The mecca of all things involving the written word – Jaipur Lit Fest steps into its 9th year with a bang! Asia’s largest and leading free literary event at Diggi Palace has been the playground for some of the greatest thinkers and writers from across the world over the years, and you can expect more of the same this time around. Here’s what to watch out for.
WHAT TO EXPECT
There are a number of themes running through various sessions this year, which will address vital issues such as migration and privacy along with war, conflict as well as genocide. The history and modern issues of the Middle East will be the key focus this time.
As you immerse yourself in stories from literature enthusiasts across the globe, the five day fest will see speakers like Anna Moulton, Alka Pande, Durga Raghunath, Cornelia Funke, Kari Joynt, Urvashi Butalia, Rick Simonson, Raman Shresta, R. Sivapriya, Nilanjana S. Roy to name a few. A number of sessions will celebrate the diversity of languages in South Asia as well as the rich oral heritage of Rajasthan with Indian authors ruling the roost. We are looking forward to personal stories from British comedian, actor, writer and presenter Stephen Fry, war correspondent Christina Lamb, and Dalit activist and campaigner Bant Singh.
The keynote address by Margaret Atwood and Guest of Honour Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee is the star the attraction, and will focus on incredible women of stories, conscience and creativity. Ruskin Bond lovers can see him in conversation with Ravi Singh apart from Avirook Sen and Samanth Subramanian who will be talking to Pragya Tiwari with an introduction by Homi Bhabha. The not-to-be-missed chat this time will be Ferdinand Mount in conversation with Swapan Dasgupta and William Dalrymple.
Day one will also see Paresh Maity’s book launch of A World of Colours by Sushma Bahl and if you want a fun session, catch Yeh Dil Maange More! with Anuja Chauhan in conversation with Ira Pande. You can also get a taste of Bollywood in I Dream Therefore I Am – a session where Ronnie Screwvala and Shobhaa De will share some industry secrets. The sure-shot crowd pulling session will be I, Eunuch: Me Hijra Me Laxmi with Laxmi Narayan Tripathi and R. Raj Rao along with Jerry Pinto.
WHAT’S NEW
Culinary literature gains prominence this time around with Eating Books: A Cosmopolitan Cuisine featuring Anjum Hasan and Nilanjana Roy in conversation with Jerry Pinto and the launch of Rajasthan On A Platter: Healthy, Tasty, Easy by Suman Bhatnagar and Pushpa Gupta.
The fest not only gives you food for thought, but also a treat for the palate with a variety of food stalls serving up everything from Diggipuri Ki Chai along with pyaaz ki kachori, dhokla, chaat, samosa and more.
WATCH OUT FOR
A new mobile app will help visitors plan, schedule, look up information, check maps and stay on top of the festival’s blog as well as other news.
P.S: If you’re looking for budget stay options during the fest, check out our feature on hostels in the Pink City.
When: January 21st to 25th
Where: Diggi Palace, Jaipur
For registration and more info, click here
The mecca of all things involving the written word – Jaipur Lit Fest steps into its 9th year with a bang! Asia’s largest and leading free literary event at Diggi Palace has been the playground for some of the greatest thinkers and writers from across the world over the years, and you can expect more of the same this time around. Here’s what to watch out for.
WHAT TO EXPECT
There are a number of themes running through various sessions this year, which will address vital issues such as migration and privacy along with war, conflict as well as genocide. The history and modern issues of the Middle East will be the key focus this time.
As you immerse yourself in stories from literature enthusiasts across the globe, the five day fest will see speakers like Anna Moulton, Alka Pande, Durga Raghunath, Cornelia Funke, Kari Joynt, Urvashi Butalia, Rick Simonson, Raman Shresta, R. Sivapriya, Nilanjana S. Roy to name a few. A number of sessions will celebrate the diversity of languages in South Asia as well as the rich oral heritage of Rajasthan with Indian authors ruling the roost. We are looking forward to personal stories from British comedian, actor, writer and presenter Stephen Fry, war correspondent Christina Lamb, and Dalit activist and campaigner Bant Singh.
The keynote address by Margaret Atwood and Guest of Honour Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee is the star the attraction, and will focus on incredible women of stories, conscience and creativity. Ruskin Bond lovers can see him in conversation with Ravi Singh apart from Avirook Sen and Samanth Subramanian who will be talking to Pragya Tiwari with an introduction by Homi Bhabha. The not-to-be-missed chat this time will be Ferdinand Mount in conversation with Swapan Dasgupta and William Dalrymple.
Day one will also see Paresh Maity’s book launch of A World of Colours by Sushma Bahl and if you want a fun session, catch Yeh Dil Maange More! with Anuja Chauhan in conversation with Ira Pande. You can also get a taste of Bollywood in I Dream Therefore I Am – a session where Ronnie Screwvala and Shobhaa De will share some industry secrets. The sure-shot crowd pulling session will be I, Eunuch: Me Hijra Me Laxmi with Laxmi Narayan Tripathi and R. Raj Rao along with Jerry Pinto.
WHAT’S NEW
Culinary literature gains prominence this time around with Eating Books: A Cosmopolitan Cuisine featuring Anjum Hasan and Nilanjana Roy in conversation with Jerry Pinto and the launch of Rajasthan On A Platter: Healthy, Tasty, Easy by Suman Bhatnagar and Pushpa Gupta.
The fest not only gives you food for thought, but also a treat for the palate with a variety of food stalls serving up everything from Diggipuri Ki Chai along with pyaaz ki kachori, dhokla, chaat, samosa and more.
WATCH OUT FOR
A new mobile app will help visitors plan, schedule, look up information, check maps and stay on top of the festival’s blog as well as other news.
P.S: If you’re looking for budget stay options during the fest, check out our feature on hostels in the Pink City.
When: January 21st to 25th
Where: Diggi Palace, Jaipur
For registration and more info, click here