Every January, Jaipur transforms into a buzzing cultural galaxy, and at the centre of it sits one of the world’s most electrifying literary gatherings, the Jaipur Literature Festival 2026. If you’ve been Googling “JLF 2026 dates, venue, speakers, ticket prices, schedule, travel tips” or anything remotely related, you’re definitely not alone. This year’s edition is shaping up to be bigger, louder, more diverse, and, yes, smarter, thanks to sessions on AI, digital storytelling, and tech-driven creativity.
And as someone who has followed the festival for years, here’s a complete and engaging breakdown of everything people are searching for, everything you should know, and everything that will help you plan your visit seamlessly.
JLF 2026 Dates
The Jaipur Literature Festival 2026 will take place in January 2026.
It will start from 15th January and will end on 19th of January 2026.
JLF 2026 Venue
Once again, the festival returns to the vibrant campus of Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur. With sprawling lawns, multi-stage setups, and colourful décor, it’s the perfect backdrop for book lovers, curious minds, and culture seekers.
Pro tip: The festival grounds can get crowded, so arriving early gives you the best chance of grabbing comfortable seating.
JLF 2026 Registration
One of the reasons JLF is iconic is the accessibility. General entry is free. Yes, free. But premium passes? They’re worth every rupee if you enjoy reserved seating, access to curated lunches, author interactions, and shorter queues.
JLF 2026 Ticket Price
- General sessions → free
- Front lawn passes, lunches, premium seating & special events → paid
Prices vary based on the tier you choose. Early bookings can save you money.
Media Registration – Free
Student Registration – 100 Rs.
General Registration – 200 Rs.
Friend of the Festival – 14,000 Rs.
Jaipur Music Stage – 499 Rs.
Jaipur Book Mart – 1500 Rs.
Virtual Session Registration – Free
JLF 2026 Speakers List
JLF is famous for its eclectic mix of thinkers. This year is no different. Some of the confirmed speakers include:
- Namita Gokhale
- William Dalrymple
- Amish Tripathi
- Anne Applebaum
- Anuradha Roy
- Esther Duflo
- Richard Flanagan
- Stephen Fry
- Leo Varadkar
- Viswanathan Anand
…and many more global authors, policymakers, Nobel laureates, economists, historians, scientists and cultural icons.
Check the full list of speakers!
What will be the theme of JLF 2026?
The festival doesn’t run on a single theme but rather a rich tapestry of subjects. Expect powerful conversations around:
- Literature and world narratives
- AI & the future of creativity
- Climate change
- Global politics
- Digital disruption
- Identity, culture & society
If you’re the kind who loves intellectual diversity, JLF is paradise.
Offbeat things to do while attending Jaipur Literature Festival
Jaipur Literature Festival 2026 Programme Schedule
The festival runs across multiple parallel sessions. You’ll find:
- Keynote sessions
- Panel discussions
- Author conversations
- Book launches
- Exclusive workshops
- Interactive sessions
- Cultural evenings filled with live music and performances
The detailed day-wise schedule will go live soon.
How to Reach JLF 2026 Jaipur
Reaching the festival is easy and straightforward:
- By Air: Jaipur International Airport is barely 10–15 minutes from Clarks Amer.
- By Train: Jaipur Junction connects major Indian cities.
- Local commute: Auto-rickshaws, cabs, Ola/Uber, Jaipur Metro and shuttle services are available.
If you’re from Delhi, a quick 4–5 hour road trip makes for a great winter getaway.
Best Accommodation for JLF 2026
Hotels fill up fast—really fast. Areas closest to the venue include:
- Jawahar Circle
- Tonk Road
- MI Road
- C-Scheme
- Jagatpura
Some premium hotels near Jaipur Literature Festival 2026:
- Fairfield by Marriott
- Clarks Amer
- 7Apple
- The Lalit
- Marriott
- Hyatt Place
- Lalit Traveller
- Red Fox
- The Theme
- Radisson Blu
- Hotel Royal Orchid
Budget hostels to premium hotels, Jaipur has them all.
