11th Edition of Kalinga Literary Festival will be hosted in Bhubaneswar
OdishaPlus Bureau
The 11th Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF), a distinguished forum for intellectual and creative dialogue, is scheduled to take place from March 21 to 23, 2025, in the historic city of Bhubaneswar. This festival is poised to offer a celebration of ideas, languages, and cultures, uniting over 500 writers, thinkers, idealists, realists, visionaries, intellectuals, avant-garde practitioners, iconoclasts, thought leaders, and innovators from around the world, representing more than 25 languages.
The annual Kalinga Literary Festival will be hosted at three prominent venues in Bhubaneswar: Mayfair Lagoon, Kala Bhoomi, and the Guru Kelu Charan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre.
Speakers Galore
From Nobel and Booker Prize winners to Sahitya Akademi recipients, KLF showcases a wide range of creative excellence. It stands unparalleled in its ability to highlight the richness of Indian languages alongside international literary contributions.
For its 2025 edition, the festival will feature over 500 speakers from diverse national backgrounds, including laureates of prestigious awards such as the Nobel Prize, the Booker Prize, the International Booker Prize, and the Sahitya Akademi Award, among others.
Key sessions will address a wide range of topics, including cultural nationalism, female voice and identity, crime fiction, memoir writing, translation, poetry, economics, Generation Y, Indian languages, the publishing industry, mythology, media, market dynamics, children’s literature, women’s issues, transgender rights, citizen engagement, cinema, sports, ethics, technological morality, artificial intelligence, global crises, cutting-edge science, the relationship between India and the world, art and photography, discrimination, revolutions, peace building, conflict resolution, and harmony.
Storytelling Sessions
There will be numerous one-on-one sessions with leading experts in various fields. Storytelling sessions are also planned, which are expected to enrich the literary atmosphere of the festival.
Each year, the festival unites a wide array of the world’s most distinguished writers, intellectuals, humanitarians, politicians, business leaders, athletes, and entertainers on a single platform to advocate for the freedom of expression and to promote meaningful debate and dialogue. Since its establishment in 2013, the festival has featured nearly 4,000 speakers and performers, attracting book enthusiasts from around the globe.
Renowned authors from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Indonesia, Japan, the United Kingdom, Spain, France, the United States, and various other nations will participate as speakers. Additionally, over 100 artists will contribute to the Kalinga Art Festival.
Collective Heritage
In a respectful homage to our collective heritage, the festival seeks to reignite the inspiration drawn from the wisdom of our ancestors, highlighting its significant relevance in contemporary society. The three-day event will explore various aspects of the connections between literature, freedom, republican values, cultural diversity, and social equity.
KLF serves as a bridge between the dynamic regional voices of India and the global hubs of literary and cultural innovation. It encourages dialogues that resonate with the essence of India while tackling universal themes of democracy, diversity, and sustainability.
KLF presents an opportunity for emerging writers, artists, and young leaders to connect directly with renowned figures, promoting inspiration and mentorship. Participating in discussions addressing critical global challenges, including climate justice and AI ethics, featuring prominent thinkers, authors, and policymakers is a great opportunity.
Experiencing a vibrant display of creativity with over 60 outstanding artists, and merging traditional and modern approaches is another feature of the KLF. The prestigious award recognizes 20 pioneering authors, showcasing the rich diversity of India’s literary heritage. Delving into the cultural richness of Bhubaneswar through specially curated walks and captivating performances is key to this year’s festival.
Ashok Kumar Bal, KLF Patron and CEO, states, “KLF emphasizes the significance of India’s historical narratives in influencing a global community. It honors the convergence of ancient wisdom and modern ideas.”
KLF has consistently promoted Brand Odisha and Brand India, showcasing the state’s rich cultural heritage on an international platform. The festival also expands its influence through international events in Kathmandu, with plans for Colombo and Bali, thereby revitalizing historical connections with Southeast Asia.
Exploring the cultural essence further, the festival will feature Mystic Walks and cycling tours that traverse the ancient core of Bhubaneswar, contrasting it with the modern urban landscape. The Kalinga Art Festival will present a visual masterpiece, reflecting the aesthetic spirit of the festival’s theme.
Looking Back
Since its inception in 2013, KLF has welcomed over 4,000 speakers and performers, fostering a diverse blend of ideas and creativity. As it embarks on its 11th edition, KLF remains a significant soft power instrument, positioning Odisha and India prominently on the global literary stage.
KLF has expanded its initiatives beyond its main festival by organizing an international literary festival in Kathmandu since 2022, drawing a diverse range of speakers from various fields. Furthermore, KLF intends to hold festivals in Colombo and Bali, aiming to revive the historical connections that Kalinga had with Southeast Asian countries.
“KLF transcends the concept of a mere festival; it embodies a movement that honors the transformative influence of literature, reviving the insights of our forebears to motivate future generations,” states Rashmi Ranjan Parida, Founder-Director of KLF. “The current edition serves as a testament to the enduring strength of the literary spirit, uniting diverse global voices in the core of Bhubaneswar”.
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