Children in Kohima are in for a treat with Bookaroo Children’s Literature Festival venturing into Nagaland ‘s capital city for the first time – from October 26.
The two day fest will engage children in the age group of four and 14 to a variety of activities like drama, storytelling, workshops, art and craft, all with the aim of gently nudging them to explore the world of books.
Venkatesh M Swamy, one of the organizers said that Bookaroo not only draws out children so that they take to reading but also attempts to select the right reading material for each age group.
He further said that this was the first time that Bookaroo had ventured into the Northeast in its decade-long existence.
“Till now we have done nine states and covered 12 cities. After Kohima we will be doing Srinagar, Delhi and Jaipur,” he said.
The Bookaroo organizers, authors, story tellers and performers have already reached Kohima.
The Bookaroo website www.bookaroo.in describes Nagaland as a ‘land where folklore has passed down the generations through word of mouth. Where music is an integral part of life; where folk songs eulogize ancestors and the brave deeds of warriors and traditional heroes; where poetic love songs immortalize ancient tragic love stories; where Gospel songs touch the soul; where contemporary tunes make you want to tap your blues away. What could be a more fitting pit stop in Bookaroo’s journey of celebrating books and stories?’
The books Bookaroo will be bringing are as engrossing. About 21 speakers will be conducting 57 sessions over two days.
On October 25 there is an outreach programme where speakers will visit some schools. This is called Bookaroo in the City.
“We hope to make this an annual event in Kohima,” Swamy further said.
The Kohima Institute and the Government of Nagaland are partnering Bookaroo and the venues for the activities will be divided between Raj Bhawan and The Heritage.
On the first day one can attend only on invitation and the second day will be open for all.
The Kohima Institute was founded in 2013 and is a non-partisan, non-political research based organization.
The Bookaroo Trust is a registered charitable trust committed to bringing children and books together and spread the joy of reading.