Koshala Literature Festival Unveils Edition 5: A Celebration of Heritage, Humanity, Literature and Culture

Lucknow, 15 November

The fifth edition of the Koshala Literature Festival (KoLiF) was unveiled on November 14 with an elegant curtain-raiser at Kothi Mall in Malihabad. Set against the backdrop of a century-old heritage property featuring Awadhi arches, carved pillars and mango-orchard courtyards, the evening introduced this year’s theme: *“Rediscovering Humanity through Rediscovering Heritage.”*

The main festival will take place from November 27 to 30, 2026, at the Lucknow Museum of Heritage and Art (LMHA), Clock Tower, Hussainabad. The curtain-raiser brought together eminent citizens, cultural representatives, influencers and custodians of heritage properties from across the region.

Three Voices, One Vision for Literature and Heritage

The evening was led by festival founder Prashant Kumar Singh and mentors Nishi Pandey and Ajay Jain. Prashant Kumar Singh explained that the theme reflects Lucknow’s identity as a city of diverse languages, flavours, sounds and artistic traditions. KoLiF aims to bring these diverse cultural expressions together and help the city reconnect with its own stories.

Nishi Pandey highlighted the importance of traditional craftsmanship, describing literature as an inclusive expression capable of embracing crafts and artisans. She emphasised that the festival provides artisans with platforms through its dedicated bazaars.

Ajay Jain spoke about the importance of cultural festivals in preserving languages and traditions, encouraging emerging poets and performers, and bringing communities together.

Celebration of Literature, History, Cinema and Public Life

The four-day festival will feature an impressive gathering of writers, historians, artists, journalists, policymakers and cultural personalities. Among the announced speakers are Purushottam Agrawal, Neera Chandhoke, Omair Ahmad, Akshat Gupta, Anirudh Kanisetti, Anoushka Jain, Ravi Bhatt, Taqi Abbas, Padma Shri Bhawana Somaaya, Aahana Kumra, Navneet Sehgal, Alok Ranjan, Chhavi Rajawat, Ruhi Tewari, Tabeenah Anjum, Neha Sinha and many others.

The discussions will explore Kabir and Gandhi, forgotten histories of women and Begums, the Nawabs of Lucknow, Awadhi cuisine, women’s political participation, Urdu storytelling, urban nature and the changing reading culture. Contemporary themes such as digital culture, generative artificial intelligence, everyday feminism, global diaspora identities and the revival of regional languages will also feature prominently.

Qawwali, Mushaira, Heritage Walks and Culinary Experiences

KoLiF will offer a diverse programme extending beyond conventional literary discussions. Visitors can attend author sessions, live question-and-answer discussions and book-signing events. Poetry evenings and Mushairas will celebrate Hindi and Urdu literature, while Sufi music, ghazals, dance and live performances will add to the cultural experience. Heritage walks will explore Lucknow’s layered Nawabi, colonial and composite architectural traditions. Special culinary experiences and bespoke dinners will showcase Awadhi cuisine beyond its famous biryani. Local artists and emerging talents will receive opportunities through art experiences and Hunarshala. Koshala Haat will bring together traditional crafts, books, block printing and artisan products, giving local craftsmanship a prominent place in the festival.

Four Days to Celebrate Lucknow’s Cultural Identity

Organised jointly by Koshala Arts and Crafts Private Limited and Perspective Cultural Foundation, KoLiF began its journey in 2022 and has steadily developed into a prominent cultural gathering in North India. The previous edition featured more than 60 speakers and over 50 sessions. The fifth edition aims to expand this cultural platform further.

The curtain-raiser at Kothi Mall offered a preview of the celebrations ahead. The evening concluded with a specially curated Awadhi dinner followed by a captivating qawwali performance by the Ali Brothers beneath the heritage courtyard arches. The organisers view heritage, hospitality and tourism as interconnected elements of cultural preservation. Special heritage walks, dinners and evening performances will have limited capacity.

*Festival Details*

– *Dates:* November 27–30, 2026
– *Venue:* Lucknow Museum of Heritage and Art (LMHA), Clock Tower, Hussainabad, Lucknow
– *Organisers:* Koshala Arts and Crafts Pvt. Ltd. and Perspective Cultural Foundation
– *Passes and Registration:* BookMyShow