Dateline Dehradun: The ninth edition of the Valley of Words | Shabdavali International Literature and Arts Festival commenced on the 25th and 26th of October at Hotel Madhuban, Dehradun. The festival marked yet another milestone in celebrating literary and artistic excellence, with eight authors being honoured with the prestigious REC-VoW Book Awards across different categories. Alongside literature, the festival also highlighted Uttarakhand’s vibrant heritage with a series of sessions dedicated to the state’s heritage and creative traditions.
Among the many engaging discussions, a session titled “Dev Bhoomi Mein Mahabharat” was organized at the festival’s Shabdavali Hall. The session was moderated by Navneet Gairola, an acclaimed Indian actor and radio presenter, known for his roles in Paan Singh Tomar and The Kashmir Files. With an extensive background in theatre and media. Mr.Gairola also teaches Mass Communication, hosts programs on Radio Zindagi 90.8 FM, and is actively involved in promoting environmental awareness through the Eco Group Society in Dehradun.
Welcoming the speakers and participants, Mr.Gairola initiated a thought-provoking discussion that explored the historical connection between Uttarakhand and the epic Mahabharata. Cultural historian, author, and heritage conservationist Lokesh Ohri reflected on how the epic resonates through Uttarakhand’s traditions, citing examples such as the Pandav Nritya of Jaunsar and local customs that preserve the essence of the Mahabharata. Bureaucrat – Author Neha Mittal further shed light on the existence of the Lakshagrah site in Lakhamandal, Uttarakhand, believed to hold mythological significance in the epic. Researcher and storyteller Ashish Bhandari added a cultural perspective, describing how local communities still maintain subtle distinctions between the descendants of the Pandavas and Kauravas within their oral narratives.
Speaking to Newspost, Ashish Bhandari said, “Right from the word go, it has been a beautiful experience. As a storyteller, I have always believed in the power of stories to shape our thoughts and make us more connected and when I narrated two stories from Mahabharat based in Uttarakhand, it did connect the audience which had a substantial participation from students.”
Neha Mittal added, “Speaking at the Valley of Words (VoW) Litfest was a wonderful experience! The energy, depth, and warmth of the session was full of inspiring conversation and diverse ideas. ”
Concluding the session, the panelists as well as audience remarked that Mahabharata in Uttarakhand is vast and profound, deserving several more sessions to explore its many dimensions. The event concluded with insightful reflections, light-hearted exchanges, and an enduring appreciation for Uttarakhand’s cultural and literary depth.
