capital.
Dehradun's role as a cultural and literary venue reflects the state's effort to diversify its tourism identity.
Uttarakhand has been building a calendar of cultural events to complement its pilgrimage and nature-tourism brand.
Words took centre stage in Dehradun on Thursday, 29 October 2026, as the closing ceremony of the Lekhak Gaon International Mahotsav-2026 drew to a close — a festival that turned Uttarakhand's capital into a gathering point for writers and literary voices from across the world. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami shared a live broadcast of the event on X, marking the occasion publicly.
Dehradun as a stage for the written word
The Lekhak Gaon International Mahotsav — literally 'Writers' Village International Festival' — brought together the literary community in the foothills of the Himalayas. Dehradun, better known as an administrative and educational hub, becomes a cultural draw when festivals of this scale anchor themselves to its scenic setting, a pattern state governments across India have increasingly leaned into to boost heritage tourism alongside creative exchange.
Uttarakhand has steadily built a calendar of cultural events that complement its image as a pilgrimage and nature-tourism destination. Hosting an international writers festival signals an ambition to add intellectual and artistic prestige to that identity — positioning the state not just as a place to visit, but as a place to think, write, and convene.
CM Dhami's stake in the cultural calendar
Chief Minister Dhami, a BJP leader who has governed Uttarakhand since 2021, has consistently amplified state-hosted cultural events as part of a broader effort to put the hill state on a national and international map beyond its religious circuit. His presence — even in a broadcast capacity — at a literary festival closing ceremony underlines that the state considers the event significant enough for the Chief Minister's public endorsement.
For the writers and literary community gathered in Dehradun, the Mahotsav represents an intersection of creative ambition and state patronage — a combination that, when it works, can launch a festival into annual must-attend territory.
Whether the 2026 edition plants the seeds for an expanded, more prominent 2027 programme will be the real measure of its success.
Point of View
An international literary festival signals a push to attract a different demographic — educated, urban, culturally engaged visitors — to a state whose tourism pitch has long rested on temples and trekking routes. The live broadcast also demonstrates how state leaders now use social media not just to announce policy but to actively co-host cultural moments in real time, extending their reach far beyond the venue.
NationPress
29 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lekhak Gaon International Mahotsav?
Lekhak Gaon International Mahotsav — meaning 'Writers' Village International Festival' — is a literary and cultural festival held in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, bringing together writers and literary figures from India and abroad.
Where was Lekhak Gaon Mahotsav 2026 held?
The 2026 edition of the Lekhak Gaon International Mahotsav was held in Dehradun , the capital city of Uttarakhand.
What did CM Dhami do at the Lekhak Gaon festival?
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami shared a live broadcast of the closing ceremony of the Lekhak Gaon International Mahotsav-2026 on his official X account on 29 October 2026 .
When did Lekhak Gaon International Mahotsav 2026 end?
The closing ceremony of the Lekhak Gaon International Mahotsav-2026 took place on Thursday, 29 October 2026 , in Dehradun.
Why does Uttarakhand host literary festivals?
Uttarakhand hosts literary and cultural festivals to promote local heritage, attract diverse visitors, and position the state as a cultural destination beyond its well-known pilgrimage and trekking circuits.
