The Kerala Literature Festival (KLF) 2025 is all set to captivate literary and cultural enthusiasts as it brings together some of the most celebrated names in literature, science, and the arts. Scheduled to take place from January 23 to 26 in Kozhikode, Kerala, this eighth edition promises a vibrant mix of discussions, performances, and cross-cultural exchanges.
Six booker prize winners to grace KLF 2025
For the first time in its history, KLF will host six Booker Prize winners, marking a significant milestone for the festival. Renowned authors Jenny Erpenbeck, Paul Lynch, Michael Hofmann, GauZ’, Sophie Mackintosh, and Georgi Gospodinov will be attending, offering their unique insights and elevating the festival to new global heights. Their presence ensures that KLF 2025 will be a must-attend event for book lovers and literary enthusiasts.
France as the guest nation
Adding to the international flavor, France will be the guest nation at KLF 2025. French authors and artists, including acclaimed novelist and director Philippe Claudel and historian Pierre Singaravélou, will represent the country. Other notable French contributors include Julie Stephen Chheng, Chowra Makaremi, Timothée de Fombelle, and Alfred Lionel Papagalli. Crime writer Johanna Gustawsson, graphic novelist Zeina Abirached, illustrator Cheyenne Olivier, and artist Fred Nevché will further showcase the diversity of French literature and art.
Nobel laureates and Indian stalwarts
The festival will also feature Nobel Prize winners Venki Ramakrishnan and Esther Duflo, whose groundbreaking work in their respective fields will provide unique perspectives to the event. Indian luminaries such as historian Ramachandra Guha, actor Naseeruddin Shah, and violin maestro L. Subramaniam will enrich the festival with their expertise and insights.
Prominent Indian authors like Ira Mukhoty, Manu S. Pillai, Benyamin, Amit Chaudhuri, and Abraham Verghese will join international voices such as Norwegian novelist Helga Flatland and New Zealand’s Catherine Chidgey.
Cultural performances to enrich the experience
The festival is not limited to literature alone. Cultural performances by iconic artists such as Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Mir Mukhtiyar Ali, and Ustad Waseem Ahmed Khan will add a rich musical dimension, ensuring a well-rounded celebration of art and culture.
A platform for global dialogue
“KLF 2025 embodies the spirit of global dialogue and cultural exchange. Hosting six Booker Prize winners and distinguished speakers from across the world is a testament to our commitment to creating a platform that celebrates literature in all its glory. This year’s festival promises to be an unforgettable experience for every attendee,” said Ravi Deecee, Chief Facilitator of the Kerala Literature Festival.
As Asia’s largest literature festival, KLF 2025 will welcome over 500 speakers from 15 countries and is expected to attract more than 600,000 visitors. Set in the UNESCO City of Literature, Kozhikode provides a fitting backdrop for this grand celebration of storytelling, ideas, and culture. With its special focus on France and a rich lineup of speakers and performers, KLF 2025 promises to be a landmark event for literature lovers around the world.
