The countdown to the much-anticipated Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) 2025 has officially begun, with an exclusive preview event held at The Leela Palace in New Delhi on January 10. Ahead of its 18th edition, slated for January 30 to February 5 at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur, this preview offered a tantalizing glimpse into the themes and programming that promise to make the upcoming festival a monumental celebration of literature and ideas.
The festival this year promises a rich and diverse array of sessions, reflecting global narratives and cultural dialogues. Topics such as Democracy and Equality will delve into the quest for justice, while Crime Fiction offers a thrilling dive into the world of suspense and mystery. Additionally, segments on Biographies and Memoirs will offer intimate portraits of extraordinary lives, and the Gastronomy theme will explore the culinary traditions that unite cultures across borders. The festival’s programming also includes sessions on theatre, cinema, history, and culture, making it a true confluence of ideas from all corners of the world.
JLF 2025 boasts an incredible roster of speakers, including Nobel laureates, Booker Prize winners, and renowned writers such as Abhijit Banerjee, Andrew O'Hagan, Geetanjali Shree, Anita Anand, and Imtiaz Ali, among many others. Along with the regular literary discussions, the festival will also see the return of the Sign Language Interpretation Sessions, continuing its commitment to inclusivity and ensuring the event is accessible to all. The concurrent Jaipur BookMark (JBM), South Asia’s leading publishing conclave, will focus on translation, storytelling innovations, and the impact of AI on the future of publishing.
William Dalrymple, the co-director of the festival, highlighted its role as a global platform where diverse voices from all over the world come together to inspire, engage, and exchange ideas. With over 300 luminaries, including journalists, policymakers, and acclaimed writers, JLF 2025 promises a dynamic and enriching experience. The festival will once again be a beacon of intellectual exchange, fostering empathy and collaboration in an increasingly divided world.
With an exciting lineup of sessions, an impressive array of speakers, and a commitment to accessibility, the Jaipur Literature Festival 2025 is set to be an unmissable event for anyone passionate about literature, culture, and global dialogue. Mark your calendars for January 30 to February 5, 2025, and prepare for an extraordinary celebration of ideas, creativity, and thought-provoking discussions.