The annual Jaipur Literary Festival has become one of the star attractions for book lovers all over India. Started by William Dalrymple (eminent historian and author) and Namita Gokhale (Indian author of repute) in 2006, the fair has already got the unique distinction of being “world’s largest free literary festival”. This year, the festival is being held between 18-22 January at the beautiful Diggi Palace. With prior registration, you can enter this beautiful palace and enrich your mind with literary discourses on many popular topics.
Special Attractions
Like every other year, the festival will not only allow the book lovers to get deep insights into the modern literature arena. It will also aid in communications between writers, agencies and publishers. There will be an extra focus on the translation industry. The festival will have delegations from the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, France, Norway and other Latin American countries. Given below are few of the highlights,
Learnings from Australia
- Date: January 18
- Timings: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
- Panellists: Cate Blake, Edwina Johnson, Fiona Henderson, Laura Kroetsch, Margot Lloyd and Stephanie Siriwardene
- Moderator: Wendy Were
The session would feature discussions about Australian literature world and recent developments. Panelists would also ponder over the Australian and Indian literary collaborations.
Mahasweta Devi and Rabindranath Tagore in Translation: A Case Study in Literary Exchange
- Date: January 19
- Time: 5:15 PM – 6:15 PM
- Panellists: Guillermo Rodríguez, Radha Chakravarty, Reba Som and Sujata Sen
- Moderator: Nirmal Kanti Bhattacharjee
The session would hold discussions about the multiple translations conducted on the works of great Bengali writers Rabindranath Tagore and Mahasweta Devi and its impact on the offshore readers. Did these translations act as catalyst to future translations of regional works for global readers?
10/10 Reading South Asia in Translation
- Date: January 20
- Timing: 11:15 AM – 1:30 PM
- Panellists: Arshia Sattar, Arunava Sinha, Chandan Gowda, David López-del Amo, Dhruba Jyoti Borah, Nicolas Dejenne, Prawin Adhikari, Poorna Swami, Satyanand Nirupam and Sukrita Paul Kumar, introduced by Christoph Senft
The session would have ten writers and translators who have extensively read literary translations in South Asian languages. Though there is a lot of talent in South Asia, yet only a few of the books have been translated for the global readers. The panelists would reveal a list of 100 books that would make interesting reads for the global readers, if they are translated.
Spanish Delegation Presentation
- Date: January 21
- Timing: 3:45 PM – 4:45 PM
- Panellists: David Rodríguez Gómez, Javier Montes, Margarita Guerrero and Marina Perezagua
- Moderator: David López-del Amo
The session deliberates about the publishing trends in Spain and other Latin American countries. There are also discussions on the challenges of translation, scope for Spanish market and collaboration opportunities with India.
Literary Europe Live in India 2017
- Date: January 21
- Timing: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
- Panellists: Clare Azzopardi, Eluned Gramich, Inga Žolude, Roman Simić, Rumena Bužarovska, Žanete Vēvere Pasqualini
- Moderator: Alexandra Büchler
Young authors and translators from European nations explore the publishing prospects and collaborations with Indian talents. They also analyse the future prospects for the collaboration.
Musical attractions of the Festival
As a world of literary figures descend upon Jaipur on the eve of this grand festival, the attendees have many other things to look forward. Through the five day long festival, there will scintillating musical performances. From Bollywood composers to classical musicians, the list of performers is illustrious. The performances will be held in two locations – Front Lawns at Diggi Palace (morning sessions) and the Music Stage at Hotel Clarks Amer (evening sessions). The musical highlights of the event include:
- Performance by Shillong Choir: This choir from Northeast India shot to fame after winning in the 2010 edition of TV show “India’s Got Talent”. They went on to win three gold medals at the 6th World Choir Games. The group would kickstart the musical events on January 19 at Diggi Palace.
- Classical Music by Padmini Rao: On January 21 (in the morning session) Padmini Rao would take the centre stage at Diggi Palace. She is a reputed singer from the Kirana Gharana form of North Indian classical music.
- Performance by Swanand Kirkire: A reputed Bollywood lyricist and playback singer, he has written songs for more than 50 films and won many awards in the process.
- Special Performance by Ankur Tewari: Ankur is a well-known Bollywood lyricist and composer and he would sizzle the stage with his band, The Ghalat Family.
- Kabir Café: This band is a brainchild of Neeraj Arya. Neeraj has blended poems by Kabir with contemporary music, rocking his listeners with soulful and vibrant songs.
- Rhythm and Rhyme: Do not miss out on this session to be held at Amber Fort on January 20 at 7:30 PM. The musical session brings together readings by celebrated American poet Anne Waldman and the renowned Bollywood lyricist Swanand Kirkire. This will be followed by Sarod playing by Padma Vibhushan Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.
- Mujre Se Multiplex Tak: To be held at Hawa Mahal on January 21 at 7:30 PM, this special program will feature writer-cum-musician, Vidya Shah and actor Luke Kenny who will take you on a journey through the ever changing world of cultural entertainment.
Tip: Music passes for the events are available online and on ground at Diggi Palace Hotel and Clarks Amer
Charges: Rs.400 per day or Rs.1200 for all 4 days
Visitors Information
- Eating & Sipping: While at the festival, do not forget to taste the famous Pushkari chai. Also there will be plenty of food stalls selling the authentic Rajasthani kachoris. If you are in search of authentic Rajasthani thalis in Jaipur then visit these.
- Shopping: The Bazaar will have stalls that exhibit the superior craftsmanship and skills of generations. You can purchase unique crafts as souvenirs from the stalls in this Bazaar.
Tourist attractions nearby
While you are at the Jaipur Literature Festival, you are bound to have a busy time with such a star-studded list of attractions. But if you want to maximise your visit to Jaipur then visit some of the below: