New York City is about to witness a vibrant celebration of Indian voices in world literature, as the Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC) prepares to host its much-anticipated Literary Festival 2025. Set for November 15-16, the festival will transform the city into a crossroads of stories, ideas, and cultural traditions, bringing together acclaimed authors, thinkers, and storytellers from across the globe. The event promises not just a showcase of books, but a lively exploration of South Asia’s rich literary and cultural landscape—from ancient myth and mysticism to the complexities of modern identity, innovation, and global citizenship.
At the heart of the IAAC Literary Festival is its mission to foster cross-cultural dialogue, creative discovery, and community. According to festival director Preethi Urs, "Across borders and generations, Indian literature continues to redefine the global imagination. The IAAC Literary Festival is where those voices meet; bold, questioning, and alive with possibility. Voices that remind us that literature is not only art, but also the architecture of understanding." This year’s edition continues the IAAC’s tradition of championing diversity, amplifying under-represented voices, and spotlighting Indian excellence on the global stage.
The 2025 festival boasts an impressive lineup of established and emerging authors, each offering a unique window into the Indian experience—both at home and abroad. National Book Award finalist Megha Majumdar will take the stage to discuss her new novel, A Guardian and a Thief, which has already made waves as a finalist for the 2025 National Book Award for Fiction. The novel’s acclaim reached new heights when it was selected as Oprah Winfrey’s October 2025 Book Club pick, cementing Majumdar’s reputation as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary literature. Festival-goers can expect Majumdar to share insights into the creation of her novel and its exploration of the tensions between guardianship, betrayal, and the search for justice in a rapidly changing world.
Not to be outdone, India’s bestselling author Amish Tripathi will present his latest work, The Chola Tigers. Described by the IAAC as "an epic new tale set in the Chola Empire—a sweeping saga of courage, leadership, and destiny," Tripathi’s novel promises to transport readers to a time of legendary rulers and timeless values. Devdutt Pattanaik, another literary heavyweight, will discuss his new book, Escape the Bakasura Trap. In this work, Pattanaik revisits the myth of Bakasura, the demon whose insatiable hunger becomes a metaphor for greed and inner emptiness. According to the IAAC, the book "offers a mirror to our modern struggles with excess and desire," blending ancient wisdom with contemporary relevance.
The festival’s scope extends far beyond fiction. Spiritual leader Sadhguru is set to deliver a thought-provoking talk on death—not as an end, but as an essential aspect of life and a profound opportunity for transcendence. The discussion, moderated by Grammy-winning musician and philanthropist Chandrika Tandon, will challenge attendees to reconsider their own understanding of mortality and meaning. Sadhguru will also unveil Seeking the Infinite: Maha Kumbh 2025, a new book by global financial leader and thinker Yakub Mathew. The book chronicles the spiritual journey undertaken by Mathew and his wife Shilpa during the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, one of the world’s largest and most awe-inspiring religious gatherings.
Arjun Mahatta’s Maha Kumbh: A Spiritual Odyssey will also be featured, offering a blend of artistry, archival depth, and personal insight. Through Mahatta’s lens, readers are invited to witness the scale, devotion, and spectacle of the Kumbh Mela, an event that draws millions of pilgrims and seekers from around the globe. The IAAC describes Mahatta’s work as "revealing the scale, devotion, and spectacle of one of the world’s largest religious gatherings," and festival attendees can expect to be immersed in the sights, sounds, and stories of this extraordinary event.
Turning to the Indian-American experience, journalist and author Meenakshi Ahamed will discuss her book Indian Genius: The Meteoric Rise of Indians in America. The book highlights the ascent of Indian-Americans in fields ranging from technology to medicine and policy, shining a spotlight on individual and community achievements. Ahamed’s work delves into the social and cultural factors behind this meteoric rise, offering both celebration and critical reflection on what it means to succeed—and belong—in America today.
Food and tradition find their place at the festival as well. Pooja Bavishi will share her cookbook, Malai: Frozen Desserts Inspired by South Asian Flavors, which brings the flavors and textures of South Asia to the world of frozen treats. Designer and conservationist Sunita Kohli will present her second volume in the renowned Cuisine Trilogy, The India Cookbook. This collection features regional recipes and stories gathered from friends across India’s vast cultural and culinary map, serving as both a tribute to tradition and a testament to the power of food to connect people across generations and geographies.
The IAAC Literary Festival is, at its core, a celebration of voices, vision, and vital conversations. Its annual gathering serves as New York’s premier platform for Indian literature, creating opportunities for established and emerging authors to share their stories, challenge assumptions, and build bridges of understanding. The 2025 edition, with its rich tapestry of genres and generations, promises to be a testament to the enduring power of literature to shape the way we see ourselves and the world.
As the festival draws near, anticipation is building among readers, writers, and cultural enthusiasts alike. With its emphasis on diversity, innovation, and dialogue, the IAAC Literary Festival stands as a beacon for those who believe in the power of stories to inspire change and foster community. For anyone interested in the evolving story of Indian voices in world literature, New York will be the place to be this November.