The 9th Military Literature Festival (MLF) 2025 will be held at Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh, from November 7 to 9, celebrating India’s rich military history and legacy. The three-day festival will feature war stories, defence debates, book launches, bike rallies, and cultural events, bringing together veterans, historians, authors, and youth to honour the spirit of the armed forces.
Chandigarh is gearing up to host the 9th edition of the Military Literature Festival (MLF) — one of India’s most prestigious platforms dedicated to defence literature, history, strategy, and soldier stories.
Organized jointly by the Punjab Government, Chandigarh Administration, and Western Command of the Indian Army, this year’s festival will transform the Sukhna Lake promenade into a hub of military culture, heritage, and learning.
Event Details
| Event Name | 9th Military Literature Festival 2025 |
|---|---|
| Dates | November 7 – 9, 2025 |
| Venue | Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh |
| Organizers | Punjab Government × Chandigarh Administration × Indian Army (Western Command) |
| Theme | “Heartland, Rimland & India – Multi-Domain Warfare and Defence in the Modern Era” |
| Entry | Free entry for most sessions; pre-registration required for select panels |
| Highlight Event | Bravehearts Ride motorcycle rally (Curtain-Raiser on October 26) |
Key Highlights of MLF 2025
1. Thematic Sessions & Debates
Renowned defence experts, senior Army officers, historians, and strategic thinkers will engage in thought-provoking panel discussions on:
Multi-Domain Warfare and Emerging Threats
The Geopolitics of Heartland and Rimland
India’s Defence Transformation @ 2047
Indo-Pacific Security and Border Management
2. War Stories & Veteran Panels
Bravehearts and war heroes will share real-life battlefield accounts from the 1965 Indo-Pak War, Kargil, and counter-insurgency operations — a rare opportunity for the public to connect with the human side of the armed forces.
3. Book Launches & Author Interactions
Multiple new military publications and memoirs will be launched, covering topics from strategic studies to regimental histories. Visitors can meet leading authors and veterans for interactive sessions.
4. Cultural Evenings & Exhibitions
Weapon & Heritage Displays: Arms, uniforms, and equipment used in historic battles.
Clarion Call Theatre: Screening of war documentaries and short films.
Dog & Horse Shows: Exhibitions by the Army’s elite animal units.
Folk Performances: Cultural showcases celebrating the bravery of Indian soldiers.
5. Bravehearts Ride (Curtain-Raiser)
On October 26, over 650 riders including veterans and all-women biking groups will participate in the “Bravehearts Ride” across Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula to honour fallen heroes.
Why the Military Literature Festival Matters
Celebrating Courage and Legacy
The MLF aims to preserve India’s military heritage, educate citizens, and connect youth with the defence ecosystem through books, debates, and live stories.
Civil-Military Engagement
The festival fosters an emotional bridge between civilians and soldiers — promoting understanding of national security challenges and military ethics.
Promoting Military Literature & Research
By encouraging publications, translations, and documentation of regimental histories, the event supports the growth of military academia and policy awareness in India.
Notable Guests and Participants
Senior officials from the Indian Army and Air Force
Military authors and strategic thinkers
Distinguished veterans from the 1965 and Kargil wars
Students, cadets and defence enthusiasts from across India
Visitor Information
Entry: Free for general public; registration may be required for closed-door sessions.
Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM daily.
Location: Lake Club and Sukhna Lake Grounds, Sector 1, Chandigarh.
Parking: Available at Sukhna Lake multi-level facility and adjacent grounds.
What to Bring: Valid ID, hat or umbrella, and camera (optional for exhibits).
Economic & Social Impact
The Military Literature Festival significantly benefits the Chandigarh tourism and hospitality sector, attracting thousands of attendees, including families, writers, and veterans.
Local cafés, hotels, and craft vendors around Sukhna Lake see a notable spike in footfall during the event.
Beyond economics, it strengthens national pride and patriotic awareness, particularly among students and young professionals.
Expert Perspective
“The Military Literature Festival has evolved into a platform that keeps the flame of soldiering alive through ideas, stories, and literature. It’s where intellect meets inspiration,” — A senior defence official, Western Command.
The Military Literature Festival 2025 at Sukhna Lake isn’t just an event — it’s a tribute to India’s military pride, discipline, and sacrifice.
From real-life war tales to cultural evenings, this festival unites patriots, scholars, and citizens under one tricolour-lit sky — celebrating the idea that those who write history deserve to be remembered by those who read it.
