First set of speakers announced for the 7th edition
The 7th edition of Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters 2026 is scheduled to take place from 29th January to the 1st of February 2026 at Kanakakkunnu Palace, Trivandrum
Programme and Themes -will bring over 400 international and Indian writers, readers, aficionados, influencers, and intellectuals with sessions devoted to divergent topics, trends, ideas, and genres ranging from fiction, poetry, nonfiction, politics, environment, travel, science & technology, activism, and cinema prominently. Heralding the theme Paradox of Pace, the festival will have a strong field of speakers from all five continents.
South India’s most anticipated celebration of literature, Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters returns for its 7th edition from 29th January to 1st February 2026, at the iconic Kanakakkannu Palace, Thiruvanthapuram, capital of Kerala.
The upcoming edition of this festival turns its focus on one of the defining questions of our time, “The paradox of pace”. Speed has given humanity remarkable progress, but not without consequences. MBIFL 2026, will provide a platform to pause and reflect on the tension between the power and the price of speed.
The first tranche of speakers for the Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters 2026 showcases a distinguished blend of celebrated thinkers, authors whose contributions promise to inspire and enrich discussions at the festival. This remarkable line up includes Declan Walsh, Martin Goodman, Jeet Thayil, Rahul Pandita, Scott Ezeel, Vartika Nanda, Tarana Husain Khan, Salma, Devdutt Pattanaik, GN Devy, Harish Trivedi, Hoshang Marchant, Kalki Subramaniam, Rakshanda Jalil, Vivek Shanbhag, Rajdeep Sardasai, 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, Jonas Luescher.
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, said: ” 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 the sessions, the festival offers a rich tapestry of cultural performances, art exhibitions, and literary showcases, making a true celebration of creativity and intellectual exchange.
The Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters 2026 is more than an event- it’s a celebration of storytelling, culture, and intellectual vibrancy, promising to be an unforgettable experience, igniting minds and hearts alike. Wish to be part of MBIFL 2026? book your tickets now! https://store.mathrubhumi.com/mbifl/index.html