MBIFL returns: Seventh edition to be announced on Kerala Piravi Day by honouring seven legends

Kozhikode: The seventh edition of the Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters, a celebration of literature, ideas, and art will be announced on Saturday, Kerala Piravi Day, with a heartfelt tribute to seven towering figures of Malayalam creativity.

As part of the announcement, Mathrubhumi, in collaboration with children from the new generation, will visit the luminaries at their homes to honour them and engage in meaningful interactions.

The tribute will recognise:

Dr. M. Leelavathy, the matriarch of Malayalam literary criticism;

T. Padmanabhan, the doyen of the Malayalam short story;

Nilambur Ayisha, the iconic actress who symbolises a golden era of theatre;

Kalamandalam Gopi, the evergreen maestro of Kathakali;

C. Radhakrishnan, who led Malayalis into the world of epic novels;

Sreekumaran Thampi, the lyricist and filmmaker who gifted generations with songs of enduring emotion; and

Sethu, whose surreal imagination reshaped the Malayali sensibility.

The seventh edition of the Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters will be held at Kanakakkunnu Palace, Thiruvananthapuram, from 29 January to 1 February 2026. The festival will bring together over 400 luminaries from across the globe, fostering dialogue and creativity across cultures.

Former Chief Secretary Dr. V. Venu is the curator for this edition of the festival.