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Jhalak Prize

About

First awarded in March 2017, the Jhalak Prize awards seek to celebrate books by writers of colour in the UK and Ireland. 

Learn More

Dates 2025

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Shortlist announcement:

22 April 2025

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Winner announcement:

4 June 2025

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Art Residency

Our trophies are a unique work of art created by an artist of colour in the UK. An annual art commission to create a unique work that addresses the ethos, principles and goals of the Jhalak Prize and serves as the trophy for the year.

Our Judges

Find out more about our judges both past & present

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Sponsor

In Hindi and many related Northern Indian dialects, Jhalak means ‘glimpse’; implicitly brief, often tantalising with promise, piquing curiosity to explore further. It seems an appropriate name for what I believe is the first prize for Book Of The Year By A Writer of Colour. 

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The Jhalak Prize will recognise the vastness of talent, ambition and creative vigour that is often overlooked by an industry that has yet to decolonize its gaze and acknowledge that we do not live in world of lactified centres and rainbow peripheries. 

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-    The benefactor providing the prize money, who wishes to remain anonymous

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Books To Readers Programme

Partnering with independent bookshops to get books by writers of colour to as many readers as possible.

Schools Project

This project builds on our relationships with independent bookshops to reach young readers who might not otherwise have access to Jhalak Prize books

Books we love...

that you need to read.

Find out our recommendations on our blog

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