The 14th edition of the Kolkata Literary Meet is set to take place from January 22 to 26, 2026 at the historic Alipore Museum and other venues across Kolkata. This five-day celebration brings together a diverse constellation of writers, translators, thinkers and storytellers from India and around the world for panels, readings, conversations and cultural exchanges.
A major highlight this year is the participation of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri, who returns to KaLaM after more than a decade. Lahiri will feature in several sessions, including discussions on her engagement with Italy and her literary journey — such as Roman Stories: Jhumpa Lahiri on her tryst with Rome and When in Rome: Jhumpa Lahiri on her tryst with Italian. She’ll also join author Kiran Desai in a special conversation marking 25 years of writing, offering insights into their creative processes and the evolving landscape of contemporary fiction.
With over 150 speakers, including award-winning international and Indian authors, thought leaders and cultural figures, Kolkata Literary Meet 2026 promises enriching experiences for readers, writers and culture lovers alike.
Jhumpa Lahiri attending sessions:
January 22, 2026 | 4:15 pm
Roman Stories : Jhumpa Lahiri on her tryst with Rome and her stories from the Eternal City. In conversation with Malavika Banerjee
January 23, 2026 | 4:50 pm
When in Rome : Jhumpa Lahiri on her tryst with the Italian language. In conversation with Rudrangshu Mukherjee
January 26, 2026 | 5:00 pm
The First 25 Years : Jhumpa Lahiri and Kiran Desai on completing 25 years of writing and being chroniclers of the quarter century. In conversation with Anindita Ghose