The Nagaland Literature Festival (NLF) Prizes 2026 is now open for entries, inviting Naga writers from across the world to share their stories, poetry and ideas.
With the theme “From Hearth to Page,” this year’s prizes celebrate the journey of lived experiences, memories, voices and perspectives into written form.
There are three categories:
NLF Short Story Prize — 2,500–3,000 words NLF Poetry Prize — not more than 20 lines NLF Essay Prize — 2,000 words
Each category carries a prize of ₹10,000 along with a citation.
Who Can Enter?
The competition is open to any Naga residing anywhere in the world. Entrants must be 18 years or above.
While participation is open globally, winners must be physically present to receive the prize.
Entries will be accepted from 25 August to 25 September 2026.
How to Submit
Entries should be submitted by email to nagalandliteraturefestival@gmail.com in MS Word format.
Use the following subject format: Submission for NLF Prize – [Category]
Strict Originality & AI Policy
The NLF Prizes 2026 have a strict originality policy.
All submissions must be 100% original human work. The use of generative AI tools such as Gemini, ChatGPT, Claude and similar tools to draft or generate story content is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate disqualification.
Entries will undergo multi-stage screening. Shortlisted authors may be required to provide draft versions, histories or notes and participate in an editorial verification interview before the final awards.
From Hearth to Page
The theme, “From Hearth to Page,” offers writers an opportunity to turn their experiences, observations, memories and imagination into works that can be shared with a wider audience.
Whether you write fiction, poetry or essays, this is an invitation to put your work forward and let your voice be read.
If you have a story waiting to be told, a poem waiting to be written, or an idea that deserves a page, this could be the time to submit it.
Entries close on 25 September 2026.
For full details and submission guidelines, refer to the official NLF Prizes 2026 call for entries. Visit https://www.instagram.com/nagalandliteraturefestival/
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