The Chandigarh Lit Fest has returned with even more energy, creativity, and cultural vibrance. This year’s edition, CLF Literati 2025, hosted by the Chandigarh Literary Society (CLS), is a two-day literary extravaganza being held on 22–23 November 2025 at the scenic Lake Club, Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh.
With more than two dozen authors, poets, artists and thought leaders attending, the Chandigarh Lit Fest promises deep conversations, book launches, workshops, and cultural performances that celebrate the written word in all its forms.
Chandigarh Lit Fest 2025: A Complete Overview of This Year’s Celebration
The Chandigarh Lit Fest is now in its 13th edition, making it one of North India’s most respected literature festivals. Organized annually by the Chandigarh Literary Society (CLS), the festival aims to celebrate books, ideas, culture, modern discourse, and creative expression.
This year, the serene waterfront setting of Lake Club, Sukhna Lake, creates the perfect backdrop for:
- Author discussions
- Poetry readings
- Creative writing workshops
- Film and art conversations
- Book launches
- Cultural performances
According to Dr. Sumita Misra, IAS, Chairperson of CLS and Festival Director of CLF Literati 2025, the event will bring meaningful conversations to the forefront. She highlighted that authors from across the country will engage with seasoned interlocutors on topics shaping India’s contemporary intellectual climate.
Chandigarh Lit Fest 2025 Day 1 Highlights – November 22, 2025
The first day of the Chandigarh Lit Fest brings an exciting mix of conversations, celebrity appearances, book releases, and interactive sessions.
Grand Opening of the Chandigarh Lit Fest
Although the main festival kicks off on Saturday, the ceremonial inaugural event took place on Friday evening at Rani Laxmibai Bhawan, Sector 38.
The enchanting musical performance “Saaz Au Awaaz” by acclaimed Sufi singer Bhuvan Sharma opened the festival with soulful melodies, setting the cultural tone for the next two days.
Star Sessions on Day 1
Day 1 features a star-studded lineup with some of the most awaited appearances.
✔ Prahlad Kakkar – The Ad Guru
Known for his iconic advertising campaigns, Prahlad Kakkar will share insights on storytelling, branding, and the evolution of Indian advertising.
This session is expected to be one of the most interactive discussions of the Chandigarh Lit Fest.
✔ Sandhya Mridul – Actor & Poet
Actress, performer, and poet Sandhya Mridul will engage audiences with readings, conversations on artistic expression, and reflections on her creative journey.
Day 1 Book Launches
Two major books are being launched today:
1️⃣ “The Silent Brave” by Mehak Grover
2️⃣ “The Legend of Sanjhi-Giri” by Manju Jaidka
Both releases are expected to attract significant attention as they explore themes of courage, mythology, and regional narratives.
Table: Chandigarh Lit Fest – Day 1 Schedule
| Time | Event | Speaker/Guest |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 AM | Opening Note | CLS Members |
| 11:00 AM | Conversation with Prahlad Kakkar | Prahlad Kakkar |
| 12:30 PM | Book Launch: The Silent Brave | Mehak Grover |
| 2:00 PM | Book Launch: The Legend of Sanjhi-Giri | Manju Jaidka |
| 3:30 PM | Poetry & Performance Session | Sandhya Mridul |
| 5:00 PM | Interactive Writing Workshop | CLS Authors |
Chandigarh Lit Fest 2025 Day 2 Highlights – November 23, 2025
Day 2 of the Chandigarh Lit Fest promises even more excitement with back-to-back sessions, creative writing workshops, author meet-and-greets, and panel discussions.
Workshops and Masterclasses
The Chandigarh Lit Fest is known for its high-value writing workshops. On Day 2, participants can learn directly from seasoned authors, editors, and poets.
✔ Creative Writing Masterclass
Focus: Narrative building, character design, plot structuring
Led by: Prominent authors from CLS
✔ Poetry & Spoken Word Workshop
A vibrant session for poetry lovers to explore rhythm, expression, and performance.
✔ Children’s Storytelling Workshop
Designed for young readers — nurturing creativity from early years.
Author Talks & Panel Discussions
Day 2 features several author panels covering:
- Modern Indian literature
- Regional storytelling
- Fiction vs. non-fiction
- Women in literature
- Future of publishing
- Cinema, art, and writing
Table: Chandigarh Lit Fest – Day 2 Schedule
| Time | Event | Speaker/Guest |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 AM | Author Panel: Changing India | Panel of Writers |
| 11:30 AM | Creative Writing Workshop | CLS Authors |
| 1:00 PM | Children’s Storytelling | Guest Authors |
| 2:30 PM | Art & Literature Fusion Dialogue | Artists + Writers |
| 4:00 PM | Poetry & Spoken Word | Poets’ Collective |
| 5:30 PM | Closing Ceremony | CLS |
Behind the Scenes: Organizing the Chandigarh Lit Fest
The Chandigarh Lit Fest is not just about the sessions and book launches—it’s a result of months of meticulous planning. From coordinating authors, securing the Lake Club venue, arranging workshops, to curating cultural performances, the team at Chandigarh Literary Society (CLS) works tirelessly to ensure a seamless experience.
