Pune : Billabong High International School,
Amanora, powered by Lighthouse Learning Group, one of India’s most progressive
K–12 school networks, hosted the third
edition of Litfest, its annual celebration of literature, arts, and creative
expression. The festival brought together learners, parents, educators,
authors, artists, and cultural practitioners for a full-day immersive
experience, reinforcing the school’s commitment to nurturing imagination,
creativity, and intellectual curiosity among young learners.
Litfest 2026 offered a multi-sensory, learner-led experience,
transforming the campus into a vibrant cultural common where stories came alive
through panel discussions, poetry, music, theatre, filmmaking, fashion
showcases, quizzes, workshops, and interactive installations. The festival
aimed to foster a deep love for reading, writing, and creative inquiry while
encouraging learners to explore ideas across disciplines.
The festival was graced by Chief Guest Dr. Baliram Gaikwad, noted
literary scholar, along with Guest of Honour and Panellist Mr. Yashodhan Bal,
Indian actor; Mr. Savio Mascarenhas, Group Art Director at Amar Chitra Katha;
Ms. Vidya Nesari, children’s author and storyteller; and Dr. Saumya Misra,
academic leader, researcher, and educator. Their conversations explored the
evolving role of storytelling, literature, and creative arts in shaping young
minds in a rapidly changing world.
The highlight of Litfest 2026 was The Writers’ Roundtable, a literary
panel bringing together distinguished voices from literature, education, and
popular culture. The festival also featured an engaging session by Ms. Rutuja
Deshmukh on the history of Indian cinema, lively poetry and music performances,
and high-energy showcases by Billabongers and Team Dhunn. A major attraction
was the ‘Pages Alive Pavilion’, an experiential zone with themed stalls,
workshops, and creative activities that encouraged learners and parents to
explore, collaborate, and celebrate storytelling beyond the written word.
A unique pre-festival highlight was the ‘Books on Wheels’ initiative, where
a specially curated school bus was transformed into a mobile library and taken
across different parts of the city. The initiative promoted Litfest 2026 beyond
the campus while encouraging children to rediscover the joy of reading, making
literature accessible, engaging, and community-driven
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Aditi Mukherjee, Principal of Pune Billabong High International School said, “At Billabong High, we believe literature is not confined to books,
it lives in conversations, performances, questions, and creativity. Litfest
2026 was a reflection of our philosophy of innovative learning, where learners don’t
just consume stories but become storytellers themselves. Through platforms like
Litfest, we aim to nurture confident voices, critical thinking, and empathy,
skills that are essential for learners to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
The festival embodies our commitment to creating meaningful learning
experiences that extend beyond classrooms and textbooks.”
This
year’s edition witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 400+ learners and
500+ parents, along with parents, educators, and cultural practitioners,
reflecting the festival’s growing reputation as one of Pune’s most anticipated
celebrations of literature, arts, and creative expression.
With enthusiastic participation from the school community and strong
engagement across age groups, Litfest 2026 reaffirmed Billabong High
International School, Amanora’s commitment to creating meaningful platforms
that nurture critical thinking, creativity, and confidence, preparing learners
to articulate their voices thoughtfully in an interconnected world.
Litfest 2026 offered a multi-sensory, learner-led experience,
transforming the campus into a vibrant cultural common where stories came alive
through panel discussions, poetry, music, theatre, filmmaking, fashion
showcases, quizzes, workshops, and interactive installations. The festival
aimed to foster a deep love for reading, writing, and creative inquiry while
encouraging learners to explore ideas across disciplines.
The festival was graced by Chief Guest Dr. Baliram Gaikwad, noted
literary scholar, along with Guest of Honour and Panellist Mr. Yashodhan Bal,
Indian actor; Mr. Savio Mascarenhas, Group Art Director at Amar Chitra Katha;
Ms. Vidya Nesari, children’s author and storyteller; and Dr. Saumya Misra,
academic leader, researcher, and educator. Their conversations explored the
evolving role of storytelling, literature, and creative arts in shaping young
minds in a rapidly changing world.
The highlight of Litfest 2026 was The Writers’ Roundtable, a literary
panel bringing together distinguished voices from literature, education, and
popular culture. The festival also featured an engaging session by Ms. Rutuja
Deshmukh on the history of Indian cinema, lively poetry and music performances,
and high-energy showcases by Billabongers and Team Dhunn. A major attraction
was the ‘Pages Alive Pavilion’, an experiential zone with themed stalls,
workshops, and creative activities that encouraged learners and parents to
explore, collaborate, and celebrate storytelling beyond the written word.
A unique pre-festival highlight was the ‘Books on Wheels’ initiative, where
a specially curated school bus was transformed into a mobile library and taken
across different parts of the city. The initiative promoted Litfest 2026 beyond
the campus while encouraging children to rediscover the joy of reading, making
literature accessible, engaging, and community-driven
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Aditi Mukherjee, Principal of Pune Billabong High International School said, “At Billabong High, we believe literature is not confined to books,
it lives in conversations, performances, questions, and creativity. Litfest
2026 was a reflection of our philosophy of innovative learning, where learners don’t
just consume stories but become storytellers themselves. Through platforms like
Litfest, we aim to nurture confident voices, critical thinking, and empathy,
skills that are essential for learners to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
The festival embodies our commitment to creating meaningful learning
experiences that extend beyond classrooms and textbooks.”
This
year’s edition witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 400+ learners and
500+ parents, along with parents, educators, and cultural practitioners,
reflecting the festival’s growing reputation as one of Pune’s most anticipated
celebrations of literature, arts, and creative expression.
With enthusiastic participation from the school community and strong
engagement across age groups, Litfest 2026 reaffirmed Billabong High
International School, Amanora’s commitment to creating meaningful platforms
that nurture critical thinking, creativity, and confidence, preparing learners
to articulate their voices thoughtfully in an interconnected world.