As the Doon Valley gets wrapped in the embrace of cold winter chills, the city prepares again for a vibrant confluence of ideas, creativity, and conversations. One of India’s most admired celebrations of literature, art, and culture, the 7th edition of Dehradhun Literature Festival, returns from 14th to 16th November 2025 at the Doon International School, Dehradun.
Since its inception in 2017, the festival has become a hallmark of Dehradun’s literary spirit. The valley nurtures dialogue, curiosity, and a love for reading across generations. The theme for 2025 is ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – Voices of Unity.’ The theme successfully captures the essence of our times, it serves as a reminder that even in difference, there is a connection. It proves that even though India is a land diversity, it is also a land of belonging.
This year the festival coincides with Children’s Day and also the 25th anniversary of Uttrakhand. With sustainability as a parallel focus, DDLF 2025 promises three days of celebrations, not only of the written words but also the shared human values that inspire those words.
Curtain Raiser for 7th Edition for DDLF
Day 1: Dialogue,Imagination, and Creative Kinship
The first session of the festival will bring together the youth of the country and the highest judicial voice as Chief Justice of India Justice D.Y. Chandrachud engages with school students. In ‘We the Students – Dialogue on Democracy’ Justice D.Y. Chandrachud will discuss with students how constitutional values shape our everyday lives and how the spirit of democracy finds its future in young minds.
Later in the day, with “Kahaani Junction – Getting Creative with DPD” Divya Prakash Dubey invites the audience into his world of warmth and wit. Join him in conversation with Kena Shree and explore how stories that remain with the readers long after the last line are written. Adding to the day’s charm is “Above Rhyme, Beyond Reason”, where Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan, Roopa Pai, and Vaishali Shroff join Monika Raj to discuss the art of writing for children. It will be a session that reminds us that children’s books hold wisdom and entertainment for every age.
As the evening unfolds join in to celebrate art and music with Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – Through Ikat and Music”, a digital introduction by textile revivalist Manish Saxena, followed by a soulful musical performance by Anannya Gour and troupe, blending threads of heritage with harmony.
DDLF 2024
Day 2: Education, Expression and Evolving Worlds
Start the second day by reimagining what learning through empathy and creativity looks like in “Education with a Heart – Rethinking the Indian Classroom” with Swaroop Sampat Rawal. Join her in conversation with HS Mann as they explore how theatre, pay, and compassion can redefine how children experience education.
Next you have Abhay K and Murtaza Ali Khan in a conversation – “The Eternal Classroom – India and the Globe” as they reflect on India’s role as a global classroom that weaves literature and diplomacy into lessons of shared humanity. Acclaimed writer Akshat Gupta will take us across new territories with “Inventing Genres – From Mythology to Political Sci-Fi”, where he discusses the creative leap from mythic storytelling to futuristic fiction, and how imagination bridges both.
Jaya Kishori’s reflective conversation with Akshat Gupta “Living the ‘It’s Okay’ Path” will explore grace, resilience, and acceptance in the modern world. Experience spirituality and meet everyday life through this session.
As the evening sets in on day 2, sit back and enjoy rhythm and rebellion with “Mic Check – Indie Music Roundtable” where Saumya Kulshreshtha will be in conversation with Osho Jain, Vedi Sinha, and Buland Himalay, who share stories of India’s independent music movement and gives the audience a peek into its hustle, hope, and heart.
DDLF 2024
Day 3: Heritage, Healing, and Harmony
Dive into a feast of ideas, voices, and experiences on the final day of DDLF 2025. From environmentalist Anoop Nautiyal to cultural icons like Shobhaa De, Rujuta Diwekar, Suvir Saran, and the legendary Usha Uthup, the day will be brim and bright with cross-disciplinary conversations.
In “Fractures and Bandages – Partition Narratives”, Bhawana Somaaya and Shobhaa De will revisit one of India’s most defining moments through stories of separation and survival, revealing how storytelling becomes a salve for historical wounds.
Acclaimed chef Suvir Saran will bring flavourful insight in “Beyond the Recipe – Culture, Identity, and Inheritance”, a dialogue with Gurpreet Singh Tikku exploring how food carries memory, identity, and intergenerational belonging.
Shobhaa De will return for “Pen, Power, Provocation”, a candid session inspired by her latest work The Sensual Self, where she unpacks the power of language to challenge norms and reclaim voice.
And in a fitting finale, the incomparable Usha Uthup shall take the stage in conversation and in concert. With her signature warmth, wit, and powerhouse vocals, she brings the festival to a close with songs that transcend borders and generations.
DDLF 2024
A Festival for All
True to its founding vision by Samraant Virmani, the Dehradun Literature Festival remains a non-ticketed, open-to-all celebration, reaffirming its belief that literature and culture must belong to everyone.
With three dynamic awards: the Ruskin Bond Literary Award, the Shivani – Iron Lady of the Hills Award, and the Guardians of Himalayas Award, the festival also continues to honour excellence, resilience, and stewardship in the region and beyond.
As Doon once again transforms into a valley of voices, DDLF 2025 stands as both celebration and invitation to the reminder that when we listen, learn, and share, we move closer to the ideal that “the world is one family.”
