Dehradun Literature Festival: A celebration of stories, ideas and community

Nestled in the serene foothills of the Himalayas, Dehradun came alive once again as it played host to the much-anticipated Dehradun Literature Festival (DDLF). An annual celebration of literature, culture, and the arts, DDLF has emerged as a melting pot for some of the most brilliant minds in the literary world. This year, under the stewardship of Samraant Virmani, the festival, in its sixth installment, not only retained its charm but also soared to new heights with an array of engaging sessions, diverse voices, and an expanded vision.
Samraant Virmani, the festival’s Founder and Producer, describes DDLF as “a celebration of stories and storytellers, of ideas that shape us and the world we inhabit.” In an exclusive conversation with The Sunday Guardian that revealed his deep passion for the literary arts, Samraant opened up about the journey of the festival, the challenges faced, and his vision for its future.
“When we started the festival in 2016, it was a modest attempt to bring literature closer to the people of Dehradun,” says Samraant. “Dehradun has always been a culturally rich city, but there was a lack of platforms where literary voices could be celebrated. We wanted to fill that gap and create something the city could truly call its own.”
Since its inception, DDLF has grown exponentially, attracting some of the biggest names in literature, art, cinema, and media. This year’s edition was a testament to the festival’s widening horizons, featuring an eclectic mix of speakers ranging from authors and poets to filmmakers, journalists, and social influencers. Some of the major participants included Imtiaz Ali, Rajit Kapur, Jerry Pinto, Anupama Chopra, Yatindra Mishra, Abhinav Bindra, Wasim Barelvi, Bir Singh, Penaz Masani, Dr. Blossom Kochhar, Trinetra, Ajay Jain, Aditi Maheshwari Goyal, Sandhya Mridul, Maria Goretti, and Shabana Azmi.
Samraant’s vision for the festival is firmly rooted in the belief that literature is not limited to books alone. “Literature is dynamic; it thrives in spoken word, music, cinema, and even digital platforms. Through DDLF, we want to celebrate all these forms,” he shares. This year’s festival did just that, with sessions that explored topics such as the art of storytelling in cinema, the rise of digital media, and the future of Indian publishing, bringing together content creators and authors to discuss how platforms like podcasts and web series are reshaping storytelling.
One of the most fascinating sessions at this year’s festival explored the possibilities and challenges of screenwriting, particularly in the context of Hindi cinema, which for the longest time has been known for its unabashed sexism, toxic masculinity, chauvinism, and male gaze. Titled ‘Women Writing Women,’ the panel featured three trailblazers viz. Leena Yadav, Sutapa Sikdar, and Atika Chohan.
A unique feature of the festival is its emphasis on promoting regional and local talent. “One of our goals has always been to shine a light on voices from the Himalayan region,” Samraant explains. This year’s festival featured sessions by writers and poets who shared stories deeply rooted in the mountains, their culture, and their struggles. Another highlight was a poetry reading session by young writers from Uttarakhand, which received a standing ovation. “The mountains have their own rhythm and stories, and the world deserves to hear them,” says Samraant.
Inclusivity is another cornerstone of DDLF’s philosophy. “Literature is for everyone, and so is this festival,” Samraant emphasizes. The organizers have worked tirelessly to ensure that the event is accessible to people from all walks of life. From providing free entry to students to organizing community outreach programs, DDLF has taken significant steps to democratize literature. “I have a great team now with Saumya Kulshreshtha joining as the Festival Director, Minhal Hassan as the Creative Director, and Jiya Dewan serving as the Festival Exc. Director,” rejoices Samraant who organizes the festival with guidance and inspiration from legends such as Ruskin Bond, Vishal Bhardwaj, and Imtiaz Ali.
Seeing young students walk into a session and leave inspired is the real success of this festival,” he says. Like all great endeavors, DDLF has had its share of challenges. From logistical hurdles to securing sponsorships, the journey has not been easy. “The pandemic was particularly tough,” Samraant admits. “But it also taught us resilience and the importance of adaptability. We moved some sessions online, and while it wasn’t the same, it kept the spirit of the festival alive.”
Even in its post-pandemic editions, DDLF has faced the challenge of balancing its growing stature with the intimacy that makes it special. “The bigger the festival gets, the harder it becomes to maintain that personal touch,” he reflects. “But we are committed to preserving the soul of DDLF.”
As DDLF enters its next phase, Samraant envisions it as more than just a festival. “We want it to become a movement, a platform where ideas converge and new narratives are born,” he says. Plans are already underway to expand the festival’s reach through year-round events, collaborations with schools and colleges, and initiatives that nurture budding writers.
Samraant also hopes to bring in more international voices while continuing to celebrate India’s rich literary heritage. “Literature knows no boundaries, and neither should we,” he remarks. For those who attended, the festival was nothing short of magical. Whether it was listening to a celebrated author narrate their journey, watching an artist bring words to life through sketches, or engaging in a lively debate about the future of publishing, there was something for everyone.
“Our audiences never forget the energy that they witness at the festival,” Samraant recalls with a smile. “It’s electrifying, and it reminds us why we do this. Literature has the power to bring people together, to inspire, and to transform, and that’s what DDLF is all about.”
As the sun set on this year’s Dehradun Literature Festival, it left behind not just memories but a sense of belonging, a reminder of the stories that connect us all. In Samraant Virmani’s words, “This is just the beginning. The best stories are yet to be told.”