JLF 2026 for Tech Journalists
Tech journalists have been showing increasing interest in JLF, thanks to:
- Panels on AI, digital ethics, and media technology
- Sessions on how algorithms influence creativity
- Conversations around the future of storytelling
- Workshops exploring digital publishing
If you cover tech, this is your festival.
JLF 2026 Children’s Zone
Families love JLF too. Kids can enjoy:
- Storytelling circles
- Creative writing workshops
- Theatre-based activities
- Art and craft corners
It’s the perfect way to get young minds curious about stories.
JLF 2026 Book Launches
Expect dozens of new releases—from popular fiction and political biographies to research-driven non-fiction and travelogues.
JLF 2026 AI Panel
One of the hottest topics. Panelists will likely discuss:
- Generative AI & creativity
- Ethical dilemmas
- Future of publishing
- Human–machine collaboration
This one always draws packed lawns.
JLF 2026 International Authors
The festival is famous for attracting authors from around the world—US, UK, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia. Expect a truly global mix.
JLF 2026 Live-Stream / Virtual Access
For global viewers, JLF often provides:
- Live-streamed sessions
- Select virtual conversations
- Digital passes
Ideal if you can’t travel to Jaipur.
JLF 2026 Travel & Tour Packages
Travel companies offer curated festival packages that include:
- Accommodation
- Airport transfers
- Festival passes
- Pink City sightseeing
A great option for first-time visitors.
JLF 2026 Food & Culture Events
Taste the best of Jaipur at the festival—kachoris, chaat, kadhi kachori, dal baati churma, ghewar—and more. Evening events include classical music, folk performances, and fusion acts.
JLF 2026 Volunteering
Volunteers get a backstage look at the festival. Benefits generally include:
- Certificates
- Networking opportunities
- Exposure to event management
- Access to multiple sessions
Perfect for students and young professionals.
JLF 2026 Sponsors & Partners
Expect collaborations with:
- Cultural foundations
- Publishing houses
- Global brands
- Educational institutions
- Tech partners
These partnerships add depth and scale to the event.
JLF 2026 Accessibility & Parking
Clarks Amer offers:
- Wheelchair-accessible pathways
- Designated seating areas
- Shuttle services
- Multiple parking points nearby
Plan your commute early to avoid the festival-hour rush.
Additional Visitor Tips for JLF 2026
- Carry a light jacket — Jaipur mornings and evenings are chilly in January.
- Stay hydrated — even winter sun can be harsh.
- Arrive early for popular sessions; lawns fill up quickly.
- Carry a notebook if you’re the kind who loves jotting down insights.
- Explore Jaipur — while you’re here, visit Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, and the local bazaars.
FAQs – Jaipur Literature Festival 2026
Question: Is JLF 2026 free to attend?
Answer: Yes, general entry is free. Premium passes are paid.
Question: When will the full schedule be released?
Answer: Typically, a few weeks before the festival.
Question: Can children attend the festival?
Answer: Absolutely. There’s a dedicated Children’s Zone.
Question: Will international speakers be attending?
Answer: Yes, several global authors and thought-leaders participate every year. You may check the full list here.
Question: Are virtual sessions available?
Answer: Most likely, yes. Select sessions are usually live-streamed.
Question: What should first-timers know?
Answer: Reach early, stay hydrated, and plan sessions in advance; popular ones get crowded.
Question: What is the dress code?
Answer: Comfortable winter clothing—casual, layered, and colourful fits the vibe.
If you want, I can also create a shorter news-style version, a Google News-optimized edition, or a featured-snippet-focused rewrite.
Question: What are the top restaurants near the Jaipur literature festival venue?
Answer:
Question: Which local transport services are recommended for reaching Jaipur Literature Festival?
Answer: The venue, Hotel Clarks Amer is well connected to every part of the city. You can book an Uber, Ola, or a local Auto to reach there. Alternatively, you can also rent a bike to get there.
