Bringing Stories to Life: A Celebration of South Asia’s Literary Brilliance
Hyderabad’s Literary Spotlight
Hyderabad lit up the global stage as it hosted the International Literature Festival 2025, celebrating South Asian authors and their profound narratives. Backed by the Ministry of Culture and the Telangana Department of Language and Culture, the event attracted an eclectic mix of over 100 writers, poets, and publishers from 15 countries.
According to the Telangana Tourism Department, the festival saw a footfall of over 20,000 attendees, including 5,000 international visitors. It offered a vibrant blend of cultural exchange and literary celebration.
Spotlight on South Asia
This year’s theme, “Stories Without Borders,” highlighted the resilience and diversity of South Asian storytelling. Sessions explored topics like migration, gender equality, and the interplay of tradition and modernity in literature.
Notable attendees included Booker Prize-winning author Geetanjali Shree, Pakistani writer Mohsin Hamid, and Sri Lankan poet Vivimarie Vanderpoorten. Regional language literature was a key focus, with Telugu, Tamil, and Bangla writers sharing their timeless stories with an international audience.
A Festival of Ideas
HILF 2025 wasn’t just about books—it was about ideas.
- Workshops & Masterclasses: A masterclass on digital storytelling and a workshop on poetry for activism were key attractions for aspiring writers.
- Children’s Pavilion: Young minds explored creativity through storytelling sessions and writing workshops.
- Cultural Collaborations: Publishers and agents connected with writers, facilitating opportunities for cross-border publishing.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The festival wasn’t just a literary celebration; it was an economic catalyst. Reports from Telangana’s Tourism Department estimate that the event contributed ₹50 crore to the local economy. Bookstores, cafes, and hotels saw increased footfall, making it a win-win for Hyderabad’s cultural and economic landscapes.
Building Bridges Through Literature
The International Literature Festival reaffirmed Hyderabad’s reputation as a city where cultures converge and ideas flourish. By championing South Asian voices, the event has created a global platform for stories that unite and inspire.
With such success, Hyderabad continues to solidify its place as a cultural beacon, offering a stage for narratives that resonate far and wide.
