Kochi, Jan 28: South India’s largest literary festival, the Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters (MBIFL), is set to begin on January 29, 2026. Hailed as a ‘spring of words,’ the four-day extravaganza promises a unique blend of flavour, depth, and grandeur, bringing together the best of literature, ideas, and culture.
Renowned actor Mohanlal will inaugurate the festival, with business leader M.A. Yusuff Ali as the chief guest. Mathrubhumi officials and Festival Director Dr V Venu will also participate in the opening.
Keynote speeches will be delivered by celebrated Malayalam writer K.R. Meera, known for Aarachaar, Qabar, Nethronmeelanam, Ave Mariya, and Kalachi, and Swiss German novelist Jonas Lüscher, acclaimed for Kraft: A Novel and Barbarian Spring.
The festival also features an extraordinary line-up of speakers, including journalist Declan Walsh, actor Shabana Azmi, author Rahul Pandita, cricket legend Mohammad Azharuddin, and politician Priyanka Chaturvedi, among others. Attendees can delve into literature, engage in insightful discussions, enjoy musical performances, explore art installations, browse merchandise, savour local cuisine, attend book launches, and more.
With its hallmark diversity and scale, the festival’s notable aspect is its dedication to being environmentally friendly, motivating organisers to replicate its eco-conscious practices, which can be spotted at various corners of the venue.
M V Shreyams Kumar, Festival Director & Managing Director, Mathrubhumi Group, said,
“The 2026 edition of the Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters truly embodies the spirit of our festival—a celebration of diverse voices and powerful narratives that engage, challenge, and inspire audiences from around the world. We are delighted to present a lineup that reflects the festival’s commitment to intellectual and cultural exchange.”
Dr V Venu, Festival Curator, MBIFL, said,
“MBIFL is a vibrant tapestry of books, ideas, and conversations—where curiosity meets creativity, and exploration sparks discovery. The festival examines the complexities of our changing world while offering inspiration and hope for a brighter future. Alongside thought-provoking discussions, attendees can enjoy performances, workshops, and cultural showcases that celebrate the diversity of artistic expression across disciplines.”
MBIFL 2026 continues its tradition of celebrating the power of stories and ideas, fostering dialogue among writers, thinkers, and artists, and offering audiences a truly immersive literary experience.
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