• The festival features a distinguished line-up of authors and public intellectuals including Acharya Prashant, Seema Anand, Stuti Changle, Nilotpal Mrinal, Sachchidanand Joshi, and Shambhu Shikhar

New Delhi, February 6, 2026: The 14th edition of the Delhi Literature Festival 2026 commenced today with a distinguished inaugural session at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Amphitheatre, Janpath, setting the tone for three days of strong literary dialogue and cultural exchange. Centred on the theme ‘Sahitya, Sanskriti aur Samriddhi’, the opening evening brought together eminent policymakers, diplomats, authors, and cultural voices, reaffirming literature’s role in shaping India’s intellectual and civilisational ethos.

The inaugural session was presided over by Vijender Gupta, Hon’ble Speaker, Delhi Legislative Assembly, who emphasised the enduring role of literature in strengthening democratic values, nurturing critical thinking, and preserving India’s civilisational continuity.

The occasion was further elevated by the presence of Juan Antonio March Pujol, Ambassador of Spain to India, as Guest of Honour. In his keynote address, delivered as India and Spain mark 70 years of diplomatic relations, the Ambassador reflected on the evolving intersections of literature, technology, and culture, including the growing influence of artificial intelligence on creative expression.

Speaking on the occasion, Bharati Bhargava, Chairperson, Delhi Literature Festival, said, “The Delhi Literature Festival has always served as a vibrant meeting ground for literature, public life, and the exchange of ideas. Aligned with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’, this year’s theme, ‘Sahitya, Sanskriti aur Samriddhi’, reflects the seamless integration of literary expression, cultural heritage, and progress. We are honoured to host an exceptional line-up of acclaimed and bestselling authors from India and abroad, and to welcome His Excellency, the Ambassador of Spain, as Guest of Honour during this milestone year of Indo-Spain relations. The festival will also pay a special tribute to the late Shri Vinod Kumar Shukla ji, whose contribution to Hindi literature continues to inspire generations.”

The inaugural evening also featured the Delhi Literature Festival & Author Awards 2026, recognising excellence in literary contribution across languages and genres. The Delhi Literature Festival Awards 2025 honoured winners across 13 literary categories, while also spotlighting emerging voices through the ‘Writers of the New Century’ competition.

Day 1 concluded with a compelling session on Truth Without Apology (HarperCollins) by Acharya Prashant, which drew strong audience engagement and thoughtful reflection.

The festival continues until February 8, 2026, and is open to the public free of charge. Over the three-day programme, the festival will host a diverse line-up of acclaimed authors, poets, and public intellectuals, including Seema Anand, Stuti Changle, Kevin Missal, Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri, Nilotpal Mrinal, Sachchidanand Joshi, Neha Sinha, and Shambhu Shikhar.

Through author conversations, book discussions, poetry readings, and thematic sessions, the festival will engage audiences with contemporary literature, culture, ecology, mythology, and social thought, reinforcing its position as a leading platform for literary and intellectual exchange.

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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.

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