Landour Festival: 30+ Artists Gather for Literature Celebration

The picturesque town of Mussoorie is gearing up to host the second Landour Literature and Arts Festival on September 26 and 27, 2026. This vibrant event will bring together more than 30 celebrated writers, artists, and filmmakers, including notable figures like US physicist and author Alan Lightman. The festival's program features engaging panel discussions and captivating readings, offering a platform for creative expression. This year's event specifically pays tribute to Hugh and Colleen Gantzer, a pioneering travel-writing couple who significantly shaped their genre in India. Their professional journey began in 1974, resulting in over 30 co-authored books. Students from local schools will actively participate through poetry, art, and public-speaking contests. The festival's origins trace back to the Landour Lecture Series, which has successfully hosted over 100 speakers since 2012, underscoring the region's appeal to creative minds and its deep artistic legacy. The event is a collaborative effort between the arts platform The Chakkar and the Mussoorie Heritage Centre.