Literary Events in India and Why you should take your kids there too!

When we talk about literary events we always think – It’s for grownups. Right? Oh! So wrong we are on this front! Kids too need to see how readers can connect to the authors. They need to see how authors work hard to ensure reading joys for them. In turn, readers can share their experiences, know the realities of the writing process and who knows…they might themselves turn out to be writers too!

Here are a few literary festivals you can go with your child to –

1. GOA ARTS & LITERARY FESTIVAL 2023 – December 1, 2023 GOA ARTS & LITERARY FESTIVAL 2023 happens in Goa, India Dec, 2023 focus on Books,Gifts & Crafts,Paper Paperboard Printing. Link: https://www.eworldtrade.com/events/goa-arts-literary-festival/ 
2. Bangalore Literature Festival – Sat, 2 – Sun, 3 Dec. Bookworms can discover a host of local, national, and international writers at the Bangalore Literature Festival, a weekend event that celebrates the literary creativity and diversity of India’s Garden City. Link: https://bangaloreliteraturefestival.org/
3. Kochi International Book Festival – 1–10 Dec. With its vibrant cultural program, hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of books to peruse this festival is suitable for book lovers of all ages. Link: https://bookfestkochi.org/ 
4. Pune Bookfair: Lockthebox (Ganesh Kala Krida Manch) – 1 Dec, 9 am – 10 Dec, 10 pm. The idea is to give all the readers a golden opportunity where you can get all of your favorite reads together at a lesser price. Link: https://insider.in/pune-bookfair-lockthebox-ganesh-kala-krida-manch-dec1-2023/event 
5. Indore Bookfair: Lockthebox (8th-14th Dec 2023) Lock The Box – Indore Lock the box and unlock a world of books! Get ready for an extraordinary book event where your love for reading meets unbeatable savings. Link: https://insider.in/indore-bookfair-lockthebox-8th14th-dec-2023-dec8-2023/event 

6. Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters (MIFL)

   — 8-11 February 2024 , Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: MILF, held in the capital city of Kerala, brings together literary luminaries from across the globe to explore the diverse literary traditions of the world. The festival offers a unique opportunity to engage with renowned authors, attend book discussions, and delve into the nuances of literature. https://www.mbifl.com/ 

7. Bookaroo

   — December 2-4, 2023, Srinagar, New Delhi, and Vadodara: Continuing its journey, Bookaroo returns in December to enchant young readers with its celebration of children’s literature. Through interactive storytelling sessions, workshops, and book-related activities, Bookaroo aims to inspire a lifelong love for reading and creativity among children. Link: https://www.instagram.com/bookaroolitfest/ 

8. Queensline Lit Fest

   — December 15-17, 2023, Mumbai, Maharashtra: Bringing the year to a grand finale, Queensline Lit Fest in Mumbai offers a platform for literature enthusiasts to engage with renowned authors, participate in literary discussions, and celebrate the power of words. This festival promises a captivating culmination to a year filled with literary brilliance. 

9. Jaipur Literature Festival – 1 to 5 February 2024, Jaipur. The 17th edition of Jaipur Literature Festival 2024 will be back at Jaipur’s Hotel Clarks Amer and will be held between 1st – 5th February, with its characteristic flavour, substance, and scale, bringing together writers, readers, connoisseurs, influencers, and thinkers. Link: https://jaipurliteraturefestival.org/ 
10. Tenth Kalinga Literary Festival from Feb 9 to 11 in Bhubaneswar. The 10th edition of the Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF) with the theme ‘Legends of Ancient Bharat and Beyond: Inspiring Lived Experience in the 21st Century’, will be held in Bhubaneswar from February 9 to 11, 2024.

Three hundred speakers including poets, authors, musicians, artistes, and performers will be part of the occasion. Link: https://kalingaliteraryfestival.com/ 

These literary festivals are just a glimpse of the many vibrant literary events that will happen in 2023 and 2024. Attending one of these festivals with your child is an opportunity to immerse yourself as well as your child  in the world of literature and understand as well as celebrate the written word. It gives a great opportunity for both of you to bond over books.