8 Literary Festivals to Visit This January 2026 in India
January in India isn’t just about cool winter mornings and chai by street corners — it’s also one of the richest months of the year for book lovers, storytellers, writers, thinkers, and curious travellers. From the sandy lanes of Rajasthan to the spiritual ghats of Banaras and the vibrant cultural hubs of South and East India, the literary calendar in January 2026 is packed with festivals that celebrate language, ideas, and imagination. Here’s our curated list of 8 must-visit literary experiences this January across India.
1. Kalinga Literary Festival – Bhubaneswar (8–11 January)
The Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF) returns to Odisha’s capital, bringing together over 400 speakers from India and abroad for rich dialogues on fiction, poetry, science, geopolitics, arts, and digital futures. With panel discussions, book launches, and creative workshops, KLF continues to affirm its place as one of South Asia’s most dynamic literary platforms. www.ndtv.com
2. Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival – Udaipur (9–11 January)
Set against the romantic backdrop of Udaipur, this festival focuses on the oral tradition of stories — from mysteries and folk tales to historical narratives. Unique in its thematic focus on storytelling forms, it draws performers, narrators, authors and theatre practitioners who celebrate the art of the spoken word. Femina
3. New Delhi World Book Fair – New Delhi (10–18 January)
A staple on the nation’s literary calendar, the New Delhi World Book Fair is one of the largest book fairs in Asia, featuring thousands of stalls, international publishers, and themed exhibits. It offers readers a chance to browse books across genres, attend author talks, and engage with global literary trends. The Times of India
4. Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival – Kolkata (9–11 January)
Kolkata’s rich literary heritage comes alive with the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival, held at iconic venues such as the Alipore Museum and The Park. With an engaging lineup of sessions, this festival is perfect for those who appreciate deep cultural conversations and the cosmopolitan energy of Bengal’s literary scene. The Times of India
5. Kolkata Literary Meet (KaLaM) – Kolkata (22–26 January)
Later in the month, the Kolkata Literary Meet — one of India’s most respected literary gatherings — brings over a hundred speakers, including celebrated international and Indian authors, for five days of discussions, poetry readings, and cultural exchange across multiple venues. The Times of India
6. Jaipur Literature Festival – Jaipur (15–19 January)
Often described as the “greatest literary show on Earth,” the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) transforms the Pink City into a global forum of ideas and stories. With hundreds of sessions spread over five days, artists, thinkers, and Nobel laureates mingle with readers in free-spirited dialogues on every topic under the sun — from fiction and philosophy to science and politics. The Financial Express
7. Lit For Life & Chennai Book Fair – Chennai (mid-January)
Chennai’s literary scene blossoms with twin attractions this January. Lit For Life — The Hindu’s annual literature festival — returns with panels on writing, culture, and contemporary issues, while the Chennai Book Fair invites bibliophiles to explore over a thousand stalls featuring domestic and international titles. Together, they make Chennai a vibrant January destination for readers of all ages. Condé Nast Traveller India+1
8. Banaras Lit Fest – Varanasi (30 January–1 February)
Bridging literature with spirituality, music, heritage walks and open-mic sessions, the Banaras Lit Fest celebrates storytelling in one of the world’s oldest living cities. With hundreds of speakers and panels, this festival offers a deep dive into India’s cultural heart — where every discussion is enhanced by the rhythms of the Ganges and the chants of Banaras. AllEvents
Why January Is the New Literary Season in India
What makes January particularly special for literary travellers is the diversity of formats and voices. You’re not just attending book talks — you’re witnessing oral storytelling traditions in Udaipur; engaging with global publishing trends in Delhi; soaking up Kolkata’s intellectual culture; and sampling ideas as diverse as Tamil literature in Chennai and mythic narratives in Jaipur. Whether you’re a dedicated reader, a writer honing your craft, or a cultural nomad seeking inspiration, there’s a festival for every kind of literary appetite.
So pack your notebooks, bookmark your calendar, and set off on a January journey through India’s literary landscapes — where every city offers a story worth discovering.
namaste sun 