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Raipur, Chhattisgarh’s capital, is all set to emerge as a major hub for literature and culture. The grand three-day Raipur Sahitya Utsav–2026 will take place from 23 to 25 January 2026 at Purkhouti Muktangan in Atal Nagar, Nava Raipur. The central theme of this literary extravaganza is ‘Adi se Anadi Tak’ (From the Beginning to the Eternal), which highlights the continuous, vibrant, and ever-evolving tradition of Indian literature stretching from ancient times to the infinite future. The festival is being regarded as a significant step toward powerfully presenting Chhattisgarh’s rich literary, cultural, and intellectual heritage on the national stage.

The event will commence on 23 January with a magnificent inauguration ceremony, graced by senior officials from the Chhattisgarh government, renowned litterateurs, and prominent cultural figures. Over the three days, celebrated writers, acclaimed poets, storytellers, thinkers, journalists, theatre artists, performers, and literature enthusiasts from across the country will converge on a single platform. According to the organizers, more than 4,000 people have already registered, with thousands more expected to participate.

The primary objective of the Raipur Sahitya Utsav–2026 is to preserve and promote Chhattisgarh’s literary and cultural legacy, provide it a wide-reaching platform, and connect writers, readers, and creators from various Indian languages through meaningful dialogue. The festival will feature a diverse lineup of programs including literary discussions, thought-provoking deliberations, panel discussions on contemporary issues, poetry recitations, storytelling sessions, book launches, cultural performances, and art exhibitions. These sessions will not only encourage literary interest but also give new direction to social, cultural, and intellectual discourse.

A special highlight of the festival is the Open Mic session, which will serve as an open stage for common citizens, youth, and emerging writers. Participants can present their poetry, short stories, reflections, songs, dramatic excerpts, or any other form of creative expression. This session is a powerful initiative to promote literature, self-expression, and confidence-building. To ignite interest in literature among school students and young people, information about the festival is being widely disseminated in schools, colleges, and universities across the state. The event will also include the launch of books featuring poems and stories written by schoolchildren.

Renowned publishing houses from across the country will set up book stalls during the festival, offering readers the opportunity to browse, explore, and purchase books in Hindi, Chhattisgarhi, and various other languages and genres. This will provide book lovers with an enriching, knowledge-enhancing, and memorable experience. Additionally, a grand kavi sammelan (poets’ gathering) featuring well-known poets will be a major attraction for literature enthusiasts.

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Keeping public convenience in mind, the organizers have made special arrangements. Free bus services will operate on 23, 24, and 25 January from various locations across Raipur city to Purkhouti Muktangan. These buses will run on six major routes, enabling students, senior citizens, literature lovers, and the general public to attend the festival without any additional cost. This initiative is expected to ensure maximum participation.

Those interested in attending can register online through the official website www.raipursahityautsav.org. Organizers emphasize that the festival will serve as a strong medium to connect Chhattisgarh’s cultural soul, folk traditions, and literary consciousness with the younger generation. Visitors to Purkhouti Muktangan will witness a beautiful confluence of the state’s rich cultural heritage and contemporary literary expressions.

The Raipur Sahitya Utsav–2026 is a decisive step toward establishing Chhattisgarh’s distinct identity on India’s national literary map. Beyond being a meeting point for writers, it will prove to be a true celebration of ideas, culture, and creativity. Literature lovers are urged not to miss this opportunity and become part of this enriching three-day literary journey.

Delhi : On January 5, 2026, India’s Supreme Court delivered a significant verdict in the major conspiracy case related to the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots. A bench comprising Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice N.V. Anjaria granted bail to Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa-ur-Rahman, Mohammad Salim Khan, and Shadab Ahmed under strict conditions, while rejecting the bail pleas of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam.

The court clarified that Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam played a ‘central and orchestrating’ role in the conspiracy, whereas the other accused had only an assisting or secondary role. This decision came amid serious charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), where the riots were regarded as a well-planned attack on India’s sovereignty and integrity.

Prominent lawyers represented the accused during the hearings. Senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Trideep Pais argued for Umar Khalid, Abhishek Manu Singhvi represented Gulfisha Fatima, Salman Khurshid also participated in the arguments, while Siddharth Dave appeared for Sharjeel Imam. The involvement of these high-profile lawyers brought the case into the national and international spotlight.

Following the verdict, celebratory scenes erupted in some places. Sweets were distributed, slogans were raised, and festivities spread across social media. Particularly after Gulfisha Fatima’s release from Tihar Jail on January 7, 2026, crowds gathered outside the prison. Flowers, garlands, roses, and religious slogans were chanted. Women in burqas and men with long beards celebrated it as if it were a major victory.

Some described this as a hero’s welcome, which is being seen as shameful and anti-national for individuals accused in a riot conspiracy. According to the police chargesheet, Gulfisha Fatima was involved in the Jaffrabad Metro station blockade, mobilizing women and children, inciting through WhatsApp groups, stockpiling chili powder, acid, and sticks, and funding activities. Yet, she received a hero-like reception, which highlights a certain mindset prevalent in society.

Victim families called the celebrations ‘unfortunate.’ They said it increases the threat to witnesses and could reignite violence. Hari Singh Solanki, whose 26-year-old son Rahul Solanki (an LLB student) was shot dead while going to buy milk, said emotionally, “If my son’s killers are out, who do we ask for justice? The main accused are in jail, fine, but how have those who pulled the trigger come out? If justice isn’t possible, then hang us too—at least the pain will end.”

Similarly, the family of 15-year-old Nitin Sugarth is in shock. Nitin had stepped out for fast food, but the riots took his life. Families fear that bail will increase pressure on witnesses and make justice harder.

On one side, victim families are shedding tears of blood demanding justice; on the other, a letter written by New York’s newly elected Mayor Zohran Mamdani to Umar Khalid (in December 2025) is sparking international debate. On one hand, a father’s broken heart; on the other, foreign political support.

Protests against CAA-NRC in February 2020 turned violent. In Northeast Delhi areas, 53 people were killed-including women, children, and the elderly-and hundreds were injured. Police investigations revealed it was not spontaneous but a premeditated conspiracy. WhatsApp groups, digital communications, and organized resources fueled the violence. The police described it as an ‘attack on India’s sovereignty,’ leading to hundreds of arrests under UAPA.

The court differentiated based on roles. There is a strong prima facie case against Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam—they were the ‘central orchestrators’ of the conspiracy. The other five were described as having an ‘assisting’ role, so they received bail with strict conditions (surrendering passports, no social media posts, no contact with witnesses). Umar Khalid and Sharjeel may file fresh pleas after one year. This decision provides some relief to victims that the main conspirators remain in jail.

The Supreme Court’s verdict is a step toward justice, but the wounds of the riots are still fresh. Those celebrating the bails are enemies of the nation’s unity. The country must condemn such elements. Victims deserve a thorough investigation, a fair trial, and strict punishment.

Those celebrating should remember—lost lives will not return, but justice can bring peace. Such celebrations must stop, otherwise division will grow. The truth of the 2020 Delhi riots is yet to fully emerge. Justice must prevail, not celebrations by conspirators. The pain of victims will continue until justice is served.