Kochi: South India’s most anticipated celebration of literature, the Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters (MBIFL), is set to return with its 7th edition from January 29 to February 1, 2026, at the iconic Kanakakkunnu Palace, Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala.
This year’s edition will be anchored around the theme “Paradox of Pace,” exploring one of the most defining questions of contemporary times. While speed has driven unprecedented progress across societies, it has also brought profound challenges. MBIFL 2026 aims to create a space for reflection and dialogue on the tension between the power of rapid advancement and the price it extracts from humanity, culture, and the environment.
The festival will bring together over 400 international and Indian writers, thinkers, readers, influencers, and intellectuals, with sessions spanning a wide spectrum of topics and genres including fiction, poetry, non-fiction, politics, environment, travel, science and technology, activism, and cinema. Reflecting its global stature, the festival will feature speakers from all five continents.
The first tranche of speakers announced for MBIFL 2026 includes a distinguished lineup of voices from across disciplines, such as Declan Walsh, Martin Goodman, Jeet Thayil, Rahul Pandita, Scott Ezeel, Vartika Nanda, Tarana Husain Khan, Salma, Devdutt Pattanaik, GN Devy, Harish Trivedi, Hoshang Merchant, Kalki Subramaniam, Rakshanda Jalil, Vivek Shanbhag, Rajdeep Sardesai, Jawahar Sircar, Dr Rajasekhar Vundru, Dr Shashi Tharoor, Conrad Sangma, Inez Baranay, Yatindra Mishra, Amitabh Mattoo, Prof Jagmohan Singh, Anitha Nair, Manu S Pillai, Vappala Balachandran, Umayalpuram Sivaraman, Makarand Paranjape, Shiv Shiva Kumar, Ashutosh, Saira Shah Halim, Viswas Patil, Vaibhav Purandare, Prakash Raj, Priyanka Chaturvedi, Omar Musa, Tanya Talaga, and Jonas Luescher, among others.
Speaking about the upcoming edition, MV Shreyams Kumar, Managing Director, Mathrubhumi Group, said, “Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters is a testament to the power of storytelling transcending boundaries and fostering dialogues across cultures. With its stellar lineup of speakers who represent the best in their fields, the 7th edition leaves me feeling overwhelmed by the opportunity to offer a platform that champions diversity, inclusivity, and freedom of expression.”
Dr V Venu, Director & Festival Curator, added, “The 7th edition of the Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters is a beacon for those who believe in the transformative power of literature; it has become synonymous with innovation, creativity, and collaboration. The first tranche of speakers exemplifies our commitment to hosting voices that provoke, challenge, and inspire. We eagerly await the conversations, collaborations, and connections that this edition will bring to life.”
Beyond literary sessions, MBIFL 2026 will also feature a vibrant mix of cultural performances, art exhibitions, and literary showcases, reinforcing its reputation as a holistic celebration of creativity and intellectual exchange.
The Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters 2026 promises to be more than just a literary gathering—it is positioned as a celebration of storytelling, culture, and ideas that ignite minds and hearts alike. Readers and literature enthusiasts can book their tickets through the official portal to be part of this landmark cultural event.
