Shimla, June 10
A grand Pahari Kavi Sammelan was organised at the historic Gaiety Theatre on the second day of the International Shimla Summer Festival 2026, bringing together eminent poets, litterateurs and literature enthusiasts from across Himachal Pradesh.
Deputy Commissioner Shimla, Anupam Kashyap, attended the event as the chief guest and lauded the initiative aimed at preserving and promoting the state’s rich literary and cultural heritage.
Addressing the gathering, Kashyap said the district administration had introduced the Pahari poetry conference as a step towards safeguarding Himachal Pradesh’s linguistic and literary traditions. He emphasised that Pahari language and literature are an integral part of the state’s identity and must be passed on to future generations.
“The preservation and promotion of our language and literature is a collective responsibility. Such platforms help strengthen our cultural roots and inspire younger generations to connect with their heritage,” he said.
Poets from different regions of the state recited their original compositions, highlighting themes such as folk culture, rural life, social values, environmental conservation, human emotions and communal harmony. The performances received enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Kashyap announced that the poems presented during the Kavi Sammelan would be compiled and published as a book. He said the publication would be made available in libraries across the state to encourage wider engagement with Pahari literature and its rich traditions.
Describing literature as a mirror of society, the Deputy Commissioner said writers play a crucial role in shaping social consciousness and guiding society towards positive change. He noted that the contribution of writers in preserving culture and promoting social values remains invaluable.
Organised as part of the International Shimla Summer Festival 2026, the event served as an important platform for promoting Pahari language and literature while also providing an opportunity for writers and young literary talents to showcase their creativity.
The Kavi Sammelan reinforced the significance of regional literature in preserving cultural identity and highlighted the enduring appeal of Pahari poetry among audiences in the state.
