BY MAHADEV DESAI
It is heartening to know that literary festivals are proliferating in India; not only literature but also more creative and imaginative fare is now available at these festivals held in popular outdoor scenic venues or historic sites. Another laudable fact is that Children’s Literary Festivals are also becoming popular.
Children’s literary festivals differ fundamentally from adult-oriented events such as the Jaipur Literature Festival. While JLF thrives on debate, celebrity authors, and big ideas, children’s festivals prioritize immersion, participation, and sensory engagement. At a children’s fest, the emphasis is on doing—drawing, acting, imagining—rather than listening. The scale is smaller, the atmosphere gentler, and the goal more developmental than discursive.
Many children these days lack social interaction and spend more time on gadgets and screens. At Children’s Lit Festivals, they can meet authors in person, get their advice on writing, or have their books signed, and do a bit of sightseeing. They can also enjoy cultural performances, and budding writers can gain exposure. If JLF is a marketplace of ideas, children’s lit fests are workshops of wonder.
Below are a few popular Children’s Literary Festivals:
Bookaroo Children’s Literature Festival – Launched in 2008 and held in 16 cities, Bookaroo is perhaps India’s best-known children’s lit fest. It brings together writers, illustrators, storytellers, and educators in a format that is playful, intimate, and deeply child-centric. It won international recognition—the Literary Festival Award at the London Book Fair’s International Excellence Awards 2017.
Pune Children’s Literature Festival – A lively, well-attended event that mixes workshops, performances, and author interactions with a strong community feel.
Kolkata Children’s Literary Meet – A parallel event to the Kolkata Literary Meet, designed exclusively for young readers, with theatre, readings by noted authors, and interactive sessions. It was launched in 2024.
LitTales in Coimbatore – The Third Edition of LitTales, held in Coimbatore on January 19 and 20, 2026, was organized by the Verandah Club in association with Vivekalaya’s Prakriya International School, Coimbatore. It was attended by visitors of all ages and from varied regional language backgrounds. The festival had workshops on storytelling, visuals, role-playing on stage, and creative writing. The festival provided a platform for young minds to let their imagination soar.
Children’s Literary Festivals deserve all the support because they promote inclusivity, connectivity, knowledge of regional languages, and understanding and appreciation of rich Indian culture and traditions.
