Kerala Literature Festival 2026 To Begin On January 22 At Kozhikode Beach
The Kerala Literature Festival (KLF) 2026 is set to return to Kozhikode Beach from January 22 to 25, promising four days of books, ideas, debates and cultural exchange by the sea.
Organised by DC Books, the festival is widely regarded as one of Asia’s largest beachside literature festivals and is expected to draw thousands of readers, writers and thinkers from India and abroad.
This year’s edition will feature over 400 speakers across multiple stages, making it one of the most ambitious editions of KLF so far.
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Registrations are open, with entry remaining free for the public, as in previous years.
The biggest highlight of KLF 2026 is the presence of Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams, who will participate in special sessions and also attend the inaugural ceremony on the evening of January 22.
The opening session will also be attended by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, along with several prominent delegates, marking a high-profile start to the festival.
The literary lineup includes internationally acclaimed authors and thinkers such as Nobel Prize–winning novelist Abdulrazak Gurnah, Booker Prize winner Kiran Desai, historian Romila Thapar, and Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales. Their sessions are expected to cover a wide range of themes, including literature, history, politics, technology and society.
Apart from authors and intellectuals, KLF 2026 will also see strong participation from the world of cinema and arts. Actors and cultural voices like Bhavana and Prakash Raj will be part of discussions, adding to the festival’s blend of literature, cinema and public dialogue.
Held against the scenic backdrop of Kozhikode Beach, the four-day festival aims to create an open space for conversations that matter.
