Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India]: The Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) is set to captivate audiences once again as it returns for its 18th edition from January 30 to February 3, 2025. Known as the “greatest literary show on Earth,” this year’s festival promises a diverse lineup and engaging discussions, centered around its special themes.
Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, highlighted the festival’s focus during a press conference. “This year, the special theme of the eighteenth Jaipur Literature Festival is crime fiction. Many crime fiction writers are coming, and poetry is also a significant focus,” Roy stated.
Highlights and Special Themes
- Kanhaiya Lal Sethia Award for Poetry: This year’s award will honor renowned Hindi poet Badri Narayan. A recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award 2022 for Tumdi ke Shabd, Narayan is celebrated for his evocative poetry that intertwines folk imagery with sociological depth.
- Fractured World: This theme will address contemporary issues such as geopolitics, war, conflict, climate change, and culture through insightful sessions.
Diverse Lineup of Speakers
Over 600 luminaries, including Nobel laureates, Booker Prize winners, Pulitzer winners, and Sahitya Akademi recipients, will grace the festival.
Key speakers include:
- Economists Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo
- Historians William Dalrymple and Manu S. Pillai
- Writers Jenny Erpenbeck, Andrew O’Hagan, and Anna Funder
- Cultural icons Javed Akhtar, Miriam Margolyes, and Amol Palekar
- Activists Kailash Satyarthi and Gopalkrishna Gandhi
William Dalrymple, Festival Co-Director, remarked, “The Jaipur Literature Festival continues to serve as a global platform where influential voices engage and exchange ideas. It fosters meaningful dialogue across diverse topics, bridging cultural and intellectual perspectives.”
A Celebration of Jaipur and its Spirit
Sanjoy K. Roy expressed gratitude to the city of Jaipur, stating, “Over the past 18 years, the festival has become a true celebration of ideas and stories, much of which is owed to Jaipur and its citizens.”
The festival will also include sessions on theater, music, cinema, sports, food, and more, creating a vibrant space for cultural exchange and intellectual exploration.