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Seattle, Washington: The third edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival Seattle (JLF) 2026, was formally inaugurated at the Seattle Public Library on September 18, celebrating global literature, cultural exchange and the enduring importance of storytelling.
The festival, being held from September 17 to 20, brings together writers, artists, scholars, students and readers for conversations exploring literature, culture and contemporary issues.
“We are honored to help bring the Jaipur Literature Festival to Seattle,” said Brian Lawrence of the Seattle Public Library as he welcomed attendees.
“Great public libraries are possible when our elected leaders, when our public, and when philanthropy work together to serve our citizens,” Lawrence said, acknowledging the “tremendous leadership” of Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson.
“We are deeply grateful,” he added.
Congresswoman Jayapal highlighted Seattle’s designation as a UNESCO City of Literature and its thriving community of independent bookstores.
“This is a city that is so proud to have the designation of UNESCO City of Literature, just one of the few in the country. We are so proud to rank among the top cities with the most independent bookstores per capita,” she said, adding, “Our region is also home to some of the most exceptional and vibrant small presses, and we have incredible writers’ retreats, like Hedgebrook Writers Retreat, that have brought women writers from all over the world.”
Jayapal thanked readers across the region for their role in sustaining Seattle’s literary community. “You keep our community thriving,” she said.
She also expressed appreciation for the Seattle Public Library, adding, “I have a few million dollars coming from the federal government for you…”
Reflecting on the festival’s international expansion, Jayapal said it has been remarkable to see the initiative grow around the world. The festival has expanded to the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, the Maldives and Australia, connecting new audiences with Indian and South Asian authors, filmmakers and artists across borders and cultures.
Jayapal also addressed the rise in book bans across 45 U.S. states and called on readers to defend freedom of expression. She shared her experiences as an Indian American woman and discussed the role of writing in her personal and political journey.
She recalled working closely with prominent Indian writers throughout her career and spoke about the publication of her first book, “Pilgrimage to India: A Woman Revisits Her Homeland,” in Seattle.
“It’s the story of my coming to America when I was 16 years old from India by myself with nothing in my pockets…” she said.
Mayor Wilson emphasized the ability of stories to build bridges among Seattle’s diverse communities. Although she has not yet visited Rajasthan, the mayor said it was meaningful to have the Pink City represented in the Emerald City.
Wilson said JLF has quickly become part of Seattle’s cultural landscape by bringing together “writers, artists, scholars, students, and curious readers” from across the Pacific Northwest.
“It’s the kind of gathering that Seattle naturally embraces. Seattle is, at its heart, a city of readers,” she added.
The Mayor also expressed concern about the potential effects of artificial intelligence on children’s attention spans, reading abilities and critical-thinking skills. She encouraged attendees to use the festival as an opportunity to spark curiosity and engage with new ideas.
Consul General of India in Seattle Prakash Gupta said he had been privileged to witness JLF “evolve and grow” in Seattle.
“It’s a privilege to see that it has grown into such a beautiful gathering, bringing together the best minds from India and Seattle,” he said.
CG Gupta described JLF as a “global calling card” for Indian culture, noting that Jaipur is now internationally recognized not only as a city but also for the literature festival bearing its name.
He also said the festival’s international expansion reflects the growing influence of the Indian American community in the United States. Highlighting the ability of art to create connections across geography and culture, Gupta thanked JLF for bringing Ambassador Lakshmi Puri to Seattle. Puri is scheduled to participate in a September 19 session titled “The World in Her Words.”
Sanjoy Roy, managing director of Teamwork Arts, discussed the importance of art and libraries as institutions that preserve human memory and culture.
Referring to a conversation with JLF board member Ben Thomas, Roy recalled the destruction of the ancient Library of Alexandria.
“When the great Library of Alexandria was destroyed and slipped into the waters of the Mediterranean, it took with it the progress that mankind had mapped. That’s what libraries are for. These are institutions that hold memory. These are institutions where literature continues to survive and tell the story of humanity,” he said.
Roy said literature helps build communities, foster empathy and counter ignorance and hatred. He argued that recognizing and celebrating different ways of life can contribute to reducing violence and conflict around the world.
Keynote speaker Yann Martel examined why stories remain significant beyond their value as entertainment, particularly during uncertain times. Citing the Trojan War, he discussed how mythic narratives can endure for thousands of years despite limited historical evidence.
Martel also suggested that meaningful art requires effort from both its creator and its audience if it is to transcend the “instantly forgettable.”
Suraj Dhingra of Teamwork Arts formally welcomed guests to the festival, describing JLF as a global platform dedicated to literature, ideas and cultural exchange.
Alka Kurian, executive director of JLF Seattle, thanked donors, community partners and sponsors, including Anu Nadella, for supporting the festival. She said literary festivals turn the private experience of reading into a shared public conversation among strangers.
