Himalayan Echoes 2025: Literature, nature, and culture converge in Nainital

Nainital: The 10th Himalayan Echoes: Kumaon Festival of Literature & Arts, which was held on November 1st and 2nd, skilfully combined the power of words and ideas with the allure of Nainital's clean mountain air. Writers, readers, and artists gathered against the majestic backdrop of the Deopatta range to celebrate both nature and literature.

Hosted at the historic Abbotsford Estate, the ancestral home of author and festival founder Janhavi Prasada, it featured over 20 speakers from India, Nepal, and Bhutan, sharing diverse voices and stories from across the Himalayas.

According to Janhavi Prasada, the founder of the festival, “What we intend to do is that when these 20–25 speakers come over for two and a half days, they should be able to interact and network with the audiences on an up-close and personal level. That’s why our audience never exceeds 300 people -- because the quality of interaction between the audience and speakers has to be top-notch. I want people to learn and imbibe from each other. When they step out of the Abbotsford domain, they should become brand ambassadors of the Himalayan voices, showing how we can preserve and better our lives.”

Prominent speakers included well-known authors, filmmakers, and environmentalists who enthralled the audience with their profound perspectives on literature, culture, and the environment.

Renowned author Anuradha Roy expressed her joy at being part of the event, “I love being here, I was here last time. The warmth, the sense of closeness, and the friendship that is here, is really quiet unparalleled and the surroundings are gorgeous. The sun is shining today, the whole thing is wonderful.”

Meanwhile, author Stephen Alter, who has been a long-time participant in the festival, shared his enthusiasm: “Himalayan Echoes is absolutely special, it is the festival that celebrates the Himalaya and Himalayan writers and we just concluded a very exciting fashion show with local fabric designers. It is absolutely exciting; I am thrilled to be here, this is my third visit.”

For the First-time visitors, the festival was a unique experience that transcended the boundaries of literature to celebrate nature and culture in harmony.

Visitor Azimuddin said, “It has been such a great amalgamation of nature, culture, ecology, culinary art, and of course, literature.’’

He further added that, “It's been great because I just loved this kind of like-mindedness, the knowledge sharing that happens here.”

Additionally, the festival featured book launches, music performances, a Himalayan Fashion Showcase, and the vibrant Kumaon Bazaar, where visitors explored local wellness products, traditional knitwear, and regional cuisines, making the festival a true reflection of Himalayan heritage and creativity.