Every book and every story weaves a magic that excites you to no end. If you are a true book lover and love losing yourself in the latest literary adventure, you would love to know more about the best literary festivals organized in India. India celebrates books, book lovers, authors, and writers every year through literary festivals organized across the country's length and breadth. It is a matter of pride for Indians to attend and be a part of these literary fests, which indicates the growing tribe of intellectuals in the country. Many writers, budding and established authors, novelists, editors, playwrights, and intellectuals congregate at these fests, where they get an opportunity to exchange opinions, thoughts, and ideas with like-minded people.
Several states in India are known for their literary richness, like West Bengal, Kerala, etc. These festivals give the participants a chance to polish their skills, listen to their favourite writers, engage in storytelling or book reading activities, and more, all to encourage and promote a true love of reading. Here, we introduce you to some of the most popular literary festivals in India and why you should attend them.
The literary festivals are the best way to commemorate and promote the literary richness of our motherland and encourage book lovers to participate in active debates and conversations on relevant subjects. Various musical and cultural performances are also organized as part of these fests that keep visitors engaged. Ministry of Culture of India organizes some festivals. Many states have their literary festival, which also incentivizes book lovers to travel around. Here we bring you a well-curated list of established and upcoming literary festivals in India. You can plan your trip with the help of Adotrip-your travel buddy, and be a part of these thought-provoking fests.
It is one of the most-talked-about literature festivals in India. It is a festival of ideas, thoughts, and opinions freely exchanged amongst writers, thinkers, and intellectuals. Considered one of the biggest literary festivals and exhibitions on Earth, it has become globally renowned in the past ten years. Over a million book lovers and 2000 speakers participate in this festival. This festival is celebrated across five days that comes alive with stimulating speeches and panel discussions.
It is undoubtedly an event to be witnessed by book aficionados. Some of the key participants to this festival are Ramachandra Guha, who wrote Calling Sehmat; Yann Martel, who wrote Life of Pi; and Andre Aciman, who wrote Call Me By Your Name. Other major participants have been some globally acclaimed historians, playwrights, biographers, authors, and more who interact with readers.
Venue- The Diggi Palace, Jaipur
Month- January-February
How to Reach- Jaipur is a prominent tourist destination. It is well-connected with major cities of the country and some international destinations.
Also Read: Jaipur Literature Festival 2021: Everything You Need To Know
It is another one of the most famous and visited literary festivals organized in India. Organised by Oxford Bookstore, it hosts and celebrates the work of a range of authors from all over the world. Bookworms love visiting this festival and enjoy the chance to hear their favourite authors. With an impressive line-up, the festival has gained a lot of significance and popularity in the past few years. The festival has also been a proud host to Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists. Recently, the festival marked its tenth anniversary, and the event was participated by acclaimed writers like Anuja Chauhan, David Davihar, Naseeruddin Shah, and more.
The discussion panel usually marks the presence of stalwarts like Ramachandra Guha, Shashi Tharoor, Bon Okri, Devdutt Patnaik, and more. This event is certainly a feather in the cap for the City of Joy and celebrates its rich literary and cultural legacy. The AKLF 2022 dates are yet to be released, and organisers are hopeful to organize it live for book lovers.
Venue- Park Street, Allen Park, Park Mansions, Alliance Franchise
Month- January
How to Reach- Kolkata is one of the major cities in India. It is connected to several international and national destinations through air, rail, and bus transport.
An annual festival for book enthusiasts, journalists, writers, and lecturers, Times Litfest, is one of the best literary fests in the country. This festival is fast capturing the attention of authors, writers, historians, biographers of international repute. Namita Devidayal and Bachi Karkaria envisaged the notion of this festival. Every year, this three-day event is based upon a new, socially relevant theme. One of the themes, "Power As Hero and Villain," saw the participation of renowned authors like Amish Tripathi, Akhil Sharma, Arianna Huffington, Ashwin Sanghi, and Anupama Chopra. A lot of sessions were planned around this theme where keynote speakers spoke their minds. Entry to this event is free of charge. Visitors love witnessing power-packed debates on history, mythology, fiction, crime, romance, storytelling, and modern interactions. Panel discussions focus on painting, illustration, gender, parenting, sexuality, etc. A range of workshops is held during the fest. The country's best music, movies, and literature are showcased that promote healthy debates and dynamic dialogues.
Venue- India Habitat Center
Month-January
How to Reach- Delhi is one of the major cities in India. It is connected to several international and national destinations through air, rail, and bus transport.
An endeavour of a non-profit organization, Lucknow Society, the Lucknow Literary Festival promotes and preserves culture. The average age of the team members of this society is 24 years, but this youth brigade has done a commendable job by organizing a well-talked about and visited the literary festival. Some most notable and critically acclaimed authors and writers grace this occasion where unique insights, thoughts, and experiences are exchanged irrespective of age.
Venue- Lucknow, UP
Month- November
How to Reach- Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is well-connected with the country's capital and other major cities. It is connected to several international and national destinations through air, rail, and bus transport.
