Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival
Where Words Come Alive
Join celebrated authors, thinkers, and literary enthusiasts at the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival (AKLF), a premier event that celebrates the power of words and ideas.
Mid-January
3-4 Days
Packed with sessions and workshops
📅
When
Mid-January
📍
Where
Iconic venues like Park Street
🗣️
What
Panel Discussions Author Talks, Workshops
🎟️
Entry
Free and open to all
About AKLF
A Confluence of Ideas
The Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival (AKLF) is India's first literary festival created by a bookstore, the iconic Oxford Bookstore. It has grown into a major cultural event, bringing together some of the brightest minds from India and across the world.
What makes AKLF unique is its use of iconic heritage venues across the city, turning landmarks into vibrant spaces for literary dialogue. The festival is known for its inclusive atmosphere, free entry, and diverse programming that covers everything from fiction and poetry to politics and food.
Festival Highlights
What to Experience
🎤
Author Interactions
Listen to and interact with your favorite national and international authors.
🏛️
Heritage Venues
Sessions are held in unique locations like historic mansions, lawns, and galleries.
✍️
Writing Workshops
Participate in workshops on creative writing, poetry, and other literary forms.
📖
Book Launches
Be the first to know about new books as they are launched at the festival.
Festival Schedule
A Literary Itinerary
Daytime
Daytime
Panel Discussions
Multiple parallel sessions on various topics across different venues.
Evening
Evening
Keynote Addresses & Performances
Evenings are often reserved for keynote speeches by major authors or cultural performances.
Festival Venues
Literary Hubs
Oxford Bookstore
Park Street
The historic bookstore that started it all, hosting intimate sessions and signings.
Alliance Française du Bengale
Park Mansions
The lawns often host relaxed, open-air sessions and musical evenings.
Cultural Aspects
More than Literature
🎨
Art & Photo Exhibitions
Festival Foods
Literary Bites
☕
Cha Bar
📋 Quick Planning Guide
- Event DatesMid-January
- LocationVarious venues in Kolkata
- EntryFree, some workshops may require registration
🚌 Transportation Guide
- Metro RailPark Street Metro is central to many venues.
- Taxi/App CabsConvenient for moving between different venues.
💡 Essential Tips
- Check the final schedule and venue list online before you go.
- Arrive early for sessions with popular authors as seating is limited.
- The festival is a great way to discover new authors and genres.