• Mr Paul Lyngdoh, the Minister of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya was the Chief Guest of the festival at Shillong
• The festival showcased a powerful blend of national and local artists like Vancouver Shullai, Marbamorlang Rani, Madhu Raghavendra, Merenla Imsong, Patralekha and Tillotama
• There were notable musical performances by When Chai Met Toast, Meba Ofilia, Khasi Bloodz and meaningful personal narratives from performers like Kareema Barry, Amol Parashar, and Trinetra
• The design thoughtfully incorporated local elements, with stages made from bamboo, jute, and traditional jainsem cloth, while also featuring local delicacies – highlighting the event’s commitment to authentically representing Meghalaya’s culture and sustainable practices
On a crisp December evening, kissed by winter cherry blossoms around Ward’s Lake, Kommune’s Spoken Fest made its enchanting debut in Shillong. Asia’s largest spoken word festival, celebrated for its vibrant mix of poetry, music, and storytelling, expanded beyond its Mumbai origins this season in collaboration with Meghalaya Tourism. The festival resonated deeply with an enthusiastic audience spanning all ages and walks of life, coming together to celebrate the boundless power of creative expression and storytelling.
Mr Paul Lyngdoh, the Minister of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, graced the festival as its Chief Guest. On Shillong hosting the Spoken Fest, he said, “It is indeed a moment of joy and ecstasy for us to see that experiential tourism, and the arts and culture are getting a fresh lease of life in Meghalaya thanks to the support of the local population as well as the collaboration of groups and enthusiasts like Kommune. We’re very proud to say that when Spoken is mentioned as a brand, the indigenous tribes of Meghalaya have had a long history of oral tradition. Our stories, myths and legends are all a part of our history before we were even introduced to the written word. So, the spoken word has taken primacy before we even translated that into the written script. The fact that Spoken Fest offers a platform which will allow our young poets, writers, and storytellers to collaborate and have an exchange is a real, tangible achievement. We have been creating the right ecosystem to take Meghalaya’s strength – our arts and culture, music and literature – into the best possible platforms in the world.”
This inaugural edition of Spoken Fest in the Northeast beautifully embodied the festival’s mission to embrace and amplify India’s diverse voices. In a country where literary and performing arts transform every 100 meters, reflecting its vibrant cultural mosaic, the festival’s arrival in Shillong was a tribute to this richness. It sought to weave together India’s deeply rooted and varied storytelling traditions, fostering a meaningful cultural exchange.
Furthermore, the festival’s ambience perfectly captured the ethos of Meghalaya. With stages crafted from bamboo, jute, and traditional jainsem cloth, Spoken Fest paid homage to Shillong’s sustainable ethos, blending nature with culture. Adding to the experience was a thoughtfully curated spread of local delicacies, offering attendees a true taste of Meghalaya.
Amongst the performers was Kareema Barry, whose personal anecdote explored the intricate dynamics of extended Indian families with depth and a dash of humour. Her piece evoked a sense of nostalgia for the simplicity of childhood. Amol Parashar took to stage with a relatable story that dealt with the intersection of casual sex and feelings in a new-age relationship. Meanwhile, Trinetra’s moving story about her love for sarees underscored the power of owning one’s identity. Actors Patralekha and Tilotama engaged in a candid conversation about their shared connection to Shillong and how their homes and families encouraged and shaped their creative careers.
Meanwhile, Shillong’s local talent brought the city’s soul to the fore, adding depth and authenticity to the festival. Celebrated poet and singer Vancouver Shullai mesmerised the audience with evocative pieces, blending English and Khasi to probe into themes of identity, culture and the intimate bond we share with language. Merenla Imsong shared a deeply personal story about the evolving relationship with her father. Her heartfelt exploration of memories and the influence her father had on her life struck a chord with many. Meanwhile, Lalnunsanga Ralte’s poignant pieces elicited unceasing fingersnaps from the audience.
The night took an electrifying turn with hip-hop & R&B artist Meba Ofilia, whose energetic performance had everyone grooving. Shillong’s iconic hip-hop crew, Khasi Bloodz, followed with a powerful set, their bilingual rap verses in English and Khasi resonating deeply for their powerful point of view, showcasing the region’s unique fusion of traditional storytelling and contemporary beats.
As the evening unfolded, the soulful melodies of When Chai Met Toast resonated through the venue. Their performance had the crowd swaying to their tunes and chanting the lyrics of some of their fan-favourites.
Roshan Abbas, Founder of Kommune, mentioned, “Spoken Fest has always been a celebration of voices that deserve to be heard – it’s been our greatest motivator. Authentic storytelling runs deep in Northeast India’s cultural heritage. Here, spoken word is embedded in its oral tradition, and today we witnessed this beautiful Khasi oral tradition alongside contemporary spoken word, poetry and music performances in Spoken Fest’s debut in Shillong. What truly moved me was seeing young performers share their stories of identity, belonging, perseverance, and change with such profound confidence. This overwhelming response from Shillong’s vibrant community has shown us that art, in its purest form, knows no geographical boundaries or languages. As we look forward to Spoken Fest’s 2025 edition, we carry with us the creative energy that Shillong has gifted us, along with our commitment to nurture these artistic connections across India.”
From mesmerizing performances to engaging conversations and opportunities to discover emerging talents, the festival sparked a lasting impression on all who attended, celebrating creativity in its purest form. Spoken Fest in Shillong left an indelible mark, not only as an artistic gathering but as a meaningful cultural exchange that bridged heritage and modernity. It was a night where stories became bridges, nurturing connections that lingered long after the festival lights dimmed.
