Every great city has moments that bring people together through conversation, creativity and culture. This September, Toronto will once again host one of those moments as JLF Toronto returns on September 25 and 26, transforming the city into a vibrant hub for literature, ideas and artistic expression.
Presented by TO Live in partnership with Teamwork Arts, the internationally celebrated Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) returns with an inspiring lineup of writers, journalists, historians, artists, scholars, chefs and thought leaders from Canada, India and around the world. Taking place at Meridian Hall and the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, the festival promises two days of stimulating conversations that go far beyond the pages of books.
Widely recognized as the international edition of the world’s largest literary festival, JLF Toronto beautifully blends South Asia’s rich multilingual literary traditions with Canada’s multicultural spirit. The result is a unique celebration of storytelling that encourages dialogue across cultures while exploring the issues shaping our world today. From politics and history to climate, faith, identity, theatre, food and the arts, every session invites audiences to discover new perspectives and engage in meaningful conversations.
This year’s distinguished lineup features award-winning journalist Tanya Talaga, Pulitzer Prize finalist John Vaillant, bestselling novelist Alka Joshi, acclaimed playwright and novelist Anosh Irani, celebrated chef and restaurateur Vikram Vij, Harvard professor Martin Puchner, internationally renowned Sikh scholar Dr. Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh, and writer, historian and podcaster Sarbpreet Singh, with more speakers to be announced in the coming weeks.
Adding to the excitement is Zakir Khan in Conversation, a special one-night-only event on September 25. One of India’s most beloved comedians and storytellers, Zakir Khan is expected to draw audiences for an intimate evening that blends humour, personal stories and literary insight.
Beyond its impressive speaker lineup, JLF Toronto reflects the growing cultural ties between Canada and India. In one of the world’s most diverse cities, the festival creates a welcoming space where different voices, traditions and experiences come together, reminding us that stories have the power to build understanding across borders.
As the Jaipur Literature Festival continues to expand its global footprint with editions across North America, Europe, the United Kingdom and Australia, Toronto has firmly established itself as an important destination on this international literary map. For readers, writers, students and anyone with a curious mind, JLF Toronto offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with some of today’s most influential thinkers while celebrating the diversity of ideas that enrich our communities.
Whether you attend a thought-provoking panel discussion, meet a favourite author, discover emerging voices or simply soak in the festival atmosphere, JLF Toronto promises an unforgettable weekend where literature becomes a bridge connecting cultures, communities and generations.
JLF Toronto 2026 takes place on September 25 at Meridian Hall and September 26 at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts. Tickets and additional programme details are available through TO Live.
For more information, artist bios, and ticket details, visit www.tolive.com
