New Delhi is set to host the 14th edition of the Delhi Literature Festival (DLF) from February 6 to 8, 2026, at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) on Janpath. Under the theme ‘Literature, Culture, and Prosperity,’ this premier event promises to be a vibrant platform for ideas, dialogues, and cultural exchanges, drawing participants from across India and abroad.
Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will inaugurate the festival on February 6 at 6 PM. The event will bring together esteemed writers, thinkers, poets, policymakers, artists, and young talents to foster conversations between tradition and modernity. Through sessions, readings, performances, and discussions, DLF aims to stimulate critical thinking, nurture creativity, and highlight the pivotal role of literature and culture in building an aware, empathetic, and enriched society.
This year’s focus underscores that true prosperity extends beyond material wealth to encompass intellectual depth, social harmony, and creative abundance. In an era of shrinking attention spans, DLF 2026 prioritizes deep discussions and cultural engagement, with special sessions tailored for Gen Z. Influencers like Shalini Passi and Riya Sharma will address youth-relevant topics, bridging the gap between generations.
Dr. Ajay Sharma, a member of the organizing committee, emphasized that platforms like DLF strengthen profound reflection and cultural connections. ‘We’ve curated special sessions with figures like Shalini Passi to connect the new generation with the world of literature and dialogue,’ he said.
The guest list boasts Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Culture and Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra, MP Bansuri Swaraj, and Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Meenakshi Jain. Keynotes will be delivered by NDMC Chairman Keshav Chandra, IGNCA Member Secretary and Executive & Academic Head Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, and Doordarshan Director General K. Sathish Nambudripad. UNESCO India Director Tim Curtis will also address the gathering.
Coinciding with the 70th anniversary of India-Spain diplomatic ties, the festival celebrates as the ‘Bilateral Year of India-Spain Culture, Tourism, and AI,’ infusing global depth into cultural dialogues. Over three days, luminaries including former Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, Vinod Kumar Shukla, Acharya Prashant, Rahul Pandita, Shalini Passi, Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri, Rahul Bhattacharya, Dr. Mani Rao, Neelotpal Mrinal, and Shambhu Shikhar will participate.
Sessions will explore intersections of literature with law, spirituality, journalism, art, and social thought. The festival not only expands perspectives in literature and culture but also strengthens cultural ties between India and Spain.
Dr. Sharma noted that DLF, registered since 2013, promotes high-quality literature akin to Jaipur Lit Fest, aiming to create a sustainable ecosystem for ongoing idea exchange. The event will culminate in the Delhi Literature Festival Author Awards 2026, honoring excellence in 13 categories selected by a distinguished jury. With its broad vision and strong cultural values, DLF 2026 stands as a historic platform fostering a thoughtful, sensitive, and prosperous society.
