Literature festival season is right around the corner. As November and December arrive and the new year dawns upon us, literary festivals get ready for days of celebrations revolving around books. Across South Asia, writers indulge in insightful conversations and panels, bridging cultures and languages. In today’s world, where everything is becoming automated, there is nothing more important than talking about the creation of art, its sustenance and its future. Browse our edit of must attend literature festivals this season.
Shillong Literary Festival
11th - 14th November, 2026
Meghalaya is a special place for arts, culture and tradition to thrive. Nestled within its hills, the Shillong Literary Festival spotlights Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo communities who have kept stories alive: tales of ancestors, legends shaped by the land, and narratives woven deeply into everyday life. Every November, Shillong opens its doors to readers and writers from all around the world to engage with each other.
Dehradun Literature Festival
27th - 29th November, 2026
Another lit fest that takes place in the hills, at The Doon School, is the Dehradun Literature Festival. As home to the legendary writer Ruskin Bond, the festival lends itself to an ethos that promotes educational and natural heritage. Speakers this year include AR Rahman, Sayani Gupta and Rathna Pathak Shah amongst other well-known creatives.
Bangalore Literature Festival
11th - 13th December, 2026
In the South, BLF has always held its ground as a well reputed literature festival, since its inception in 2012. Taking place at Freedom Park this year, Rana Daggupati, Anjum Hasan, and Deepa Bhasti are notable names.
Jaipur Literature Festival
14th - 18th January, 2027
The forever iconic and widely loved, arguably the biggest literature festival in India takes place in Jaipur. JLF celebrates 20 years in 2027, making it all the more special. Never just a gathering of authors, it has, since its inception, evolved into the world's most expansive and democratic platform for informed discourse. It will be taking place at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur.
Lit for Life
16th - 17th January, 2027
The Hindu’s annual literary festival, Lit for Life, has become an important fixture in Chennai’s cultural calendar since its inception in 2010. Bringing together writers, poets, journalists, academics and artists, the festival creates a space for conversations that explore the intersections of literature, society, politics and culture. As per usual, it will take place at Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall.
Kerala Literature Festival
21st - 24th January, 2027
Organised by DC Books, the Kerala Literature Festival (KLF) is one of Asia’s largest literary gatherings, bringing together writers, thinkers, artists and readers from across the world. Set against the shores of Kozhikode Beach, the festival is known for its diverse programme of conversations, debates, book launches, workshops and cultural performances. Celebrating its tenth edition in 2027, KLF embraces the idea of a polyphonic literary landscape.
Galle Literary Festival
17th - 21st March, 2027
Set within the historic walls of Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the festival brings together Sri Lankan and international writers for conversations, readings and cultural exchanges. The setting itself lends the festival a unique atmosphere, with its colonial architecture, cobbled streets and views of the Indian Ocean.
Words Plarform Desk
Date 11.11.2026
