Ubud Writers & Readers Festival Unveils the 2025 Theme ‘Aham Brahmasmi' - I am the Universe’
Yayasan Mudra Swari Saraswati proudly announces the return of the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival from 29 October to 2 November to share stories and ideas under the banner of this year’s theme, Aham Brahmasmi - I am the Universe.
For the twenty-second time, Southeast Asia’s leading literary festival will once again bring together writers, poets and thinkers to Ubud, Bali’s cultural highland, for a 4-day program featuring author talks, panel discussions, live music, spoken word, literary lunches, late-night readings, workshops, and much more.
The Festival 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.
The concept of Homo Deus, Human Gods, envisions humans evolving into ‘gods’ through advanced technology, making this theme even more significant. The tools we create can transform our lives and help solve major challenges, but they also have the potential for control and destruction. The awareness of Aham Brahmasmi reminds us that our intelligence, no matter how advanced, must be grounded in consciousness and interconnectedness.
“Marking a little less than eight months until our Festival, 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,” said Janet DeNeefe, Festival Founder and Director.
Graphic designer Aldilla Laras brings the festival’s concept to life with a striking collage featuring an ancient Balinese mythological creature woven into the composition. Set against a deep purple backdrop, the piece is layered with vertical stripes embedded with Balinese palm-leaf lontar inscribed with the theme written in Sanskrit, which has been sourced with the help of Balinese writer Carma Mira from the Old Javanese Studies Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Udayana University.
"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," said Aldilla Laras. “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.”
Alongside the artwork reveal, the Festival also launched its Book Launch Program. Authors at all career stages from Indonesia and the region are invited to submit their new work to be showcased at the Festival. Successful authors will have the chance to host an event that is free to all festival-goers and the public and will benefit from a set of pre-marketing inclusions. Writers can find out more about the program and submit their work at – the deadline for submission is 2 May 2025.
“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," said Janet DeNeefe.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Aldilla Laras is a graphic designer born and raised in Bali. A childhood obsession with children's storybooks likely paved the way for a career in design. Aldilla earned a degree in Digital Media Design in Surabaya before returning to Ubud, where she has happily remained ever since. With years of experience in graphic design, and occasionally as an illustrator, Aldilla has primarily worked on corporate projects. However, creating fun, quirky illustrations for personal and side projects is what truly fuels her creativity. Click here to learn more about the artist.
KEY DATES:
Monday, 16 June – First Line-up Announcement & Early Bird Tickets on Sale
Wednesday, 16 July – Second Line-up Announcement
Monday, 18 August – Full Program Launch & Regular Ticket Sales
29 October – 2 November – 2025 Festival
