Jaipur Literature Festival 2025 announces first list of speakers; 18th edition features over 300 names

One of the most-anticipated fixtures on the cultural calendar of India, with a following that spans the continents because of the breadth and depth of participation, the Jaipur Literature Festival returns in 2025 with more than 300 speakers in its 18th edition.

Organisers have released the first list of names for the Jaipur Literature Festival (30th January to 3rd February 2025, at Hotel Clarks Amer in Jaipur).

A media release issued by festival curator Teamwork Arts said: “The 2025 edition of the world’s grandest celebration of books and ideas will reinforce the timeless power of our stories to bridge divides, foster empathy, and celebrate our shared human experiences.

“In line with a commitment to sustainability, the 2025 iteration will feature environmentally conscious practices throughout the [Jaipur Literature] Festival. With an engaging lineup of debates, thought-provoking discussions, and unforgettable performances, this year’s programme promises a unique blend of cultural wealth, literary masterpieces, and a focus on a greener future, making it a literary festival like no other.”

The media release said: “This year’s sessions will feature works and discussions in languages including Hindi, Bengali, Rajasthani, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Odiya, Sanskrit, Assamese, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi, and Urdu, emphasising the Festival’s commitment to inclusivity and representation of India’s rich literary heritage.”

The JLF 2025 sessions, featuring over 300 speakers, will take place across five venues.

The first list of speakers includes “literary luminaries” such as André Aciman, Anirudh Kanisetti, Anna Funder, Ashwani Kumar, Cauvery Madhavan, Claudia De Rham, David Nicholls, Fiona Carnarvon, Ira Mukhoty, Irenosen Okojie, Jenny Erpenbeck, John Vaillant, Kallol Bhattacherjee, Maithree Wickramasinghe, Manav Kaul, Miriam Margolyes, Nassim Nicholas Taleb, Nathan Thrall, Prayaag Akbar, Priyanka Mattoo, Stephen Greenblatt, Tina Brown, V. V. Ganeshananthan, Venki Ramakrishnan, and Yaroslav Trofimov, “promising a series of stimulating and eclectic discussions”, said the release.

The Jaipur Literature Festival has always been a vibrant meeting place for stories, ideas, and cultures. As we prepare for our 18th edition, we celebrate literature’s power to inspire, challenge, and unite. [In 2025], we welcome an incredible lineup of authors, poets, and thinkers, who will engage our audiences in unforgettable conversations and foster a shared love for the written word.

Namita Gokhale, author and Jaipur Literature Festival co-director

The Jaipur Literature Festival has always been a celebration of the written word, a confluence of diverse voices, and a testament to the power of stories to inspire and connect. This year, as we gather again in the Pink City, we look forward to welcoming a stellar lineup of writers, thinkers, and dreamers from around the world. It’s a space where ideas spark, cultures converge, and conversations thrive — a true carnival of literature for all.

William Dalrymple, historian, writer and Jaipur Literature Festival co-director

The Jaipur Literature Festival has become a global brand synonymous with culture, creativity, and collaboration. [In 2025], we aim to amplify its impact, not just as a celebration of literature but as a powerful platform for storytelling that resonates with audiences worldwide. The festival offers unparalleled opportunities for partners, sponsors, and stakeholders to connect with a diverse and engaged audience, creating meaningful conversations and driving global visibility.

Sanjoy K Roy, MD of Teamwork Arts

Highlights of the Jaipur Literature Festival 2025

● Jaipur BookMark (JBM): Bridging Creativity and Commerce: Celebrating its 11th edition, Jaipur BookMark (JBM) is a B2B networking platform for the literary world. This hub for publishers, authors, literary agents, and industry leaders fosters innovation, collaboration, and new opportunities. As the business arm of the Jaipur Literature Festival, JBM serves as a meeting ground where creative ideas transform into impactful global projects.

● Heritage Evenings and Jaipur Music Stage: Beyond literature, the Festival extends its celebration to arts and culture, with Heritage Evenings set against Jaipur’s historical backdrops, offering attendees a taste of Rajasthan’s rich heritage. The Jaipur Music Stage, running parallel to the Festival, will showcase performances by renowned Indian and international musicians, adding rhythm and vibrancy to the festivities.

● Platform for Global Voices: As the world’s most beloved literary gathering, the Jaipur Literature Festival has earned its place as a democratic, non-aligned platform, championing freedom of expression and inclusivity. Each year, it brings together voices that challenge the status quo, inspire innovation, and celebrate diversity, making it a beacon of intellectual and cultural exchange.