Among the many things Bengaluru is proud of nurturing is the annual gathering of literature enthusiasts at the Bangalore Literature Fest (BLF). With many renowned voices and, of course, new books and bibliophiles basking in the smell of books, this year’s theme feels timely – Space. For founder and curator Shinie Antony, this idea guided every step of the curation. As she notes, “The central vision this year was space – to breathe, to express, to think.” The choice of venue also sealed the idea. She adds, “When Freedom Park became our next destination, it all kind of fell into place. It is open, airy, green and centrally located. The fact that it used to be the state prison only makes the word ‘freedom’ more meaningful.”
From this sense of openness emerges a festival lineup with sharpness and humour. “Banu Mushtaq, Vir Das, Karen Hao, Clare Mackintosh, Anurag Minus Verma, Gauri Shinde, Shashi Tharoor, GN Devy, Chetan Bhagat…” she lists, a diverse array spanning writers, performers, filmmakers and more. What ties them together is a deliberate tonal balance. “Levity and gravity. Comic relief, if balanced out with significant issues and saying what must be said, is nourishing,” Antony shares.
One thing BLF keeps close is its multilingual character, which continues to anchor it in its home city this year as well. “There is Urdu, Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam, Sanskrit…” Antony emphasises, affirming that the festival remains a meeting point for diverse literary traditions. This linguistic inclusivity echoes through the cultural landscape of Bengaluru itself. “We do keep in mind what the city is talking about, reading, obsessed with, showcasing.”
While the festival has hinted at new formats and experiences, the team is intentionally keeping some excitement under wraps. “This will be a surprise,” Antony says. “We are hoping to convert the space into a fun one.” The venue will shape the experience in unexpected ways, as Antony adds, “The venue change is dramatic and everything in the context of the festival’s next step.”
This year’s edition also continues its commitment to young readers through the Children’s Literature Festival (CLF). “Like every year, we have CLF which thinks up different things for kids to do and engage with,” she says, ensuring that both first-time festival-goers and young audiences feel included.
Yet even with its evolving scale, BLF holds on to a sense of intimacy that regulars have come to love. For Antony, this connection is entirely audience-driven. “The audience/readers are God. We are doing this only because the city allows it, makes time for it, and shows up for it. The festival belongs completely to Bengaluru,” she points out.
But what ultimately excites Antony is what BLF will ignite among the readers, as she states, “The festival hopes always for the best, that those who come in, go out as changed beings. That they will read more, write more, and buy more books!”
(The festival will take place at Freedom park on Dec 6 and 7 from 9am onwards)