Arshid Ali
Srinagar, Oct 06: The Kashmir Literature Festival (KLF), an initiative of the Srikula Foundation, has announced the second edition of its annual celebration of literature, ideas, art, and culture. The festival will be held on October 11 and 12, 2025, at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar.
Following the overwhelming success of its inaugural edition in December 2024 — which brought together renowned authors, thinkers, bureaucrats, and artists — this year’s festival promises an even more vibrant confluence of creativity, intellect, and cultural expression.
Speaking about the upcoming event, Advocate Jehanzeb Allaqaband, Organising Committee Member of the Kashmir Literature Festival, said:
“The Kashmir Literature Festival is not merely an event — it is 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 festival aims to foster literary discourse, celebrate diversity, and offer a platform for writers, poets, artists, students, and intellectuals to exchange ideas and experiences.
The Kashmir Literature Festival 2025 will be inaugurated by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, who will grace the occasion as Chief Guest on October 11. On October 12, the event will be honored by the presence of Dr. Karan Singh, Prince Regent of the erstwhile State of Jammu & Kashmir and former Sadr-i-Riyasat, as Chief Guest for the closing day.
This year’s edition 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.
Also, 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; Tehmeema Rizvi, Author & Representative of India to the UN Commenting on this year’s roster.
Adv. Allaqaband added: “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.”
In addition to literary sessions and cultural showcases, KLF 2025 will host a range of engaging activities, including exclusive podcasts, quiz competitions, poetry readings, and storytelling sessions, offering participants an immersive experience in the heart of Kashmir’s creative and intellectual landscape.
