MBIFL 2026: Mathrubhumi literary festival expands with live music evenings in Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram: Mathrubhumi has officially announced that the seventh edition of its flagship literary summit, the Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters (MBIFL), will expand its horizons this year. In addition to its renowned intellectual debates, the 2026 festival will feature a series of high-profile live music performances at the Kanakakkunnu Palace in Thiruvananthapuram.
Scheduled from January 29 to February 1, the festival focuses on the theme "Paradox of Pace," which explores the tension between our fast-paced digital world and the contemplative nature of the arts.
A Multidisciplinary Cultural Vision
Festival chairman and managing director, Mathrubhumi Group, M.V. Shreyams Kumar, emphasised that these "Live Musical Evenings" are a natural evolution for the event. He noted that MBIFL is dedicated to celebrating creativity in all forms, stating that the new lineup is an extension of a vision where music and literature intersect to create a richer experience for attendees.
Book your tickets for MBIFL 2026 | https://store.mathrubhumi.com/mbifl/index.html
"Live Musical Evenings" Schedule
All performances will take place at the Nishagandhi Auditorium starting at 7:30 p.m.
| Date | Headliner | Style/Features |
| Jan 30 | Naresh Iyer & Vijay Ganesan | Featuring guest vocals by Srikant Hariharan and Aparna Harikumar. |
| Jan 31 | Thakara | Kerala-based folk-fusion and regional storytelling. |
| Feb 1 | Shanka Tribe (feat. Neha Nair) | A closing blend of electronic and tribal-inspired rhythms. |
Global Intellectual Exchange
While the music adds a new layer, the core of MBIFL remains its massive literary scale. Mathrubhumi expects to host over 400 participants from five continents. The sessions will bridge diverse disciplines, including:
- Fiction and Poetry
- Climate Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Global Politics
As one of South India’s premier cultural landmarks, MBIFL continues to serve as a vital gathering point for tens of thousands of scholars and book lovers.