Book Fairs, Talks & Literary Events in Kochi

Kochi reads in two languages, and its literary calendar reflects that. The biggest event is the Kochi International Book Festival, held for many years at Ernakulathappan Ground in the city centre, usually around late November and early December; the 2026 dates had not been confirmed when this page was written. Book releases and memorial lectures fill Ernakulam Town Hall, and the Ernakulam Public Library hosts talks. Changampuzha Park in Edappally, named after the poet Changampuzha Krishna Pillai, holds Kavyamoola poetry gatherings in the open air. The Kerala Museum's Janal series and the Kochi Biennale Foundation's talks bring writers, historians and artists into conversation, and cafés in Panampilly Nagar list book clubs and spoken-word nights. Most events are free; the language, Malayalam or English, is stated on the listing.