Banaras Lit Fest invites you to immerse in the Literary essence of Eternal Kashi
About BLF
An Initiative of Nav Bharat Nirman Samiti
What is BLF?
India's Most Soulful Lit Fest
Banaras Lit Fest is a cultural pilgrimage that preserves the spirit of Kashi through words, music, and expression. It is not just a literary event — it is a celebration of consciousness, born from the soul of Banaras and extended to the heart of India. This festival leads us from mere looking to true understanding — from sight to insight.
Festival Highlights
BLF At A Glance
Celebrating Literature in Varanasi
publishing houses
award recipients
Verticals
of Art &
Culture
Literature, music, theatre, art, conversations, and performance cultures blending together inside the soul of Banaras.
Literature
& Books
Book launches, author talks, literary debates & publishing culture
Classical
Music
Banaras gharana, ragas, thumri & classical performances
Theatre
& Folk
Nukad natak, dramatic storytelling & folk performance traditions
Photography
Exhibition
Curated visual storytelling celebrating Banaras & culture
Art
Exhibition
Live painting, installations & international visual art practices
Talk
Shows
Celebrity interviews, intellectual conversations & public discourse
Speakathon
(U-14)
Public speaking competition for fearless young voices
Hunar Ke
Sartaj
Talent competition featuring singing, dance & spoken-word performances
BLF Book
Awards
Recognising impactful literary contributions across categories
Open Mic /
Abhivakti
Stand-up comedy, spoken-word poetry & fearless expression
Celebrating Literature in Banaras
Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Banaras Lit Fest, a three day celebration set against the backdrop of the culturally rich city of Varanasi, India. This extraordinary event promises to weave together the essence of numerous languages, literature, and cultures, creating a unique cosmopolitan experience for the very first time in Banaras.
Read MoreProgram Gallery
Inauguration by Harivansh Narayan Singh, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha
Cultural Dance Performance
Classical Music Performance by Trio Banaras
Art Exhibition
Story telling by Neelesh Misra
Panel discussion on globalization and cultural change
Our Speakers
Voices that shape conversations, challenge ideas & inspire a generation
The First
Flame
Inaugural Edition —
Kashi Sahitya Kala Utsav
2023 | Swatantrata Bhavan,
BHU, Varanasi
The
Conversation
Grows
Vishwa Bhasha Ke
Roop Mein Hindi
2024 | Rudraksh Convention
Centre, Sigra
The World
Arrives
Banaras: From
Sight to Insight
2025 | Hotel Taj,
Varanasi
A New High
Water Mark
Youth Shaping Nation
in an AI-Powered World
2026 | Hotel Taj,
Varanasi
Voices From BLF
Banaras Lit Fest is where ideas breathe. Every session leaves you with something to think about long after the lights go down.
Anjali Sharma Author & Educator, DelhiAn extraordinary gathering in the most extraordinary city. BLF captures the soul of Kashi in every conversation.
Ravi Menon Journalist, MumbaiThe energy, the speakers, the venue — BLF is not just a festival, it is an experience that rekindles your love for literature.
Priya Tiwari Student, BHU Varanasi
Literary Excellence · English & Hindi
BLF Book
Awards
India's most anticipated literary honours — celebrating the finest writing in English, Hindi and regional languages. Awards across 10+ categories recognising authors, poets, debut writers and publishers.
Explore Awards & LaureatesAwards Ceremony
Honouring literary excellence with awards to celebrate the finest works in Fiction, Poetry, Non-Fiction, and Translation and unveiling of the prestigious BLF Book Awards longlist.
Read More
BLF Book Awards
Nav Bharat Sarjak Samman
Gomati Devi Eminence Award
BLF Archive
BLF 1st Edition
BLF 2nd Edition
BLF 3rd Edition