Visitors today can also witness volunteers, technical staff, and coordinators in action, ensuring that every session, panel, and book launch runs smoothly. This behind-the-scenes insight adds another layer of appreciation for the scale and impact of the Chandigarh Lit Fest.
Why the Chandigarh Lit Fest Continues to Grow Every Year
The Chandigarh Lit Fest is more than just a literary event — it’s a cultural movement that has grown significantly in the last 13 years.
A Platform for New Voices
It encourages emerging authors to showcase their work.
A Meeting Place for Creative Minds
Artists, poets, readers, filmmakers, and thinkers collaborate under one roof.
A Celebration of Regional and Global Literature
The Chandigarh Lit Fest beautifully blends Punjabi, Hindi, English, and regional languages.
A Boost to Chandigarh’s Cultural Identity
It reinforces the city’s reputation as a hub of intellectual and artistic engagement.
What to Expect at Chandigarh Lit Fest 2025
Venue & Ambience
The Lake Club, with Sukhna Lake’s calm waters in the background, creates a refreshing environment for literary conversations.
Food Stalls & Book Counters
Visitors can enjoy curated food stalls and exclusive book counters with author-signed editions.
Networking Opportunities
Readers can meet authors, influencers, and thinkers up close.
Photography Zones
Dedicated spaces for selfies and social media content.
Connecting Literature and Culture: Special Performances at the Fest
Beyond readings and workshops, the Chandigarh Lit Fest emphasizes the intersection of literature, music, and performing arts, making it a holistic cultural experience rather than just a traditional book festival.
On Day 1, the festival opened with Sufi performances that set a soulful tone, blending lyrical music with poetic expression. Renowned singer Bhuvan Sharma mesmerized the audience with renditions that drew inspiration from classic Sufi poetry, illustrating how literature and music can converge to convey deep emotions and timeless stories. Visitors were able to witness the lyrical interpretation of words, turning prose and poetry into moving performances that resonated with the serene backdrop of Sukhna Lake.
Day 2 of the Chandigarh Lit Fest continues this cultural immersion with a diverse range of performances:
- Bharatnatyam Recitals: Classical dance performances depict stories from Indian mythology and literature, offering a visual narrative that complements the written word. Attendees can experience how rhythm, expressions, and gestures bring literature to life.
- Storytelling Sessions: Talented narrators and authors host interactive storytelling workshops for children and adults alike. These sessions encourage active participation, allowing audiences to explore creative storytelling techniques, character development, and plot improvisation.
- Spoken Word Poetry: Emerging poets and established artists perform slam poetry and spoken word, transforming written poems into performances with rhythm, emotion, and theatrical flair. These sessions highlight how contemporary literature thrives in performative spaces.
- Musical Interpretations of Literature: Select panels include live performances where literature inspires musical compositions, showing the versatility of stories and poems beyond the page.
This integration of literature, music, dance, and performance ensures that the Chandigarh Lit Fest is not only educational but also an immersive cultural festival. Visitors are encouraged to experience literature through multiple senses — listening, watching, and engaging — making the festival a multidimensional celebration of India’s literary and artistic heritage.
By bridging the gap between written works and performing arts, the Chandigarh Lit Fest creates a unique environment where words are not confined to pages but are breathed to life, fostering creativity, inspiration, and a deeper appreciation for the arts among audiences of all ages.
Tips for Visitors Attending the Chandigarh Lit Fest
- Reach early to grab good seats
- Carry a notebook for workshop notes
- Wear comfortable clothing
- Engage with authors during Q&A sessions
- Register in advance for workshops
- Bring children to interactive storytelling sessions
FAQs
Q1. Where is the Chandigarh Lit Fest happening in 2025?
At Lake Club, Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh.
Q2. Is there any entry fee?
Most sessions are free; some workshops may require registration.
Q3. Who are the main guests this year?
Prahlad Kakkar, Sandhya Mridul, Mehak Grover, Manju Jaidka, and several noted authors.
Q4. Will there be book launches?
Yes — The Silent Brave and The Legend of Sanjhi-Giri.
Q5. Can children attend the festival?
Absolutely — Day 2 has special children’s workshops.
Conclusion:
The Chandigarh Lit Fest continues to inspire readers, writers, and art lovers with its thoughtful sessions, exciting book launches, and creative workshops. Covering both Day 1 and Day 2, this year’s festival showcases why Chandigarh remains a cultural powerhouse in India.
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