Launched in late 2016, Kitaabo – The Blue City Children’s Literature Festival was founded by the Desert Leaf Foundation with a simple yet powerful idea: to bring the magic of books to the children of Jodhpur. Designed especially for children aged 8 to 14 years, Kitaabo emerged from the belief that young minds are like sponges — full of curiosity, creativity, and the potential to imagine new worlds. Over the years, the festival has grown into a much-loved space where stories spark ideas, and ideas inspire change.
Kitaabo is an annual winter festival in Jodhpur that celebrates the joy of reading and storytelling. It welcomes children from all backgrounds — from public and private schools, parents, teachers, and even passersby who are simply curious. The festival creates an open and inclusive space where everyone can come together to explore literature in all its forms — from books and poetry to theatre, art, and conversation.
Kitaabo believes that literature is for everyone, not a luxury for a few. It’s not a fancy car meant for the elite, but a joyful, shared journey — one that begins the moment you raise your hand and say, “I want to read!”
To nurture a generation of readers, thinkers, and dreamers who see literature as a gateway to imagination, empathy, and endless discovery.
To make literature accessible and engaging for all children, regardless of background.
To create a vibrant platform that connects writers, artists, educators, and young readers.
To encourage creativity, critical thinking, and cultural exchange through stories and ideas.
To inspire lifelong curiosity and love for reading in the heart of Jodhpur and beyond.
Kitaabo is an annual winter event in Jodhpur reaching out to children– young and old, and creates a freely accessible space for the usually segregated sections of society to mingle. Children from public and government schools, parents, teachers, resource people, and curious bystanders all united in their search for literature. Kitaabo wants to reach out to people far and wide and, hopefully, drive home the point that literature is not a snobbish Mercedes for the elite few but an enjoyable and energising ride that is only waiting to be hailed by the flagging of your arm.