This festival was first organized in 2012. Named after the famous, legendary writer Khushwant Singh, this festival is usually celebrated in October. He was a fine writer who wrote most of this work in Kasauli, a place known for its amazing attractions. It is for this reason; this literary festival is celebrated amidst gorgeous hills covered with mist. People from different walks of life, like Shobhaa De, Dr. Rakshanda Jalil, Dr. Dilip Donde, Coomi Kapoor, Bachi Karkaria, Bishen Singh Bedi, and more. The topic of the fest changes every year so that debates and discussions on myriad topics are facilitated. Workshops are held with writers who share their thought processes and their journey to writing a book. There are exciting performances and musical entertainment in the evening. Reading a book or hearing to your favourite authors in the lap of nature is an unparalleled experience. Another event worth witnessing is Kasauli Rhythm & Blues Festival, where you can enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Kasauli.
Venue- Kasauli
Month- October
How to Reach- The nearest airport to reach Kasauli is Chandigarh airport. It is 70 km away from Kasauli. Regular domestic air carriers ply their services to Chandigarh Airport. Buses or private taxis can be hired to reach Kasauli directly.
Bangalore is a hub of intellectuals and is known for its rich literary legacy. Bangaloreans love reading and writing, and this festival is an ode to the intellectualism of the country. This annual festival is celebrated every year in 'Namma Bengaluru.' People love to immerse themselves in the magic of books. The literary environment of the Garden City of India is a perfect place to visit for bibliophiles and book worms. Writers from all over the world get a chance to interact with each other which is a very stimulating experience. This city-owned festival celebrates the creative energy of the brightest brains in the country and abroad. Book collectors love to be a part of this event, where they participate in major event activities.
Venue- Bangalore
Month- December
How to Reach- The nearest airport to reach Bangalore is BLR airport, approximately 28 km away from the main city. Regular domestic air carriers ply their services to Bangalore Airport. Buses or private taxis can be hired to reach the destination directly.
It is one of the most-awaited literary festivals in the country. Participating in this fest is like a dream come true, watching waves crashing on the beach, witnessing the sun setting at the horizon, and being surrounded by some of your favourite books and authors. A non-profit organization organizes this event. It started in 2010 and is a strictly fully volunteered event. Top writers from all over the country participate in this fest in Goa and engage in political and social discourses. Listen to the lectures by some of the most notable writers, authors, painters, poets, etc. The event is largely focused on diaspora and Goan literature. Some well-known writers who have attended this event are Amish Tripathi, Amitav Ghosh, and Teju Cole. Besides attending the literary fest, make it a point to check out some of the major attractions of this destination. Here in Goa, you can check out the beautiful architecture, lovely beaches, and unique culture.
Venue- International Center Goa, Goa
Month- December
How to Reach- The nearest airport to reach Goa is Dabolim Airport. Regular domestic, international, and private jets ply their services to Goa. Buses or private taxis can be hired to reach Goa directly.
It is another one of the several literary festivals in India that bring budding and experienced writers together and give them a platform to exchange compelling ideas, thoughts, and opinions, and encourage social and political discourses. All these discussions in the lap of nature in a gorgeous location encourage interesting discussions among the participants and speakers. This event in Kumaon is known for its intimate crowd, the strength of its voice, and amazing ambiance. People love having one-to-one interactions with their favourite writers and specialists and enjoy the opportunity to learn a lot from them. Namita Gokhale, a prominent writer-journalist, mentors this event.
It is the only 'green' festival in India where organisers provide open space to the attendees to conduct meetings with a lovely backdrop of mighty high Deodar trees. Here, the organisers also organise forest walks, birdwatching lessons, heritage paths, and more.
Venue- Abbotsford, A Heritage Villa in Kumaon
Month- October
How to Reach- The nearest railway station to reach Kumaon is Kathgodam, approximately 24 km away. A lot of private and state-owned buses and private cabs also ply their services to this destination.
Kerala, God's Own Country, is also a land of intellectuals. KLF, or the Kerala Literature Festival, is a celebration of stories, words, and ideas. Apart from being a literature festival, it is also a cultural extravaganza where famous artists from all over the world perform their art forms. Participants to this festival love engaging in discourses concerning culture, environment, literature, art, culture, film, technology, music, and more. A series of interactive activities and seminars are organized. Bands and several performers visit the event and play global music. In 2020, the major theme of the event was climate change and the environment. Another event that has made this destination popular among visitors is Cape Festival. It is also organized in January.
Venue- Kozhikode, Kerala
Month- January
How to Reach- The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport to reach Kozhikode. A lot of private and state-owned buses and private cabs also ply their services to this destination.
The City of Dreams, Mumbai organizes Queensline Lit Fest that attracts worldwide literature enthusiasts. Attending the event with the sea breeze gently caressing your face, watching spectacular sunsets, and listening to debates on relevant topics is fun. People who are passionate about literature attend the fest while enjoying the amazing skyline of Mumbai. It is also touted as the first marine literature celebration in India. Here, book lovers share their passion for the ocean and books. It is an amazing event where it is fun watching intellectuals engaged in serious discussions on various topics.
Venue- Queensline Neverland and Queensline Sea YAH- A Ship
Month- January-February
How to Reach- Mumbai International Airport is the major airport in Mumbai. If visiting Mumbai from nearby places, private or state-owned buses or private cabs can reach the city.
When planning to visit any of these literature festivals in India, get in touch with Adotrip-your go-to travel partner, and avail yourself of the best flight and hotel deals, tour packages, and a memorable holiday. Use our AI-enabled circuit planner and plan a memorable trip.
Q 1- Which is the largest literary festival in the world?
Ans 1- JLF or the Jaipur Literature Festival in Jaipur is the literary festival in the world. It started in 2006.
--- Published By Arpita Mathur
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