Jaipur, January 15, 2026: The 19th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) began today at Hotel Clarks Amer in Jaipur, bringing together an extraordinary assembly of authors, thinkers, artists, and cultural icons from around India and abroad for five days of ideas, dialogue, debates, and performances. The festival will run from January 15 to January 19, 2026 and has once again transformed the Pink City into a vibrant hub of literary and intellectual exchange.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma inaugurated the festival, welcoming attendees with the words “Padharo Mhare Des” a warm invitation to experience the cultural wealth of the state. He described JLF as “a confluence of words” that connects people through empathy, creativity and shared inquiry.
Global & Indian Lineup of Speakers
This year’s edition boasts an impressive roster of participants, representing literature, technology, arts, economics, policy, creativity, science and more. Speakers include prominent Indian figures like Javed Akhtar, Sudha Murty, Vir Das, Kiran Desai, Vishwanathan Anand, and global personalities such as Tim Berners-Lee, Esther Duflo, and Leo Varadkar, among many others.
The festival features a rich calendar of discussions, including panels on fiction and poetry, sessions on the future of society, economics, science, global politics, and creative arts, alongside book launches and engaging interactions between authors and audiences.
Cultural and Economic Impact
Organisers highlight that JLF 2026 will not only spotlight literature and ideas but also significantly impact Jaipur’s cultural tourism and economy. Previous editions have been credited with generating substantial economic activity in the city, enhancing Jaipur’s reputation as a global cultural destination.
Alongside the festival, the Jaipur BookMark publishing conclave continues, focusing this year on topics like translation, artificial intelligence in publishing, and evolving storytelling formats. Musical evenings, performances at the Jaipur Music Stage, workshops, and interactive sessions further enrich the experience for visitors.
Rajasthani Language Recognition Takes Centre Stage
A major theme at the inaugural event was the call to recognise the Rajasthani language as the official state language, a sentiment strongly voiced from the JLF stage by co-founder Namita Gokhale. The demand has struck a chord with attendees and cultural commentators, bringing renewed focus to issues of linguistic preservation and regional identity.
Linguists note that while Rajasthani has a rich literary tradition, its official status remains a subject of debate, and cultural platforms like JLF are increasingly being used to push for recognition and revitalisation of regional languages.
As the festival progresses over the next few days, audiences can expect a dynamic blend of literary brilliance, cultural celebration and spirited discussions that affirm Jaipur Literature Festival’s status as one of the world’s most inclusive and influential cultural events.