Monia Aljalis at the Long Night of LiteratureS
25 November 2025
Europe’s extraordinary diversity of languages mirrors that of India ; both are rich mosaics of voices, traditions, and stories. The Long Night of LiteratureS is a literary festival organized by the European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC) which celebrates the encounter of cultures beyond language barriers. The festival provides a unique opportunity to Indian audiences to discover European contemporary authors, appreciate the music and texture of different European languages and to engage with avant-garde literary perspectives shaping today’s Europe.
The 15th edition of the Long Night of LiteratureS took place between 17th to 24th November 2025 across New Delhi, Kolkata and Varanasi, welcoming authors from 14 countries. France was represented by Villa Swagatam resident Monia Aljalis, who participated in events in all three cities.
Calcutta : A Multisensory Encounter at Goethe-Institut and Alliance Française du Bengale
The Goethe-Institut and the Alliance Française du Bengale jointly hosted the first Long Night of LiteratureS, where Monia conducted sessions with an immersive performance. Blending music, spoken poetry, and sensory cues, from scent to visual fragments, she crafted an atmosphere that enveloped the audience in her poetic universe. She read excerpts from L’Extase (Seuil, 2024), alongside new pieces shaped during the first days of her residency at the Alice Boner Institute in Varanasi.
Delhi : Dialogues on Spiritual Dissonance and Modern Life
In Delhi, Monia took part in the second Long Night of LiteratureS at the India Habitat Centre, forming a dynamic duo with the Danish author Fine Grønbøl. Their collaborative reading and conversation explored spirituality, dissonance, and the complexities of contemporary life, weaving together their distinct literary voices. The public responded enthusiastically, praising the depth of the exchange and the natural chemistry between the two authors.
Varanasi : Poetry and Music Along the River’s Rhythm
Monia concluded the Long Night of LiteratureS with a powerful performance in Varanasi, collaborating with a classical tabla musician, creating a rhythmic dialogue between words and sound. The performance was met with deep appreciation from the audience. She also participated in a moderated session with Dr. Vasumathi Badrinathan from the Banaras Hindu University, discussing poetic practice, influences, and the emotional landscapes of her work.
Engaging with Younger Voices
Parallel to her public performances, Monia visited the Sanskrit College in Kolkata and the Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi, meeting young students and emerging creators. Through discussions and short readings, she introduced them to her avant-garde approach to prose and poetry, encouraging them to explore new modes of expression.
You are my lovers
Tonight. I have drunk
From all your mouths
A thousand times, in the carnival
Inside my head.
Glory, Glory, Glory
Let us all go to the dreams and to the trash
Shear heads and spit out fractures
Accompanied by a tabla tune, softly.
- Monia Aljalis
Click here to follow Monia’s travel diaries (carnet de voyage).
