Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 7: The Kashmir Literature Festival (KLF) is all set to be inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on October 11 at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) here.
Organisers said that following the resounding success of its inaugural edition in December last year, which brought together eminent authors, thinkers, bureaucrats, and artists, this year’s edition promises to be an even grander confluence of creativity, intellect, and cultural expression.
An initiative of the Srikula Foundation, the festival is an annual celebration of literature, ideas, art, and culture.
Speaking about the event, Advocate Jehanzeb Allaqaband, member of the organising committee said that the festival is not merely an event, but a movement that unites voices of creativity, intellect, and inspiration from across the nation.
“KLF aims to showcase Kashmir as a vibrant hub of dialogue, art, and cultural harmony.”
The organisers said the festival seeks to foster literary discourse, celebrate diversity, and provide a platform for writers, poets, artists, students, and intellectuals to exchange ideas and experiences.
They added that the festival will be inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest on October 11, 2025.
On the second day, October 12, event Dr. Karan Singh, former Sadr-i-Riyasat, will be the chief guest.
The festival will feature an impressive lineup of distinguished speakers and thought leaders, including Amitava Chatterjee, MD & CEO, J&K Bank; Prof. Khurshid Andrabi, Former Vice-Chancellor, University of Kashmir; Lt. Gen. D. P. Pandey, Former Corps Commander, Chinar Corps (XV); Neerja Mattoo, Educationist & Author; Vijay Dhar, Educationist & Chairman, DPS Srinagar; Kanchan Gupta, Senior Journalist; Dr. Monika Gupta, Director, NIFT; Gurunatha Moksha, Spiritual Guru; Brigadier Sushil Tanwar, Senior Indian Army Officer & Author; Aarti Tikoo Singh, Journalist & Columnist; Emaad Makhdoomi, Journalist & Writer; Rouble Nagi, Artist & Author; and Tehmeema Rizvi, Author & Representative of India to the UN.
According to Allaqaband, “This year’s KLF speaker lineup represents a rare convergence of voices – from academia, public service, journalism, spirituality, and art – all united by a shared commitment to ideas and expression.”
The festival will also feature captivating artistic performances by Noor Mohammad, renowned Kashmiri folk and Sufi music maestro; Aishwarya Attri and Nandana Moulick, eminent Bharatanatyam performers; and Masrat-un-Nisa who featured in the 2025 film Songs of Paradise.
He said that these performances will “capture the soul of Kashmir – where art and tradition intertwine with contemporary creativity.”
KLF 2025 will also host exclusive podcasts, quiz competitions, poetry readings, and storytelling sessions, offering participants an engaging and immersive cultural experience.
Entry to the Kashmir Literature Festival 2025 will be through online registration at [www.kashmirliteraturefestival.com].
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