The countdown has officially begun for Bali’s incredible Ubud Writers and Readers Festival. The annual event is considered one of the best literary events in the world and welcomes artists, writers, inspiring speakers, and creatives from around the globe to congregate in Ubud for four very wordy days.
Each year, the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival has a theme, inspired by Balinese and Indonesian culture, which runs through all programming and events. In 2025, the festival’s theme is “Aham Brahmasmi – I am the Universe.” Between 29th October and 2nd November, the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival will welcome thousands of participants to explore this theme and more.
Now in its 22nd year, Ubud Writers and Readers Festival is Southeast Asia’s leading literary festival, and brings together writers, poets, and thinkers in the heart of Ubud for an intensive four-day gathering featuring everything from author talks to panel discussions, live music, spoken word, literary lunches, late-night readings, workshops, and much more.
Ubud Writers and Readers Festival shares that the event “will explore Aham Brahmasmi, a Sanskrit concept from ancient Hindu wisdom that originates from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. Translated as I am the Universe, it signifies the unity of the human self with the universe or the highest cosmic power, and it acknowledges that each individual holds the same creative potential as the universe itself.”
Festival Founder and Director Janet DeNeefe shared, “We are delighted to announce this year’s theme, Aham Brahmasmi, which invites us to consider the deep connection between the self and the universe. It poses the question, can wisdom and innovation coexist for the greater good, or can it, in fact, lead us toward an age of imbalance, where technological capabilities outpace our moral and spiritual growth?”
DeNeefe is as enthusiastic about the literary arts and culture as ever, sharing with prospective festival attendees, “Four days of compelling conversations with literary award winners, fearless activists, and leading journalists await. And as the sun sets, there will be a celebration of performances, readings, and writings in all their forms, right here in the heart of Ubud. So, mark your calendars and get ready to be inspired, challenged, and transformed.”
Every year, the festival’s theme is accompanied by festival art, which is always thought-provoking and profound. This year, the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival is collaborating with Aldilla Laras, who is bringing the theme of “Aham Brahmasmi – I am the Universe” to life, combining Balinese mythology, collage, and the Balinese tradition of lontar.
Laras shared, “I wanted viewers to engage with the artwork in a slow and reflective way—recognizing the lontar form, deciphering the Sanskrit writing, and gradually uncovering its deeper message.”
Adding “I hope festival-goers will feel that the artwork reflects their time spent exploring the Festival. I personally can’t wait to soak up the atmosphere, and as a big reader myself, I have a strong feeling I’ll be leaving with arms full of books, too.”
In announcing the festival lineup, DeNeefe shared, “We are proud to reveal the first lineup of international sensations alongside outstanding Indonesian storytellers, who will gather in Ubud for a four-day-long weekend.”
Adding “What started as a community initiative in response to the first Bali bombing has grown into a global hub of ideas, experiences, and empowerment. It’s the perfect place for meaningful cross-cultural exchange at a time when we need it most.”
Making their return to the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival stage are esteemed playwright and poet from Eastern Indonesia, Shinta Febriany, author and winner of the 2024 Chommanard Women’s Literary Award Ratih Kumala, and the notable Balinese writer Ni Made Purnamasari.
The full program and lineup have been announced, and regular tickets are now on sale via the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival website. Festival highlights include the 2025 International Booker Prize, Indian author and women’s rights activist Banu Mushtaq, as well as British-born essayist and novelist Pico Iyer and award-winning American novelist Omar El Akkad.
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