Against the backdrop of Kozhikode’s beaches, the eighth edition of the Kerala Literature Festival (KLF) will unfold from 23 to 26 January 2025. KLF, said to be Asia’s largest literature festival is set to be bigger and more diverse than ever, with over 600,000 visitors expected to flood the city. With speakers from 15 countries, including global participants representing the UK, Spain, France, Germany, Sri Lanka, the USA, Singapore, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Greece, Egypt, Turkey, Israel, Latvia, and Sweden, the festival promises a celebration of literary discourse, cultural exchange, and artistic expression.
“KLF has transformed tremendously over the years, from its humble beginnings to becoming Asia’s largest literature festival. Each year, we witness not only a growing number of participants but also an increasing global presence, with more countries joining us and sharing their unique literary voices. The international reach of KLF reflects the festival’s commitment to fostering cross-cultural exchanges and showcasing the diversity of thought and creativity from around the world. The enthusiasm of our attendees has continued to exceed expectations, making KLF a truly global celebration of literature and culture,” said Ravi Deecee, chief facilitator, Kerala Literature Festival.
Kozhikode, India’s first UNESCO-designated City of Literature, is the host for this event. The historic city, known for its rich cultural heritage, will come alive with a whirlwind of activities. Visitors can enjoy a variety of book launches, poetry readings, multiple workshops, shows, theatrical performances, and musical acts designed to captivate audiences and create a vibrant cultural atmosphere.
France will be the guest country this year, further enhancing the festival’s international dimension. Attendees can look forward to an exciting showcase of French culture, with special sessions featuring French authors, intellectuals, and artists. From literary panels to engaging cultural discussions, the festival offers an opportunity to explore France’s artistic heritage. Visitors can immerse themselves in French language, art, and philosophy through a series of talks and events that highlight the deep literary and artistic traditions of the country, enriching the global dialogue that KLF fosters.
KLF is more than just a literary festival—it’s a multi-dimensional celebration of art in its many forms. The festival comes alive in the evenings, transforming into a grand stage for cultural performances, spanning both traditional and contemporary art forms. Kerala’s musical heritage will be showcased through performances, from classical to folk music, while theatre enthusiasts will be treated to evocative plays that explore local narratives and universal themes. Audiences can lose themselves in the rhythms of traditional percussion ensembles or be mesmerized by the grace of classical dancers. This unique blend of intellectual discussion and vibrant arts makes KLF an immersive cultural experience, the press release said.
The festival will also host some of the most celebrated names in literature, politics, and music. Notable figures such as Jerry Pinto, Perumal Murugan, Shashi Tharoor, Shinie Antony, Urvashi Bhutalia, Manu S Pillai, and Rajdeep Sardesai will take the stage, alongside emerging talent and international voices. Adding to the cultural richness, flautist Hariprasad Chaurasia will perform, promising to enchant audiences with his melodic mastery.
KLF’s success lies in its diversity. The festival consistently attracts Nobel laureates, Booker Prize winners, and even Oscar recipients, ensuring an exchange of ideas that transcends literature to include art, music, science, and more. The speakers cover a wide array of topics – ranging from literature, politics, and art to science and film – ensuring there’s something for everyone. Attendees can look forward to thought-provoking discussions on subjects spanning from scientific advancements to explorations of ancient philosophy, fostering an atmosphere of dialogue and debate.
A special highlight of this year’s festival is the introduction of the Children’s KLF, a dedicated space for young readers. Supported by leading children’s book publishers and authors, this initiative aims to ignite a love for literature in younger generations through storytelling sessions, workshops, and outreach programs in local schools.
As KLF 2025 approaches, excitement builds for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of literature and culture. The beaches of Kozhikode await, ready to host one of the most significant cultural events of the year.
