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28–29 NOVEMBER 2026 · LUCKNOW

Come for a weekend in November.

  • Entry Free
  • Registration Required
  • Venue Le Press, Hazratganj

Getting in

Register to attend

Entry to Metaphor is free.

Registration is required and helps us plan for the number of people attending across both days. Certain workshops or smaller-format sessions may have limited capacity and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Register for Edition XIV View the Programme

The Venue

Le Press, Hazratganj

The 2026 edition of Metaphor Lucknow Litfest will be held at Le Press on Munshi Newal Kishore Marg in Hazratganj.

The location carries an apt connection to Lucknow's literary history. Newal Kishore Press, founded in the city in 1858, became an influential centre of publishing across Indian languages.

For Edition XIV, Metaphor will unfold across the lawn and courtyard at Le Press.

28–29 November 2026

Getting to Lucknow

Four ways in.

  1. 01 — By air

    Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport

    Lucknow is connected by air to major Indian cities and a number of international destinations.

    The airport lies to the south of the city and is connected to central Lucknow by Metro, taxis and app-based cab services.

    Allow additional travel time during peak traffic hours.

  2. 02 — By rail

    Lucknow Charbagh and Lucknow Junction

    Lucknow is well connected by rail, including regular services from Delhi and other major cities.

    Charbagh and Lucknow Junction sit within the same central railway district, with Hazratganj a short journey away by Metro, auto or cab.

  3. 03 — By road

    Expressways and highways

    Lucknow is connected by road through the Agra–Lucknow Expressway and the wider expressway network linking the city with Delhi, Agra and other parts of Uttar Pradesh.

    Driving times vary considerably with traffic and winter weather, so allow additional time if you are travelling in by road.

  4. 04 — Once here

    Metro, autos and walking

    Lucknow Metro connects the airport, Charbagh and Hazratganj, making it one of the simplest ways to reach the centre of the city.

    Autos and app-based cabs are widely available.

    Around Hazratganj itself, many places are best discovered on foot.

Before you come

A few things people ask.

What is the weather like?
November is one of Lucknow's most pleasant months. Mornings and evenings are cooler, with warmer afternoons in between. A light layer is useful once the courtyard sessions continue into the evening.
Is the festival accessible?
If you require step-free access, reserved seating or other assistance, please mention it while registering or contact the Metaphor team before your visit. We will share the relevant arrangements for Le Press and help plan your visit wherever possible.
Can I bring children?
Yes. Metaphor includes programming for younger readers and writers, with sessions that give school and college participants the opportunity to engage with literature on the festival stage. Children attending the wider festival should remain accompanied by a parent or guardian where appropriate.
What language are the sessions in?
Sessions at Metaphor may be in English, Hindi or Urdu, and many conversations move naturally between languages. Where relevant, the primary language of a session will be mentioned in the programme.
Will there be books?
Yes. A festival bookshop will be open across both days, with books connected to participating writers and the wider programme available to browse and buy. Signing information will be announced with individual sessions where applicable.
Can I take photographs?
Personal photography is welcome unless a session is specifically marked otherwise. Professional, media or commercial photography requires prior accreditation. Photography is restricted in designated backstage and green-room areas. For media access, please contact the Metaphor team.
A man in an embroidered cap standing under an arch in Lucknow.

If you have a spare day

Stay a little longer.

The festival takes a weekend. Lucknow deserves more time.

Spend a morning at the Residency or Bara Imambara. Walk through Hazratganj as evening arrives. Go towards the older parts of the city and notice how quickly one Lucknow gives way to another.

There is no single route through the city, which is part of the pleasure of having an extra day.

Discover Lucknow
Metaphor Lucknow Litfest Logo

Ask us anything.

For registration, accessibility, partnerships, media enquiries or general information, get in touch with the Metaphor team.

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