- Delhi Literature Festival 2026 Aims to Hook Gen Z with Fresh Voices on Culture and Progress
- India-Spain 70th Anniversary Dual Year at IGNCA: Justice D.Y. Chandrachud to join Voices from Law, Spirituality, Journalism, Art & Social Thought
New Delhi, January 29, 2026: The 14th edition of the annual Delhi Literature Festival (DLF) returns February 6–8, 2026, at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Janpath. Rooted in the theme “Sahitya, Sanskriti aur Samriddhi,” the festival reaffirms its role as India’s most inclusive platform for ideas, dialogue, and cultural exchange. Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Union Minister for Culture & Tourism, will inaugurate on Friday, February 6 at 6:00 PM as Chief Guest.
Bringing eminent authors, thinkers, poets, policymakers, artists, and young voices from India and abroad, DLF fosters conversations bridging tradition and modernity. Through sessions, readings, performances, and reflections, it inspires critical thinking, nurtures creativity, and highlights literature and culture’s role in an informed, empathetic, prosperous society. The theme underscores that Sahitya (literature) and Sanskriti (culture) form the bedrock of holistic Samriddhi, extending beyond material wealth to intellectual depth, social harmony, and creative abundance.
Stellar Leadership Lineup
Guests of Honour include Smt. Rekha Gupta, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi; Shri Kapil Mishra, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister for Culture & Tourism, Delhi; Sushri Bansuri Swaraj, Hon’ble MP (Lok Sabha); and Dr. Meenakshi Jain, Hon’ble MP (Rajya Sabha). Keynote addresses by Shri Keshav Chandra, Hon’ble Chairman, NDMC; Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary and Executive & Academic Head, IGNCA; Shri K. Satish Nambudiripad, Director General, Doordarshan; and special address by Mr. Tim Curtis, Director and Representative, UNESCO India.
“Literature festivals are vital forums where ideas are questioned and perspectives expand, bridging writers, thinkers, and the public. Honoured by Delhi CM Rekha Gupta and Union Minister Shekhawat, we hope for continued government support,” says Dr. Ajay Sharma added.
Gen Z Takes Center Stage
At a time of shrinking attention spans, DLF 2026 prioritizes deep discourse and cultural engagement, with curated sessions for Gen Z featuring influencers like Shalini Passi and Riya Sharma on themes of relevance to younger audiences.
“Platforms like DLF reaffirm deep thinking and cultural engagement. We’ve curated Gen Z sessions with voices like Shalini Passi to bring new generations into the literary conversation,” says Dr. Ajay Sharma, Member, Organising Committee, Delhi Literature Festival, 2026.
Global Ties and Powerhouse Conversations
This edition coincides with the 70th anniversary of India-Spain diplomatic relations, marked as the India–Spain Dual Year of Culture, Tourism, and Artificial Intelligence—adding global depth to cultural dialogues. Over three days, join revered voices: Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, former Chief Justice of India; Vinod Kumar Shukla; Acharya Prashant; Rahul Pandita; Shalini Passi; Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri; Rahul Bhattacharya; Dr. Mani Rao; Nilotpal Mrinal; Shambhu Shikhar; and more. Sessions explore literature’s intersection with law, spirituality, journalism, art, and social thought.
“As a registered body since 2013, DLF nurtures quality literature like Jaipur Lit Fest. Our vision: a long-term discourse ecosystem,” Dr, Ajay Sharma emphasised.
DLF Author Awards 2026: 13 Categories, Stellar Jury Honours Lit Icons
The festival culminates in the Delhi Literature Festival Author Awards 2026, presented across 13 categories with distinguished authors serving on the jury, recognising outstanding contributions to literature and thought leadership. With its expansive vision and strong cultural ethos, DLF 2026 promises a landmark celebration of ideas, reinforcing literature and culture’s relevance in building a thoughtful, compassionate, thriving society.
