The eighth edition of the Kerala Literature Festival (KLF) was unveiled with a curtain raiser event hosted in New Delhi by Shashi Tharoor, author and politician, at his residence in New Delhi’s Lodhi Estate on 4 December 2024.Â
As Asia’s largest literature festival, KLF 2025 is set to unfold in Kozhikode, Kerala, from 23 to 26 January with France as the guest nation. The gathering attracted an array of diplomats, publishers, authors, and influential figures, providing a preview of what promises to be a grand celebration of literature and culture. Tharoor emphasized the importance of such platforms in promoting cross-cultural understanding and highlighted the role of literature in uniting diverse global voices.
The curtain raiser was attended by dignitaries including UNESCO representatives Junhi Han (chief of culture sector, UNESCO New Delhi) and Anand Kanitkar (program officer, culture sector, UNESCO New Delhi). Kozhikode’s recognition as a UNESCO City of Literature adds an extra layer of prestige, highlighting its rich cultural legacy.
Among the other attendees were several ambassadors, including Diana Mickeviciene from Lithuania, Firat Sunel from Turkey, Abdulnasser Jamal Alshaali from the UAE, Kevin Kelly from Ireland, Hervé Delphin from the EU Delegation, May-Elin Stener from Norway, and Marisa Gerards from the Netherlands. These international representatives underscored the global importance of KLF 2025 and its commitment to fostering worldwide literary dialogue.
KLF 2025 will host over 600,000 visitors and feature more than 500 speakers from around the world. In addition to France, 15 countries are set to participate – the UK, Spain, France, Germany, Sri Lanka, USA, Singapore, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Greece, Egypt, Turkey, Israel, Latvia, and Sweden. The festival’s diverse international presence highlights its role as a major platform for cultural exchange.
Thierry Mathou, the Ambassador of France to India, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, saying, “The Kerala Literature Festival offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the rich literary traditions of France and the world. As the guest nation, we are excited to showcase the best of French literature and culture, and we look forward to contributing to the vibrant dialogue at this prestigious gathering.”
Mathou said that this year KLF will host a publishers meet to foster professional connections between Indian and French publishers, with eight prestigious French publishers attending KLF 2025.
KLF 2025 will feature a diverse array of sessions on topics such as environment, literature, science and technology, history and politics, business and entrepreneurship, health, art, cinema, theater, music and leisure, travel and tourism, gender issues, and the economy.Â
The festival will include a line-up of speakers, such as Nobel laureates and Booker Prize winners, alongside literary luminaries such as Ramachandra Guha and William Dalrymple. Other notable figures such as Hariprasad Chaurasia, Dr L Subramaniam, Sunitha Krishnan, Manu S Pillai, S Hussain Zaidi, and Francesc Miralles will also participate.
“The Kerala Literature Festival has evolved into one of the most influential platforms for literary and cultural exchange in the region. With over 500 speakers and a host of international artists, this year promises to be even more impactful and diverse. We are honored to celebrate the power of storytelling and ideas that transcend borders, and we look forward to welcoming the global literary community to Kozhikode for what will be an unforgettable experience,” said Ravi Deecee, chief facilitator of the Kerala Literature Festival.
The Children’s KLF, started last year, will be held alongside the main event and provide a dedicated space for children and young adults, Deecee said, adding they have the KLF Awards from this year in the best fiction and best non-fiction categories, which will be announced at KLF.Â
Outreach programs have been happening in over a hundred schools across Kozhikode, he said, adding that French literature is quite known to the public of Kerala with many translations of French books into Malayalam. The Writer’s Residency, which started a couple of years back, will have a few French writers in residence this year, Deecee added.
The festival will offer stimulating literary panels and cultural discussions, with a special focus on exploring France’s rich artistic heritages. Attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in French language and culture through various talks and events that showcase the country’s deep and diverse literary traditions. This focus not only celebrates France’s contributions to global culture but also enhances the dynamic dialogue fostered by KLF—creating a platform for meaningful cross-cultural exchange and understanding.
