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The 2025 Kerala Literature Festival: A Literary Extravaganza Beyond Borders

The sun-kissed beaches of Kozhikode, once known as Calicut, reverberated with the echoes of literary fervor from January 23-26, 2025, as the eighth edition of the Kerala Literature Festival unfolded. This vibrant gathering brought together a tapestry of over 500 speakers from 15 countries and an audience of more than 600,000 to revel in the celebration of literature, art, and culture in a town recently anointed by UNESCO as the “City of Literature.”

A Spectacular Gathering of Literary Luminaries

At Asia’s largest literary festival, the literary elite mingled with celebrities, scholars, artists, performers, diplomats, Booker Prize winners, and Nobel laureates. The event was a vibrant tapestry of book launches, poetry recitals, workshops, and enthralling discussions that captivated the attendees. The air was charged with the magic of music, dance, and theater performances, with legends like Padma Vibhushan awardee L. Subramaniam, Hariprasad Chaurasia, and Ustad Waseem Ahmed Khan enchanting the audience with their artistry.

A Fusion of Cultures and Artistry

One of the highlights of the festival was the “Rhythms of Fusion” performance on the second day, where Attam Kala Samithi, a renowned Chenda Percussion Music Band from Kerala, collaborated with Chennai-based musician Stephen Devassy to create a mesmerizing fusion of Carnatic and contemporary beats. The event showcased the harmonious blend of diverse cultural influences that permeated the festival.

Inauguration and Government Support

The online inauguration of the festival by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan marked the official commencement of the literary extravaganza. He lauded the Kerala Literature Festival as one of India’s premier literary events, hailing its evolution and influence on other literature festivals in the region. Supported by the Government of Kerala, Kerala Tourism, and the Department of Culture, the festival’s content was meticulously curated by the editorial team led by renowned writer and festival director Prof. K Satchidandan, in collaboration with DC Books and the DC Kizhakemuri Foundation.

A Diverse and Inclusive Platform

This year, the inclusion of a dedicated Children’s KLF segment underscored the festival’s commitment to nurturing a love for literature among the younger generation. With over 300 sessions covering a wide array of topics ranging from literature to politics, art, science, and film, the festival provided a platform for celebrated writers and thinkers from around the globe to engage in stimulating discussions and explore cutting-edge ideas.

A Journey of Growth and Evolution

From its humble beginnings in 2016, the Kerala Literature Festival has blossomed into a beacon of cultural exchange and artistic expression. Ravi Deecee, Chief Facilitator of the festival, highlighted the event’s growing popularity and global appeal, emphasizing its role in fostering cross-cultural dialogue and showcasing diverse literary voices from around the world. Festival director Satchidanandan echoed these sentiments, noting the festival’s transformation into a global celebration of literature and culture.

A Confluence of Creativity and Ideas

Actor Naseeruddin Shah aptly described the Kerala Literature Festival as a “point of convergence,” where the literary world’s best and brightest minds converge to celebrate the written word. The festival’s inclusive ambiance, eclectic programming, and vibrant cultural performances have earned it a reputation as a unique celebration of artistry and intellectual discourse.

Celebrating France as the ‘Guest Nation’

In 2025, the Kerala Literature Festival honored France as the ‘Guest Nation,’ welcoming over 15 authors and 8 publishers from France to participate in the event. The sessions featured a diverse range of literary talents, including Nobel laureate Esther Duflo, Philippe Claudel, Julie Stephen Chheng, Timothée de Fombelle, and Cheyenne Olivier, showcasing the rich literary tapestry of France to the festival audience.

Kozhikode: A Cultural Haven

Set against the backdrop of Kozhikode’s rich history and cultural heritage, the Kerala Literature Festival found a fitting home in a city steeped in literary tradition. From its historic connections to Vasco da Gama’s arrival in 1498 to its vibrant contemporary arts scene, Kozhikode provided the perfect setting for a celebration of literature and culture. The city’s literary legacy, embodied in authors like Vaikkom Mohammed Basheer and Balamani Amma, continues to inspire generations of writers and readers.

In Conclusion

The 2025 Kerala Literature Festival was a testament to the enduring power of literature and the arts to transcend boundaries and unite people from diverse backgrounds. As the festival continues to evolve and grow, it remains a beacon of creativity, dialogue, and cultural exchange, enriching the literary landscape of India and beyond. The legacy of the Kerala Literature Festival as a platform for free thought and artistic expression endures, inspiring future generations to embrace the written word and celebrate the beauty of human creativity.