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The 11th edition of the Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF), held from March 21 to 23, 2025, captivated literary enthusiasts and showcased the state’s deep respect for literature, ideas, and human expression. Organized by the Odisha Diary Foundation and Odisha Media Info Service Ltd., KLF 2025 took place in Bhubaneswar, the Temple City, where tradition seamlessly blended with contemporary thought, reflecting Odisha’s timeless spirit.
A Legacy of Literary Excellence

The Kalinga Literary Festival began in 2014 under the visionary leadership of Rashmi Ranjan Parida, a journalist-writer dedicated to promoting Odia language, literature, and culture. From its humble beginnings, KLF grew into one of India’s premier literary platforms, and in 2025, it welcomed over 500 speakers, including Nobel laureates, Booker Prize winners, and Sahitya Akademi awardees. What started as a mission to celebrate Odisha’s literary heritage evolved into a global dialogue, connecting regional voices with international perspectives. Past editions had featured luminaries such as Amish Tripathi, Namita Gokhale, and Arundhathi Subramaniam, while themes like “India and the World” and “Legends of Ancient Bharat” sparked meaningful conversations.
Esteemed Voices of Kalinga Literary Festival 2025

The 2025 edition brought together an impressive lineup of speakers, authors, and poets who embodied the diversity and depth of literary expression. Among them were Dr. Sukrita Paul Kumar, a distinguished poet and critic; Sumana Roy, celebrated for her evocative prose; and Anupama Raju, whose poetry moved audiences with its emotional clarity. Santanu Kumar Acharya and Dash Benhur, stalwarts of Odia literature, explored the evolution and future of the language in a special session titled “Celebrating Odia Literature.” Other notable participants included Buddhisagar from Nepal and Dr. Dwarika Prasad Uniyal, enriching the festival with cross-cultural insights. These voices, alongside over 500 others, addressed topics ranging from cultural nationalism and climate justice to artificial intelligence and gender identity, offering a broad and thought-provoking discourse.
What were the Venues for Kalinga Literary Festival 2025?
KLF 2025 unfolded across three iconic venues in Bhubaneswar: Mayfair Lagoon, Kala Bhoomi, and the Guru Kelu Charan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre. Each location mirrored Odisha’s unique blend of modernity and tradition. Mayfair Lagoon provided a serene ambiance, ideal for intellectual exchange, while Kala Bhoomi, a hub of artistic expression, complemented the festival’s focus on creativity. The Odissi Research Centre, named after a legendary figure in Odisha’s dance heritage, tied the event to the state’s cultural core. Together, these venues hosted sessions from morning to evening over three days.
How Did KLF 2025 Serve as a Platform for Inspiration and Recognition?

Beyond its discussions, KLF 2025 honoured literary excellence through the Kalinga Literary Awards, recognizing icons who shaped India’s literary landscape. The festival also featured the Kalinga Art Festival, where over 100 artists showcased works inspired by its themes, and the Annual Book Awards, which celebrated 20 trailblazing authors. Emerging writers and young leaders found a nurturing space to connect with established figures, fostering mentorship and growth. Mystic Walks and heritage tours immersed attendees in Bhubaneswar’s rich history, from ancient temples to modern landmarks, offering a holistic experience.
Odisha’s Pride in a Global Spotlight through KLF 2025
The Kalinga Literary Festival became a movement that reflected Odisha’s enduring commitment to knowledge and culture. As Rashmi Ranjan Parida had envisioned, KLF revived ancestral wisdom while inspiring future generations, a mission that resonated with the state’s progressive ethos. By hosting voices from Nepal, Sri Lanka, the UK, and beyond, the festival underscored Odisha’s historical ties with the world, once forged through the ancient Kalinga empire’s maritime reach. In 2025, it positioned Bhubaneswar as a global literary hub, inviting the world to witness Odisha’s intellectual vitality.