
Presented by



In association with

Himalayan Echoes: Kumaon Festival of Literature & Arts
returns for its milestone 10th edition this November in Nainital.
Rooted in the rich cultural fabric of the Himalayas, this boutique festival brings together voices from literature, art, ecology, and the culinary world. Set against the misty pines of Abbotsford Estate, the festival offers an intimate space for dialogue, storytelling, and exchange — celebrating mountain heritage while engaging with urgent global conversations.
For more information, email us at himalayanechoes@gmail.com.

Himalayan Echoes: Kumaon Festival of Literature & Arts is an annual boutique festival held in Nainital, now entering its 10th edition. Founded by Janhavi Prasada and Namita Gokhale, the event is under the aegis of Porcupine Media Private Limited. The festival is deeply rooted in the cultural and ecological life of the Himalayas.
Set against the backdrop of coniferous forests at Abbotsford Estate, it brings together storytellers, artists, musicians, thinkers, and environmental voices from across India, Nepal, Bhutan, and beyond. Over two immersive days, audiences engage in literature, conversations, culinary traditions, and music — all while reflecting on the changing climate and the fragile beauty of mountain life.


Our
Mission
To create a meaningful cultural dialogue from the Himalayas — one that celebrates storytelling, fosters environmental awareness, amplifies local voices, and builds bridges across borders. Himalayan Echoes aims to preserve the literary and ecological heritage of the region while inviting new perspectives on sustainability, identity, and the arts.

Pema Samdrup is a Sr. Instructor at the Royal Academy of Performing Arts (RAPA). He joined RAPA as a trainee in 1996. After graduation, he served as an artist and as a Jr. Instructo. His expertise is in traditional music and mask dance. He holds National certificates II & III. He has represented Bhutan in several regional and international Cultural Program exchanges. He has also participated in the Coronation of His Majesty the King and the Royal Wedding Program in 2008 and 2012.

Rohini Rana is a seasoned culinary aficionado and former army wife. Her first book “The Rana Cookbook, Recipes from the Palaces of Nepal”, came out of her passion to cook. She continues her culinary odyssey in her second book "The Nepal Cookbook, 108 Regional Recipes" sharing the diverse flavours of Nepal's culinary mosaic.

She is a former professor of English who first served as director and now is a mentor for Madhuban-Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Delhi Branch. She has lived, worked, and researched the Talla Ramgarh region since 2000. She set up Project Khushali for schools and women’s livelihoods, which now is a model for others to emulate and create their own local village focus .

Vikas Swarup is a former Indian diplomat and internationally acclaimed author, who gained global recognition with his debut novel Q&A, which was adapted into the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire. His other works include Six Suspects, The Accidental Apprentice, and The Girl with the Seven Lives (2024). His books are translated into 47 languages, and he holds four honorary doctorates.

About Us
Himalayan Echoes: Kumaon Festival of Literature & Arts is an annual boutique festival held in Nainital, now entering its 10th edition. Founded by Janhavi Prasada and Namita Gokhale, the event is under the aegis of Porcupine Media Private Limited. The festival is deeply rooted in the cultural and ecological life of the Himalayas.
Set against the backdrop of coniferous forests at Abbotsford Estate, it brings together storytellers, artists, musicians, thinkers, and environmental voices from across India, Nepal, Bhutan, and beyond. Over two immersive days, audiences engage in literature, conversations, culinary traditions, and music — all while reflecting on the changing climate and the fragile beauty of mountain life.
Prasada Bhawan, Oak Park,
Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand, 263001
Tel: +91-9554609045








Address
Abbotsford Estate,
Prasada Bhawan, Oak Park,
Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand, 263001
Phone & Email
Tel: +91-9554609045


















