Kerala Literature Festival (KLF)

About this event

Kerala Literature Festival (KLF) is a major annual literary and cultural gathering held on the beaches of Kozhikode, bringing together writers, poets, academics, thinkers, artists, filmmakers and readers for several days of conversations, performances and cultural exchange. Organised by the DC Kizhakemuri Foundation and co-promoted by DC Books, the festival was founded in 2016 and has grown into one of Asia’s major literary gatherings, with Kozhikode’s identity as a UNESCO City of Literature adding to its cultural significance. The festival’s setting at the Cultural Beach Grounds along the Arabian Sea gives KLF a distinctive character, combining literary discussions with the atmosphere of Kozhikode’s historic coastline. Its programme extends well beyond conventional book discussions, featuring author interactions, panel discussions, debates, poetry, book launches, workshops and conversations covering literature, politics, history, philosophy, cinema, science, society and contemporary issues. Music, dance, theatre, film screenings, art exhibitions, bookstalls and food-related activities have also formed part of recent editions, creating a broader cultural festival around the literary programme. KLF brings together established and emerging voices from India and abroad, giving audiences opportunities to encounter different languages, literary traditions and perspectives. Malayalam literature has an important presence, while international participation and discussions across disciplines give the festival a wider global outlook. The event is designed to encourage interaction between speakers and audiences, making it relevant not only to professional writers and academics but also to students, book lovers and visitors interested in ideas and culture. Recent editions have included hundreds of speakers and sessions, while the festival has attracted audiences numbering in the hundreds of thousands. The 2026 edition featured more than 600 speakers from over 15 countries and more than 300 sessions, demonstrating the scale of the programme. The festival also reflects Kozhikode’s strong literary heritage and its growing role as a destination for cultural and literary tourism. For travellers searching for Kerala Literature Festival, KLF Kozhikode, literary festivals in India, book events in Kerala or cultural events in Kozhikode, the festival offers a combination of literature, intellectual discussion and performing arts in a distinctive seaside setting. The next edition, KLF 2027, is scheduled for January 21–24, 2027, at Kozhikode Beach.

🚆 Railway: Kozhikode Railway Station — approximately 2.8 km from the Kerala Literature Festival venue at Kozhikode Beach.

✈️ Airport: Calicut International Airport — approximately 30 km from the festival venue.

🚌 Bus: Kozhikode Beach is accessible by city buses and local transport from Kozhikode railway station, bus stands and other parts of the city.

🏨 Stay: Hotels, guesthouses, homestays and other accommodation options are available around Kozhikode Beach, the city centre and nearby areas.

✅ Notes: KLF 2027 is scheduled for January 21–24, 2027, at Kozhikode Beach. General attendee entry is free but registration is mandatory; paid delegate and student-delegate options provide additional access and benefits. Festival sessions, venues and access arrangements can vary by edition.