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India’s love for stories is reflected in its literature, which is influenced by its history and diverse cultures. From classics like The Jungle Book, by Rudyard Kipling, and Midnight’s Children, by Salman Rushdie, to contemporary masterpieces, Indian literature has captivated readers worldwide. Every year, book lovers gather at literature festivals in India to celebrate the power of words, ideas, and creativity. These festivals bring together authors, poets, and thinkers through engaging discussions, music, art, and food. Events like the Jaipur Literature Festival and Kolkata Literary Meet honour India’s literary heritage while embracing global voices and fresh perspectives.
Top 10 Literature Festivals In India
Here are ten literature festivals in India, where books become bridges connecting different languages, cultures, and ideas:
1. Jaipur Literature Festival
Photo: Ds saini2000 / Wikimedia Commons
The Jaipur Literature Festival is Asia’s largest book event, held every January at the historic Diggi Palace in Jaipur. It started in 2006 and now attracts over 300,000 visitors, including Nobel Prize winners, Booker Prize authors, and famous writers worldwide. JLF offers free entry, making literature accessible to everyone. The five-day event features lively panel discussions, book launches, music performances, and workshops. Because of its success, JLF has also expanded to cities like London and New York. It is often called the “greatest literary show on Earth” and is a major highlight in India’s cultural calendar.
Month Held: January
2. Kolkata Literary Meet
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The Kolkata Literary Meet (KLM), one of the famous literature festivals in India, is held at the historic Victoria Memorial since 2012, is a grand celebration of books, ideas, and intellectual discussions, running alongside the International Kolkata Book Fair and brings together renowned Bengali writers and international authors in a vibrant exchange of thoughts and storytelling traditions. With panel discussions that explore the richness of Bengali literature while addressing important social issues, the festival offers sessions in both Bengali and English, allowing readers to engage closely with their favourite writers and reinforcing Kolkata’s reputation as India’s cultural and literary capital.
Month Held: January
3. Tata Literature Live, The Mumbai LitFest
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Tata Literature Live!, Mumbai’s premier literary festival held every November, was founded in 2010 by journalist Anil Dharker and takes place at prestigious venues like the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) and Prithvi Theatre, bringing together renowned authors, playwrights, and intellectuals for thought-provoking discussions on literature, business, and contemporary issues. With prestigious awards such as the Sultan Padamsee Award for playwriting and the Tata Literature Live! Awards for literary excellence, the festival combines book launches, workshops, and cultural performances, ensuring a dynamic celebration of Mumbai’s literary and artistic diversity while maintaining creative independence through corporate support.
Month Held: November
4. Kerala Literature Festival
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Kerala Literature Festival, South India’s largest literary event and one of the most popular literature festivals in India, is held on the scenic beaches of Kozhikode. Since its launch in 2016, it has attracted over 200,000 visitors annually, making it a vibrant platform for literary and cultural discussions. With a strong focus on Malayalam literature, the festival also features national and international writers, creating a vibrant space for literary and cultural discussions. Covering themes like social justice, environmental issues, and gender equality, KLF combines literature with Kerala’s artistic heritage through performances of Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and folk music.
Month Held: January
5. Hyderabad Literary Festival
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The Hyderabad Literary Festival celebrates the rich cultural diversity of the Deccan region. Since 2010, it has been held at venues like Hyderabad Public School and Telangana State Art Gallery. HLF promotes regional literature, with a special focus on Telugu and Urdu, while featuring a different “guest nation” each year for cultural exchange. The festival includes multilingual sessions, film screenings, art exhibitions, and music performances. There is also a special section for children and young adults that encourages a love for reading. By combining literature with art and culture, HLF offers a vibrant and inclusive experience for book lovers.
Month Held: January
6. Goa Arts And Literature Festival
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The Goa Arts and Literature Festival, one of the most popular literature festivals in India, is held in Panjim’s historic Portuguese-era buildings, creating a unique literary setting. Launched in 2010, GALF highlights Konkani, Marathi, and Portuguese literary traditions alongside Indian and global writing. With around 5,000 attendees, its intimate scale allows close interaction between writers and readers. The festival integrates Goa’s culture through music, art, and food events. It also explores Goa’s identity as a cultural crossroads and raises awareness about environmental issues.
Month Held: December
7. Bangalore Literature Festival
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As one of the leading literature festivals in India, the Bangalore Literature Festival reflects the modern and traditional aspects of India’s technology hub. Started in 2012, it is held in open-air venues like the Lalit Ashok Hotel and Palace Grounds, offering a unique literary experience. BLF balances Kannada literature with discussions on technology, startups, and urban life, appealing to Bengaluru’s diverse audience. Unique events include the “Literary Lunch,” where attendees dine with authors, along with children’s programming and opportunities for new writers. By attracting both tech professionals and literary enthusiasts, BLF creates an engaging space where literature meets contemporary culture.
Month Held: December
8. Chandigarh Literature Festival
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Chandigarh Literature Festival celebrates literature in India’s first planned city, known for its modern design and rich cultural heritage. Founded in 2013, it is held at venues like Tagore Theatre and Lake Club, creating an intimate space for literary discussions. The festival highlights Punjab and Haryana’s literary traditions, focusing on themes such as partition history and diaspora writing. With sessions in Punjabi, Hindi, and English, it showcases the region’s linguistic diversity. Unlike larger festivals, CLF offers a more personal atmosphere, encouraging deep conversations between writers and readers while also featuring children’s literature and regional publishing.
Month Held: November
9. Delhi Literature Festival
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Delhi Literature Festival connects literature with politics, history, and current affairs, reflecting the intellectual and cultural vibrancy of India’s capital. Founded in 2013, it takes place at prominent venues like Dilli Haat and India Habitat Centre, attracting authors, diplomats, journalists, and policymakers who engage in discussions on national and global issues. Book launches by political figures and sessions on policy, governance, and history make the festival particularly relevant. With around 10,000 attendees, DLF is smaller than some other literature festivals in India, but its central location ensures a high-impact platform for thought-provoking literary conversations that influence public discourse.
Month Held: February
10. Times LitFest
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Times LitFest, organised by India’s largest media group, brings professionalism and a broad reach to the literary festival landscape, making it one of the most high-profile literature festivals in India. Launched in 2015, it is hosted in major cities like Mumbai and Delhi, featuring top authors, celebrity speakers, and large audiences. With a strong media background, the festival combines traditional literary discussions with debates on current affairs, business, and economics, attracting professionals and entrepreneurs. Supported by corporate sponsorship, it ensures high-quality production and prime urban venues, successfully engaging mainstream audiences with literature and contemporary issues.
Month Held: November in Mumbai, February in Delhi
India’s passion for books and storytelling is beautifully reflected in its many literature festivals. These events bring together authors, readers, and thinkers to share ideas and celebrate diverse cultures. From Jaipur’s grand gatherings to Kerala’s beachfront discussions, literature festivals in India offer a unique way to experience books. Plan your trip to these festivals with TripXL for great travel deals, comfortable stays, and smooth bookings.
Cover Photo: Pratham Books / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
