The Jaipur Literature Festival is an annual literary event in Jaipur, India. It brings together some of the greatest thinkers and writers from Southeast Asia and around the world. The Jaipur Literature Festival has grown from modest beginnings into the largest free literary festival in the world. With an annual attendance of nearly 100,000, the festival draws audiences and guests from across the globe.
Every year, a diverse group of participants, ranging from Nobel laureates to local writers and from Man Booker Prize winners to debut novelists, come together to take part in readings, debates, and discussions
While you’re in town, don’t miss other Jaipur Fair & Festivals that are equally vibrant
History of Jaipur Literature Festival
Jaipur Literature Festival, widely popular in and outside India, will celebrate its 19th year in 2025. The festival was initiated on modest grounds in 2006 with only 18 writers, including William Dalrymple, Namita Gokhale, Shobhaa De, Hari Kunzru, and 14 other authors, and had only 100 attendees
The festival’s attendance increased in the following years, with more prominent and distinguished figures from the literary world and other disciplines participating. By 2009, around 12,000 people attended the festival, with over 140 authors and speakers, including Vikram Seth, Shashi Tharoor, Hanif Kureishi, Ashok Vajpeyi, and Tariq Ali, taking part.
However, in 2012, the festival faced challenges when author Salman Rushdie canceled his visit to India due to potential threats related to his controversial book, The Satanic Verses. Later, the Government of India intervened to prevent a proposed video link between Rushdie and the festival participants.
To explore more about what else you can do in Jaipur, check out the things to do in Jaipur page for additional activities.
Jaipur Literature Festival Tickets
The Jaipur Literature Festival is free to attend, but registration is mandatory. However, the Evening Music Sessions at Clarks Amer are ticketed, and you need to contact the press office to attend these events
Date
The Jaipur Literature Festival will take place from January 30 to February 3, 2025. This five-day event is expected to attract a diverse audience and feature multiple sessions showcasing various literary talents.
Plan your stay with one of the Jaipur Packages to enjoy the city during the event.
Location/Venue
The Jaipur Literature Festival 2025 will take place at Hotel Clarks Amer, a well-known location in Jaipur. Address: Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg, opposite Fortis Escorts Hospital, Jaipur, 302018
Themes for this year
While specific themes for the Jaipur Literature Festival 2025 have not been officially announced, in previous years they have focused more on topics such as freedom of expression, cultural diversity, and contemporary social issues.
For more information about Jaipur, you can refer to the Jaipur travel guide.
Who can attend the festival?
The Jaipur Literature Festival is open to everyone, including students, literature enthusiasts, and the general public
If you’re visiting Jaipur for the first time, make sure to check out our places to see in and around Jaipur guide.
How to Reach the Jaipur Literature Festival
By Air
Jaipur’s nearest airport, Sanganer, is 14.7 km from Hotel Clarks Amer. It connects to major Indian cities and some international destinations. Taxis and buses are available from the airport
By Train
Jaipur Junction is 2.7 km from the venue, with trains from major Indian cities. Gandhinagar and Durgapur are other nearby stations. Taxis, autorickshaws, and buses are available.
By Road
Jaipur is well-connected via National Highways 8 and 11. Regular RSRTC buses from Delhi and private buses from various cities are available.
