Agartala , Feb 20, 2025, TRIPURATIMES Desk

Agartala, Feb 20: India’s first astronaut to reach space Rakesh Sharma on Thursday landed here at Agartala to join the Tripura Literature Festival starting from Friday, which coincides with the celebration of International Mother Language Day.

The festival is organised by Udaan, a cultural and literary organisation to celebrate and promote the literary culture of Tripura by bringing together poets, writers, artists, and intellectuals from across India and abroad, featuring discussions, poetry recitations, performances, and book presentations, thereby highlighting the rich literary heritage of the region and fostering a wider appreciation for literature.

Alongside Rakesh Sharma, Booker Prize winner Geetanjali Shree, and other 2 guests have arrived here at Agartala on Thursday to join the event, while the rest of the 17 guests will arrive here by Friday evening.

Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha is expected to inaugurate the programme here at Agartala Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan. The festival will last till February 23 next.