Punjabi novel Khora shortlisted for 2026 Dhahan Prize

Dr Dharampal Sahil, a retired school principal from Hoshiarpur, has been shortlisted for the 2026 Dhahan Prize for Punjabi Literature for his novel 'Khora' (Erosion). The prize, founded in Vancouver in 2013, is among the top international honours for Punjabi fiction. Sahil is one of six writers competing for combined prize money of 51,000 Canadian dollars.

'Khora' explores environmental loss and migration in Punjab's Kandi belt near Himachal Pradesh. Times Now News reports that Sahil drew on changes he witnessed locally, including mining and deforestation that have eroded livelihoods, settlements and cultural traditions. The book is published by Chetna Parkashan and is Sahil's seventh Punjabi novel.

The Dhahan Prize shortlist brings international visibility to the Kandi region's distinct geography and culture, which Sahil says is often overlooked compared to regions like Malwa, Doaba and Majha. The winner will be announced in 2026.