The seventh edition of the Kerala Literature Festival (KLF) concluded on January 14, 2024, transforming Kozhikode Beach into a bustling haven for literature enthusiasts, thinkers, and artists from around the world.
Hosted across seven venues along the beach, the festival welcomed over 500 global speakers who engaged in more than 250 sessions, making it a monumental celebration of literature and culture.
Building upon its reputation as India’s first UNESCO-declared ‘City of Literature,’ Kozhikode played host to this grand literary affair from January 11 to 14, 2024. The festival attracted visitors in unprecedented numbers, with book stalls, bright lights, and a vibrant atmosphere characterizing the four days of literary extravaganza.
“As the curtains fall on the seventh edition of the Kerala Literature Festival, we are elated to witness the culmination of a literary symphony that echoed across the shores of Kozhikode. This year’s festival was a kaleidoscope of ideas, cultures, and voices, reaffirming KLF’s commitment to being a global platform for dialogue and celebration,” said Ravi Deecee, Chief Facilitator, Kerala Literature Festival.
He added, “The convergence of literary minds, the diverse range of discussions, and the cultural tapestry woven throughout the event showcase the power of literature to unite and inspire. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making KLF 2024 a resounding success, and we look forward to continuing this journey of literary exploration and cultural exchange in the years to come,”
The festival’s thematic expansion was evident in the diverse range of topics discussed, including Manipur crisis, Israel’s war on Gaza, queer and women’s rights, Indian history, and the ethics of artificial intelligence. More than 500 speakers graced the festival, featuring luminaries such as Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi, Jnanpith laureate MT Vasudevan Nair, JCB Prize winner Perumal Murugan, Oscar winner Resul Pookutty, former Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi, Carnatic vocalist TM Krishna, stand-up comedian Kanan Gill, dancer and performer Mallika Sarabhai, and historian William Dalrymple among other celebrated guests.
Adding to the cultural richness, the guest nation for KLF 2024 was Türkiye, celebrating its 100th year of Republic. Turkish authors took part in various sessions, and a mesmerizing performance by Whirling Dervishes captivated the audience. The festival recognized Kozhikode’s UNESCO title as the ‘City of Literature’ by introducing a separate culinary dimension, curated by Paragon, offering a diverse menu celebrating Kerala’s culinary heritage.
The festival’s scale reached new heights with over 500 global speakers, covering themes from Science & Technology to Art, Cinema, Theatre, Music & Leisure, Travel & Tourism, Gender, Economy, and more. The inclusion of countries like the UK, Serbia, USA, Malaysia, and France, alongside Türkiye’s centennial celebration, reflected the festival’s commitment to global cultural exchange.
In addition to literature, KLF embraced discussions on diverse facets of life, emphasizing its commitment to fostering comprehensive conversations. With breakout sessions exploring literature, culture, and society, KLF 2024 provided a platform for in-depth and engaging dialogues.
The success of the seventh edition underscores KLF’s unparalleled growth among literature festivals in the continent, continuing to be a beacon for literary and cultural exchange. As the festival wrapped up its grand celebration, it left a lasting impression as a testament to the power of words, ideas, and the shared joy of literature.
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