As the global literary world prepares to gather in Jaipur once again, Jaipur BookMark (JBM), South Asia’s foremost business-to-business publishing conclave, is set to make a vibrant return with its 13th edition from 15 to 19 January 2026, alongside the iconic Jaipur Literature Festival. Over the years, Jaipur BookMark has emerged as a crucial meeting ground for publishers, authors, translators, literary agents, booksellers, and cultural leaders, offering a space where ideas, markets, and stories intersect.
This year’s edition promises a thoughtfully curated programme that reflects the rapidly evolving publishing landscape—where technology meets tradition, and global perspectives engage deeply with India’s rich multilingual literary ecosystem. According to Manisha Chaudhry, Director of Jaipur BookMark, JBM 2026 is designed to inspire and inform while fostering meaningful collaboration. “From emerging narrative forms and Indian language publishing to the impact of technology, the programme mirrors the dynamic shifts shaping publishing today,” she noted.
Echoing this vision, Namita Gokhale, Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Jaipur Literature Festival and Director of Jaipur BookMark, highlighted the foundational role of publishing in preserving culture and ideas. Established in 2014, Jaipur BookMark, she said, was created to engage with the professional heart of the book trade. “As custodians of stories across languages and platforms, publishers play a vital role in shaping how ideas travel—through both new and traditional technologies,” Gokhale added.
The intellectual tone of JBM 2026 will be set with a keynote address by acclaimed poet, cultural theorist, and curator Ranjit Hoskote, opening a programme that spans translation, technology, children’s publishing, academic access, and global collaboration. A major highlight is a session on translations and bibliodiversity, inspired by Banu Mushtaq’s Booker Prize, winning collection Heart Lamp, translated by Deepa Bhasthi, bringing together translators, editors, and publishers to reflect on the power of stories crossing linguistic borders.
Technology and its transformative role in publishing will also take centre stage. Sessions on emerging trends will explore how generative AI and digital tools are reshaping content creation, distribution, and readership, while discussions on Hindi literary podcasts will examine how digital platforms are energising regional literature and connecting with new audiences.
Jaipur BookMark’s commitment to diversity is evident in its strong focus on Indian language publishing this year, particularly Marathi literature, marking a century of publishing legacy through conversations with leading Marathi publishers. Children’s publishing, too, receives special attention, with industry leaders discussing how to nurture reading habits and create sustainable reading cultures in a digital age.
International perspectives add further depth to the programme. Norway, the Country Partner for JBM 2026, will be in focus through sessions on children’s literature and global publishing exchanges ahead of Bologna 2026. Japan’s vibrant manga and anime culture will be showcased in a conversation featuring celebrated manga artist Yoshitoki Ōima and representatives from the renowned publisher Kodansha, offering insights into visual storytelling and cross-cultural appeal.
Cross-border collaboration remains a cornerstone of Jaipur BookMark. The India–UK Publishing Fellowship, in partnership with the British Council, returns with sessions that connect publishing fellows from both countries, highlighting opportunities for global partnerships. Academic publishing, marketing strategies, emerging international markets for Indian books, and the future of big publishing houses navigating technological change are also explored through a series of focused roundtables.
With session partners including the Tamil Nadu Textbook and Educational Services Corporation, SAGE Publications, and the Department of Marathi Language, Government of Maharashtra, Jaipur BookMark 2026 stands out as a comprehensive platform that balances industry insight with cultural depth.
As it celebrates its 13th edition, Jaipur BookMark reaffirms its role as a vital hub for the publishing world, where languages converge, ideas evolve, and the future of books is actively imagined.
