By Husneara Choudhury , New York:
The Fourth Rockland Retreat and Book Fair 2026, a two-day literary and cultural gathering organized by the Bengali International Literary Society (BILS), successfully concluded amid the lush greenery and serene natural beauty of Chestnut Ridge, New York. Held at 285 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge, New York, the event carried the theme: “Read, Write, Think, and Engage.”
As a pre-conference program, a series of engaging and unique activities began on the morning of July 25. These included “Get Fit and Tiana with Giana,” a body relaxation and stretching session led by Giana Mela; hiking through the woods and an introduction to beekeeping with Josh Sukhov; walking yoga under the trees led by Ora Sukhov; a tour of Threefold Community Farm; and swimming in the pond. These activities offered participants an opportunity to reconnect with nature while creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the retreat.
The central theme of this year’s Rockland Retreat and Book Fair was “The Sari.” Special seminars and discussions explored the history, heritage, artistry, and cultural significance of this traditional garment of women in Bangladesh and India, as well as its influence on world literature and culture. Special sessions and presentations, including “International Museum of the Sari” and “My Journey in a Sari to Heathrow Airport,” further highlighted the cultural and literary dimensions of the sari.
Over the course of two days, the literary festival and book fair brought together a vibrant community of writers, poets, researchers, scholars, and culture enthusiasts from Bangladesh, India, the United States, and beyond. The program featured literary readings, original poetry, stories, and children’s rhymes, along with a creative Live Writing Contest, titled “In Search of Writing in the Woods.”
During the opening ceremony, the national anthems of Bangladesh and India were performed by Andrew Shantz and Samina Khandaker, with the English translation presented by Dr. Asmita Saha. The American national anthem was performed by Prothom Chakraborty, Andrew Shantz, Shannon Young, and John Carlos Young. Eric Silber, former Executive Director of the Threefold Educational Foundation, also delivered a special message of goodwill for the event, which was published in the souvenir released on the occasion.
One of the notable features of this year’s event was the special opportunity provided for writers on the autism spectrum and writers with special needs to showcase their work, with support from Endeavor 21+. The initiative reflected the event’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility in the literary and cultural community.
A special panel discussion titled “250 Years of East-West Literary Developments” was held during the book fair, moderated by poet Fakir Elias. Literary discussions and poetry readings were presented in Bengali, English, German, and Spanish, reflecting the event’s diverse and international character.
Alongside literature and intellectual discussions, the event featured a rich cultural program that included a fusion of Bengali and Western music, tabla performances, dance, magic, and organic American cuisine produced by local organic farms. Together, these activities created a lively and memorable atmosphere for attendees.
The gathering provided an opportunity for members of the Bengali diaspora to step away from the routine of modern life and spend meaningful time with literature, language, nature, and loved ones. The chief guest was renowned poet Subodh Sarkar, former Chairman of the West Bengal Poetry Academy. The event was inaugurated by Dr. Mostafa Sarwar, Professor at the University of New Orleans, while the program was chaired by Mohammad Nurul Huda, poet and former Director General of the Bangla Academy.
The event was organized under the overall supervision of Dr. Dhananjay Saha, with Giana Mela serving as Convener. Special guests included Dr. Mohammad Masum, vocalist Rathindranath Roy, poet Fakir Elias, poet Farhana Elias Tuli, writer and journalist Shah J. Chowdhury, cultural personality Abdul Haque, poet Benzir Sikder, and children’s author Humayun Kabir Dhali, along with many distinguished guests from the United States and abroad.
Filled with the fragrance of books, the rhythm of poetry, lively literary conversations, and the warmth of meeting familiar faces after a long time, the two-day gathering created a beautiful and lasting memory for Bengali literature lovers in the diaspora.
The Fourth Rockland Retreat and Book Fair 2026 stands as another meaningful chapter in the ongoing effort to keep the light of Bengali language, literature, and culture alive on foreign soil. Organizers and participants hope that this inspiring journey will nurture a deeper appreciation of Bengali heritage among the younger generation and strengthen their emotional and cultural connection with their roots, even as they build new lives in a new land.
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