The eighth edition of Mountain Echoes Literary Festival that will begin August 23 in Thimphu will bring more than 70 speakers to celebrate literature, creativity, art, culture, history, spirituality, poetry, fashion and business, among others.

On August 25, Her Majesty the Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck will discuss the legacy of Zhabdrung with Khenpo Sonam Bumdhen.

Lingchen Dorji, the author of Home Shangrila, Yeshi Tsheyang Zam, the author of Khakey, and Lily Wangchuk, the author of Facts about Bhutan, will launch their book at the festival.

Yeshi Tsheyang Zam is the youngest Bhutanese author.

The festival will also see the launch of two books – Echoes of Bhutan and India’s Indira.

Linda Leaming and Marcus Zusak, the author of international bestseller The Book Thief, will engage the audience with discussions on literature. The festival will also stage opinions and workshops on business.

The 2017 edition of the festival will showcase the works of Bhutanese designer Chimmi Choden and Chandrika Tamang, among others.

The festival will share ideas, perspectives and history with Pawo Choyning Dorji, Sonam Choden Dorji and other artists.

Writer Jerry Pinto, illusionist Neel Madhav, ecologist Rebecca Pradhan will also be featured at the festival.

The festival will end on August 27.

Phurpa Lhamo