Mumbai’s only international literary festival, Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest returns for its 16th edition from November 7 to 9, 2025, at its iconic home — the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Nariman Point. Presented by the Godrej Industries Group, this year’s festival once again promises to be a vibrant celebration of stories, ideas, and cross-cultural dialogue under Mumbai’s ever-inspiring blue skies.
Over the years, the festival has evolved into a democratic, inclusive, and cross-cultural space that welcomes changemakers, thinkers, and artists from across borders. The 2025 edition will feature over 100 writers, speakers, and performers representing diverse genders, communities, and languages, creating a melting pot of creativity and conversation.
The three-day festival will feature a compelling line-up across genres including fiction, poetry, health, history, business, science, philosophy, and justice—capturing the essence of Mumbai in a way that’s both intellectual and immersive.
Leading this year’s impressive roster are D.Y. Chandrachud (former Chief Justice of India), Shashi Tharoor (author and politician), Faye D’Souza (journalist and news anchor), Shobhaa De (author and columnist), and Paromita Vohra (filmmaker and writer). The festival will also see celebrated names from the performing arts including Lillete Dubey, Soha Ali Khan, and Jim Sarbh, adding a cinematic flair to the proceedings.
The line-up further includes acclaimed literary figures such as Jerry Pinto, Shubhangi Swarup, Luke Coutinho, and Jeet Thayil, who will discuss their latest works and creative journeys. Continuing its tradition of fostering global thought leadership, the LitFest will also host international voices like Omar Musa (Malaysian-Australian author and artist), Yang Shuang-zi (Taiwanese novelist), Shehan Karunatilaka (2022 Booker Prize Winner), Venki Ramakrishnan (Nobel Laureate and author), Jimmy Wales (Co-founder of Wikipedia), and Sam Dalrymple (historian and Co-founder of Project Dastaan).
Other notable names gracing the festival include Anindita Ghose, Ashok Alexander, Ashok Vajpeyi, Atul Dodiya, Christian Stöcker, Roopa Kudva, Shabnam Minwalla, Shereen Bhan, Sitanshu Yashaschandra, and Swati Pandey—each bringing their unique expertise and perspectives to the stage.
Marking 16 years of literary excellence, this year’s edition promises to be a visual and intellectual spectacle featuring the much-awaited Poet Laureate and Lifetime Achievement Awards, alongside specially curated children’s sessions on November 7–8.
From seasoned authors to emerging voices, Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest continues to embody the city’s creative pulse—a festival that celebrates every story worth telling and every voice ready to spark change.
Festival Details
📅 Dates: November 7–9, 2025
📍 Venue: NCPA, Nariman Point, Mumbai
🔗 Website: www.litlive.in
Join the celebration — where ideas meet imagination, and Mumbai’s literary spirit shines brightest.
