Lok Sabha Speaker inaugurates 29th Kochi International Book Festival

The twenty-ninth Kochi International Book Festival started in Kochi on Friday, October 30, 2026. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated the annual literary event.

Details And Speakers

The Antharashtra Pusthakothsava Samithi organized the festival. Madhu S. Nair, who is the former managing director of Cochin Shipyard Limited, presided over the opening ceremony. Several notable figures addressed the gathering during the inauguration. These speakers included former ISRO chairperson S. Somanath, Member of Parliament Hibi Eden, Sahitya Akademi secretary Varun Gulati, the festival's executive secretary V. Prakash Babu, and Jose Christopher.

Context

Book festivals bring together authors, publishers, and readers to promote reading habits and literature in local communities. Large public book events often draw prominent political figures and scientists to inaugurate proceedings and encourage cultural engagement.