Spoken Fest to make city debut on Dec 6; line-up announced

SHILLONG, Nov 26: After the success of the Shillong Cherry Blossom and Literature Festival, the state capital is set to host Asia’s largest cultural festival, Spoken Fest by Kommune, for the first time. Scheduled for December 6 at the iconic Ward’s Lake, the event promises an unforgettable celebration of creativity, storytelling and performances with a stellar line-up.
The debut edition in Shillong features a star-studded line-up, headlined by acclaimed actors Tillotama Shome and Patralekhaa.
Shome, known for her nuanced performances in Monsoon Wedding, Delhi Crime and The Night Manager, will share the stage with Patralekhaa, who won hearts with her debut in CityLights (2014) and her role in Bose: Dead/Alive (2017).
Adding to the excitement, the festival will showcase performances by independent music icon Anoushka Maskey, indie-folk sensation When Chai Met Toast, soulful artist Meba Ofilia and hip-hop group Khasi Bloodz.
Activist and actress Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju, poet and storyteller Priya Malik and Shillong’s own Elena Sohktung will also grace the stage, alongside versatile actor Amol Parashar and celebrated poet Madhu Raghavendra.
The line-up extends further with storytellers Clayton, Lainunsanga Ralte and Merenla Imsong, whose narratives bridge cultures and art forms.
Poets such as Anees Ailynti Noronha, Pratikasha and Marbamlong Rani will bring their unique voices to the event, exploring themes ranging from everyday ironies to profound metaphors.
Also featured in the festival are Kareema Barry, a dynamic performer blending corporate and artistic perspectives and Laksh Maheshwari, whose journey from finance to the stage epitomises the power of following one’s passion.