Srinagar, Oct 6 (JKNS): 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 event is scheduled for October 11 and 12, 2025, at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar.
After the success of its inaugural edition in December 2024, which brought together eminent authors, thinkers, bureaucrats and artists, the upcoming edition is expected to be an even larger confluence of creativity, intellect and cultural expression.
Speaking about the event, Advocate Jehanzeb Allaqaband, Organising Committee Member of the Kashmir Literature Festival, said the festival is not merely an event but a movement that unites voices of creativity, intellect and inspiration from across the nation. He said 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 provide 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 and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, who will attend as the Chief Guest on October 11. On the second day, October 12, the festival will be attended by Dr Karan Singh, Prince Regent of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir and former Sadr-i-Riyasat, as the Chief Guest.
Distinguished Speakers at KLF 2025
The festival will host a lineup of prominent speakers and thought leaders, including:
Amitava Chatterjee, MD and CEO, J&K Bank
Prof Khurshid Andrabi, former Vice-Chancellor, University of Kashmir
Lt Gen D P Pandey, former Corps Commander, Chinar Corps
Neerja Mattoo, educationist and author
Vijay Dhar, Chairman, DPS Srinagar
Kanchan Gupta, senior journalist
Dr Monika Gupta, Director, NIFT
Gurunatha Moksha, spiritual mentor
Brigadier Sushil Tanwar, author and Army officer
Aarti Tikoo Singh, journalist and columnist
Emaad Makhdoomi, writer and journalist
Rouble Nagi, author and artist
Tehmeema Rizvi, author and UN representative
Adv Jehanzeb Allaqaband said this year’s lineup represents a unique convergence of voices from academia, public service, journalism, spirituality and art.
Cultural Highlights
The festival will feature artistic performances by:
Noor Mohammad, Kashmiri folk and Sufi music maestro
Aishwarya Attri and Nandana Moulick, Bharatnatyam performers
Masrat-un-Nisa, Kashmiri singer featured in the 2025 film Songs of Paradise
According to Allaqaband, these performances will reflect the essence of Kashmir, where art and tradition blend with contemporary creativity.
Festival Activities
KLF 2025 will also host podcasts, quiz competitions, poetry readings and storytelling sessions to offer participants an engaging cultural experience.
Partners
Co-title partners: J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages
Associate partners: NIFT and J&K Bank
Session partners: AI Aggregate and Mewar University
Book partner: Sabre and Quill
Registration
Entry to the Kashmir Literature Festival 2025 is through registration only. Interested participants can register at
www.kashmirliteraturefestival.com
In closing, Advocate Jehanzeb Allaqaband, on behalf of the Organising Committee, expressed gratitude to all partners, speakers and participants. He said KLF 2025 is a celebration of Kashmir’s literary spirit and cultural resilience and invited everyone to join the festival of words, art and ideas in Srinagar. (JKNS)