Sahitya Akademi, India’s leading literary institution under the Ministry of Culture, is set to host its annual Festival of Letters 2025 at Rabindra Bhavan in New Delhi, running from March 7 to March 12, 2025. The event will be inaugurated by the Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and will showcase prominent figures from the literary community. Mahesh Dattani, a celebrated English playwright, will serve as the chief guest at the award ceremony, where the esteemed Sahitya Akademi Awards will be presented in 23 languages. This year’s Samvatsar Lecture will be delivered by the distinguished writer and scholar, Upamanyu Chatterjee.
Recognized as Asia’s largest literature festival, this event will bring together 700 writers from over 50 languages across 100 sessions. With a focus on Indian Literary Traditions, the festival will include a National Seminar with prominent thinkers and authors. A variety of literary and cultural activities will ensure participation from young, women, Dalit, North-East, tribal, and LGBTQ writers, making it India’s most inclusive literary festival since 1985. Additionally, the festival will feature storytelling programs for children, author readings, discussions, and cultural performances by well-known artists.
Key Highlights of Festival of Letters 2025
- Organized by: Sahitya Akademi (under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India).
- Dates & Venue: 7th March – 12th March 2025, Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi.
- Inauguration: By Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
- Chief Guest: Mahesh Dattani, eminent English playwright.
- Samvatsar Lecture Speaker: Upamanyu Chatterjee, distinguished writer and scholar.
Festival Theme: Indian Literary Traditions.
- National Seminar: A three-day discussion on Indian Literary Traditions with eminent thinkers and authors.
