Archive · 22 Jan 2026
Banaras Lit Fest 2026 Book Awards Announced
The Banaras Lit Fest has announced the winners of its 2026 Book Awards.
These awards are given for the best books in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and translation in both English and Hindi.
The winners will get a cash prize of Rs 51,000, a certificate, and a trophy.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to writer Namita Gokhale, who will receive Rs 1,00,000.
Other special awards went to Kurukh poet Mahadev Toppo and Hindi writer Parag Pawan.
The awards will be given out during the festival in Varanasi from January 30 to February 1, 2026.
Banaras Lit Fest announced 2026 Book Awards winners in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and translation in English and Hindi.
Namita Gokhale received the Lifetime Achievement Award with a cash prize of Rs 1,00,000.
Mahadev Toppo won the Kalidas Award for Indian Languages, and Parag Pawan received the Vivekanand Award for Youth.
Winners in each category will receive Rs 51,000, a citation, and a trophy.
The awards will be presented at the festival in Varanasi from January 30 to February 1, 2026.
- Who
- Banaras Lit Fest, Namita Gokhale, Mahadev Toppo, Parag Pawan, various award winners
- What
- Announcement of 2026 Book Awards winners and Lifetime Achievement Award
- When
- Awards to be presented between January 30 and February 1, 2026
- Where
- Varanasi
- Why
- To recognize outstanding contributions in literature across various categories
- Event
- Banaras Lit Fest 2026 Book Awards
- Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
- Namita Gokhale
- Lifetime Achievement Award Prize
- Rs 1,00,000
- Kalidas Award Winner
- Mahadev Toppo
- Vivekanand Award Winner
- Parag Pawan
- Event Dates
- January 30 to February 1, 2026
- Event Location
- Varanasi
- Cash Prize for Winners
- Rs 51,000
