Kiran Desai, Javed Akhtar To Take Part In Jaipur Literature Festival 2026
If books inspire you and conversations around ideas excite you, the Jaipur Literature Festival 2026 offers the perfect destination. Held every January, the festival has grown into one of the world’s most influential literary gatherings, attracting celebrated writers, poets, thinkers, and policymakers from across the globe.
This year, the festival will take place at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur, and will run for five days, from January 15 to January 19. The upcoming edition marks the 19th chapter of the festival’s journey, reinforcing Jaipur’s status as a global hub for literary and intellectual exchange.
A Festival with Global Recognition
Over the years, the Jaipur Literature Festival has earned worldwide recognition for its diverse programming and open dialogue. Last year, the presence of former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak brought international attention to the event, highlighting its growing global influence.
Festival organisers say the focus remains on creating a space where literature intersects with politics, society, culture, and science. Each edition reflects contemporary concerns while staying rooted in storytelling and ideas.
Artificial Intelligence Takes Centre Stage
According to festival co-director Sanjay K. Roy, the 2026 edition will place strong emphasis on Artificial Intelligence. Discussions will explore how AI is reshaping creativity, knowledge systems, publishing, and the future of human thought.
Alongside technology-driven conversations, the festival will continue its tradition of hosting Nobel laureates and leading voices from across disciplines. Sessions will cover not just literature, but also medicine, science, geopolitics, and social change, offering a truly interdisciplinary experience.
Star-Studded Line-up of Authors and Thinkers
The Jaipur Literature Festival 2026 boasts an impressive list of speakers from India and abroad. Renowned authors such as Amish Tripathi, Anuradha Roy, Anne Applebaum, Alice Oswald, Daisy Rockwell, Deepa Bhasthi, Esther Freud, Jeet Thayil, Megha Majumdar, Richard Flanagan, and Tamim Al-Barghouti will take part in conversations and readings.
Literary critics and cultural commentators like Ruchir Joshi, along with voices such as Sonia Rai Meis, Sumana Chandrasekhar, and Mary Dariose, will add depth to discussions around language, identity, and storytelling.
The festival also brings together economists and policymakers. Notable participants include Arvind Subramanian, Esther Duflo, Nicholas Stern, Radosław Sikorski, and Abhishek Singh, who will address themes of economy, governance, and public policy.
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Spotlight on Booker Prize Winner Kiran Desai
One of the biggest attractions this year will be Kiran Desai, the Booker Prize–winning novelist of Indian origin. She received the prestigious award in 2006 for The Inheritance of Loss.
On the opening day of the festival, Kiran Desai will discuss her 2025 Booker-shortlisted novel The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny. She will be in conversation with Nandini Nair, offering readers insights into her creative process and the themes that shape her work.
Javed Akhtar Returns to the JLF Stage
Veteran poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar remains one of the most anticipated speakers at the festival. A regular participant, he returns once again with his trademark clarity and fearless opinions.
His session, titled “Javed Akhtar: Points of View,” will take place on the first day. In conversation with Warisha Farasat, he will reflect on cinema, society, and the growing influence of social media on public discourse.
Planning Your Visit to Jaipur
Those interested in attending can register through the official Jaipur Literature Festival website. January is one of the best times to visit Jaipur, as the city enjoys pleasant winter weather.
Beyond the festival venues, visitors can explore Jaipur’s iconic forts, palaces, and markets. The city offers excellent connectivity by air, rail, and road, and travellers from Delhi can reach Jaipur easily by car.
