Bhubaneswar, Odisha — January 8–11, 2026: The 12th edition of the Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF) concluded in Bhubaneswar with an expansive celebration of literature, culture and intellectual dialogue, bringing together hundreds of authors, thinkers, poets, translators, artists and public intellectuals from India and abroad. Organised by the Kalinga Literary Festival Pvt. Ltd. under the stewardship of Founder & Director Rashmi Ranjan Parida, the annual gathering has grown into one of India’s most significant literary platforms, bridging regional narratives with global conversations.

A Festival with Global Reach and Cultural Depth

Held across multiple venues within Mayfair Lagoon, Bhubaneswar, the four-day festival positioned itself at the intersection of literature, culture, public policy, technology and civilisational thought. With the overarching theme “Stories That Shape Humanity: Translating Worlds, Transforming Futures,” KLF 2026 emphasised translation, narrative power, cross-cultural exchange and the contemporary relevance of storytelling — inviting audiences to explore how literature interacts with identity, technology, democracy, sustainability and performance arts.

This edition was also notable for its integration of the 10th Kalinga Art Festival, showcasing visual and performative arts alongside literary dialogues, making the event a richly layered cultural experience.

Inauguration and Distinguished Guests

The festival’s inauguration on January 8, 2026 featured an impressive array of dignitaries and cultural figures:

• Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha — Chief Guest
  
  
• Dr. Upali Pannilage, Minister of Rural Development, Sri Lanka — Guest of Honour
  
  
• Shri Harivansh Narayan Singh, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha — Guest of Honour
  
  
• Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, Minister of Culture & Sports, Odisha
  
  
• Ambassador Philip Green OAM, Australia’s High Commissioner to India
  
  
• Shri Sujeet Kumar, MP, Odisha
  
  
• Dr. Binod Chaudhury, Nepalese industrialist & philanthropist
  
  
• Shri Sudarshan Sahoo, Padma Vibhushan awardee
  
  
• Dr. Pratibha Ray, Padma Bhushan awardee
  
  
• Ms. Tanaya Patnaik, Executive Director, Sambad Group
  
  

Shri Ashok Kumar Bal served as CEO & Patron of KLF, welcoming attendees, while Rashmi Ranjan Parida outlined the vision and cultural significance of the festival.

Extensive Speaker Line-up and Influential Voices

KLF 2026 featured a distinguished roster of more than 400 speakers, blending international award-winning figures with prominent Indian writers, artists, commentators and thought leaders. Some of the notable speakers and contributors included:

• Padma Shri Malini Awasthi – celebrated Indian folk singer and cultural ambassador, anchoring performances that blended literature with music.
  
  
• Daisy Rockwell – award-winning artist, writer and translator whose translations have won international honours.
  
  
• Banu Mushtaq – International Booker Prize winner.
  
  
• Deepa Bhasthi – Booker Prize–winning author and cultural critic.
  
  
• Ram Madhav – strategic thinker, author and political voice.
  
  
• Acharya Prashant – spiritual leader and speaker drawing large audiences.
  
  
• Sudhir Mishra – acclaimed filmmaker engaging on cinema and narrative culture.
  
  
• Tuhin A. Sinha – author and political commentator.
  
  
• Arun Lal – former Indian cricketer and writer, presenting on life, sport and narrative history.
  
  
• Amit Lodha – IPS officer and author known for Bihar Diaries.
  
  
• Priya Arora, Sushil Doshi, Dr. Sajjan Singh Yadav, Swati Pandey, Madhuchhanda Bal and many more talents spanning journalism, poetry, translation, essay, art and cultural criticism.
  
  

This eclectic mix ensured a multi-disciplinary engagement, encouraging dialogue beyond literature into public policy, society, technology, gender, sustainability and more.

Sessions and Programmes: Diverse Ideas in Conversation

Across its four days, KLF 2026 facilitated a rich array of formats — panel discussions, interviews, conversational salons, poetry readings, translation forums, and masterclasses. Highlights included:

• International Storytelling Panels that explored how translation bridges voices across cultures and languages
  
  
• Gender, Identity & Feminism Discussions led by writers and scholars investigating contemporary literary narratives
  
  
• Politics, Democracy & Public Policy Conversations with authors and commentators analysing India’s socio-political framework
  
  
• Writing for the Future & AI Forums where evolving technologies and literature intersected
  
  
• Cinema and Story Culture Sessions illuminating how narrative art forms shape public imagination
  
  
• Poetry and Multilingual Workshops celebrating Indian languages alongside world literatures
  
  

The festival also dedicated space to regional literary traditions, including a focus on Odia literature, storytelling practices, and poetry across borders, acknowledging the cultural depth of India’s myriad languages.

Awards, Art and Recognition

At the opening ceremony, several prestigious honours were conferred in recognition of literary achievement and cultural contribution:

• International Living Legend Award: Dr. Binod Chaudhary
  
  
• Kalinga Literary Award: Shri Achyutananda Pati
  
  
• Kalinga International Literary Award: Daisy Rockwell
  
  
• Kalinga Literary Award (Youth): Ranjana Niraula
  
  
• Odisha Living Legend Awards: Pandit Harmohan Khuntia, Shri Govardhan Dora
  
  
• Special awards including the KLF-Penguin Review Project and KLF-Sambad Book Review Awards
  
  

These recognitions underscored the festival’s commitment to honouring excellence across genres, generations and geographies.

Cultural Fusion: Music, Performance, and Engagement

Beyond discussions, KLF 2026 integrated music and performance arts. Evening programmes featured performances by Padma Shri Malini Awasthi and other artists, weaving literary themes with folk and classical traditions — a reminder that literature and performance often co-create cultural memory.

The festival’s inclusive format also embraced workshops, heritage walks and book launches, turning Bhubaneswar into a vibrant hub of ideas and creative exchange for readers, students and practitioners alike.

Why KLF 2026 Holds Special Significance

The Kalinga Literary Festival has, over the years, transformed from a regional gathering into a global literary forum where ideas intersect with lived experience and cultural imagination. Rooted in Odisha’s civilisational heritage, KLF continues to expand its reach internationally, with initiatives and editions planned beyond India’s borders, reconnecting ancient cultural ties with contemporary creative discourse.

As founder Rashmi Ranjan Parida articulated, the festival reflects a belief that stories do more than entertain — they shape empathy, influence thought and help societies imagine better futures.

With its rich programming, diverse voices and deep engagement with literary and cultural themes, KLF 2026 has once again cemented its role as a cornerstone event in India’s literary calendar. The festival not only created spaces for dialogue but also fostered cross-cultural appreciation, making Bhubaneswar a focal point for global conversations on literature and ideas.