Azim Premji University and North-Eastern Hill University bring Festivals of Life to Shillong for the first time
The five-day festival from 5 – 9 Oct 2026 will explore nature and climate through art, science, and interactive activities
Campus
Bengaluru
Details
Azim Premji University, Bengaluru, in collaboration with North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), will host its national climate festival, “Festivals of Life: Where the Rivers, Forests, Mountains, Coasts and Oceans Are”, in Shillong for the first time from 5 – 9 October 2026. Held at NEHU, Umshing Mawkynroh, Shillong, the festival will bring together exhibitions, nature walks, films, talks, and cultural performances to explore India’s rivers, forests, mountains, coasts and oceans.
The festival is open to schools (Grades VI – XII), colleges, and organisations. Entry is free, with mandatory registration for participating institutions. The festival will be open daily from 9 AM to 2 PM.
Conceptualised by Azim Premji University, Festivals of Life uses art, culture and science to build awareness about nature, climate change and sustainability. The series began with Rivers of Life in 2022, followed by Forests of Life (2023), Mountains of Life (2024), and Coasts and Oceans of Life (2025). Since its launch, the festivals have reached close to one lakh students, educators and citizens across the country.
The Shillong edition brings together exhibits from all four festivals, highlighting the connections between ecosystems, biodiversity, livelihoods, and climate change. It features over 300 panels of photographs, maps, and stories drawn from the work of our young interns from across India, who have documented their experiences through photo essays and public art.
“Through art, dialogue and student research, we hope visitors will experience how deeply the rivers, forests, mountains, coasts and oceans shape every aspect of our lives – and why their conservation is not merely critical for our planet, but our very survival.”
The festival will also include guided nature walks, expert talks, cultural performances and environmental film screenings, with support from NEHU student volunteers. A two-day teacher orientation and training programme will be held on 8 and 9 October 2026, focusing on nature, environmental science, climate science, and science education.
The travelling festival will continue to reach other locations across the Northeast and other parts of the country throughout the year, engaging students, educators, and communities to learn about nature, climate and sustainability.
“I am incredibly thrilled to welcome schools and colleges from Shillong and adjoining areas to NEHU for this festival; I truly believe that when our youth join hands, they become the driving force behind the urgent learning and action our nature and climate need today.”
Festival details
Dates: 5 – 9 Oct 2026
Venue: North-Eastern Hill University, Umshing Mawkynroh, Shillong
Timings: 9 AM – 2 PM
Open to: Schools (Grades VI – XII), colleges, and organisations
Entry: Free, with mandatory registration for participating institutions