SAARC Children’s Literary Festival Celebrates South Asian Folktales

Kathmandu: The SAARC Cultural Centre hosted the 2025 SAARC Literary Festival on South Asian Folktales on August 30–31 at the Colombo Public Library.

Themed “Celebrating Folktales through Children’s Literature,” the festival featured storytelling, puppetry, craft sessions, open mic opportunities, and a panel discussion for children aged 4–15. Over 120 children participated through open registration.

The event was inaugurated with the traditional oil lamp lighting by children from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

Organized in collaboration with the Colombo Public Library, the festival aimed to inspire appreciation for South Asia’s rich folktale traditions and promote cultural awareness among young readers.