Delhi Shabdotsav 2026 inaugurated
The Delhi Government on Friday inaugurated Delhi Shabdotsav 2026, the cultural and literary festival. The Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, described the festival as a celebration of India’s civilisational roots and living traditions. The three-day event, running from January 2 to 4 at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium near India Gate, brings together writers, artists, scholars and students from across the country.
The festival was inaugurated with the lighting of a ceremonial lamp by the Chief Minister in the presence of Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra and Delhi’s Minister for Art, Culture, Language and Tourism Kapil Mishra. Thousands of visitors attended the opening ceremony, marking what the government called the first edition of a new annual cultural platform for the capital. “This festival is not just about words and books. It shows India in dialogue with its past, present and future at the same time,” Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said. She added that Shabdotsav reflects the idea of a modern India rooted in strong cultural values and civilisational confidence.
The Chief Minister said the event has been organised on an unprecedented scale by the Delhi Government. She noted that India has faced repeated attacks on its culture and education through history but has always rebuilt itself because of its strong roots. “Times change, but the soul of India remains eternal,” she said, adding that balancing science with values is the need of the present age.
The Chief Minister said the festival’s theme, Bharat Abhyudaya, underlines India’s rise as a global power while remaining anchored in its traditions. She said the event also answers concerns of parents who want their children to stay connected to culture amid modern lifestyles.
Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra said Shabdotsav reflects India’s long-standing Vishwaguru tradition. “India was a global centre of knowledge during the times of Nalanda and Takshashila. Festivals like this reconnect the youth with that heritage,” he said. Malhotra also praised the Delhi government for supporting culture alongside development.
Malhotra said that the festival gaining the patronage of RSS Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar lends special dignity to the event. He described Chief Minister Rekha Gupta as a leader who addresses every issue of Delhi with sensitivity and proactive governance.
