The city of joy, Kolkata, is also India’s cultural capital. The cultural schedule of the city is about to set foot into another intellectually charged fest- the 17th Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival (AKLF). Scheduled to take place over three days, from January 09 – 11, 2026, the festival promises a gathering of the finest creative minds from India and across the globe. This edition of the lit fest is taking place at the iconic Alipore Museum. The setup of a vibrant literary environment at the lap of history is an irresistible combo for all the folks. It aims to create an environment for a much-needed Literary Renaissance. Kolkata is already a hub of book lovers, not only in India but across the globe. This reading spirit is about to receive a boost as the enthusiasts will encounter their favourite authors and engage in immersive sessions with them.
About The Fest
The Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival is instituted by the Apeejay Surrendra Group and its nearly century-old heritage institution, the Oxford Bookstore on Park Street. This fest was conceived in 2010, and since its inception, it has cultivated a distinct identity in shaping the literary landscape of Kolkata. Hitherto, the past editions too unfurled against the charismatic public monuments of Kolkata, including the pride of the British Empire- The Victoria Memorial, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and also the renowned Allen Park. This time, Alipore Museum is about to demonstrate this well-orchestrated continuity and ensure that the much-awaited conversations between the books, their authors, and people never get disrupted.
The space housing the coming edition of the fest resonates a distinct voice saturated with historical ties. The Alipore Museum, also called the Alipore Central Jail, was once the hub of India’s struggle for independence. This jail captivated nationalists like Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Jawaharlal Nehru, C.R.Das, and many more. The place holds a very intense corpus of sentiments associated with the liberty that we enjoy today. The Lit Fest, on the other hand, is a celebration of the same liberty, in the context of art, intellectuality, expression, ideas, and many, many stories. The correlation that has been established between the two is immensely powerful in igniting the vibe of inclusivity and oneness among the visitors and nudging them towards a delightful celebration of humans’ infinite capabilities.
The Thought Behind The Fest
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Over the years, the AKLF has itself transitioned into something between a tangible heritage and a cultural institution. It is a meaningful platform that engages people through insightful conversations across genres, disciplines, generations, and languages. The philosophical core of AKLF is multifaceted. It brings together books, music, art, and cinema. It seeks to explore literature beyond its literary aspect and dive into contemporary themes such as current socio-political realities, etc. Even in the previous editions, pressing issues like diversity, gender equality, etc., were thoroughly spoken about.
This 3-day literary endeavor, amidst Kolkata’s cultural warmth and welcoming atmosphere, aims to build an environment entailing books and reading, particularly focusing on newer voices and young writers. The fest aims to blend a progressive focus on literature and ideas with the foundational themes of independence and freedom, promising a truly immersive and enriching experience. It passes the statement that literature does not exist in a vacuum; it is rather rooted in places, memories, and identities.
Event Details
| Aspects | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival Edition | 17th Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival (AKLF) |
| Dates | 09–11 January, 2026 (Three Days) |
| Venue | The iconic Alipore Museum, Kolkata |
| Significance of Venue | Former Alipore Central Jail, a historical site of the Indian Freedom Struggle |
| Organizers | Apeejay Surrendra Group and Oxford Bookstore |
| Core Goal | To celebrate books, ideas, music, art, and film with creative minds globally |
| Access | Events are typically free and open to all (unless specified otherwise) |
Key Highlights
- The 17th edition shifts to the Alipore Museum, underscoring AKLF’s commitment to hosting events at Kolkata’s key heritage locations.
- The venue, a former prison where freedom fighters were held, provides a poignant historical context for discussions on freedom of thought and expression.
- AKLF remains unique as the only literary festival in India founded and run by a bookstore (Oxford Bookstore).
- The festival is designed to facilitate “enriching conversations” with creative minds from both the nation and globally.
- Beyond literature, the programming traditionally incorporates various art forms, including music, film, and theatre.
A New Vision
Although the full roster of speakers is not out yet, however, based on the previous editions, visitors can expect a robust lineup of intellectuals and artists. There will be different sessions touching contemporary issues like politics, identity, history, heritage, gender, etc. Cultural experiences are on queue as well. There are distinctive events for children and young readers, making the space family-friendly and inclusive for a younger crowd as well.
Today, people’s preferences heavily oscillate between e-books and social media, often leading to low attention spans. In an environment like this, AKLF acts as a mediator that brings back the vintage energy of reading a book physically and engaging with influential authors whose writings actually bring a change. The events are free, accessible to all, and encompass an excellent intellectual rigour and temperament. The 2026 edition feels like a renewal of a chance to re-experience Kolkata through its dominant literary niche, complemented by heritage and art. So, if you happen to be in Kolkata that week, do not forget to bury your feet into the lavish Alipore Museum campus with a chai in hand and notebook ready.
Interesting and inviting .