By Saloni Khandelwal
The Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF), heralded as one of the world’s largest literary gatherings, is set to mark its 17th year, promising an intellectual extravaganza from February 1-5 at Hotel Clarks Amer in Jaipur, India.
Continuing its tradition of embracing linguistic diversity, the high-profile literary bonanza is set to showcase a rich panorama of languages, reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity. The festival’s diverse programme will spotlight literary works in a multitude of languages, including Assamese, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Urdu, and many others. Through dedicated sessions, the festival provides a platform for writers and speakers from various linguistic backgrounds to share their perspectives, creating a truly inclusive and vibrant literary mosaic.
Namita Gokhale
Gulzar
Colin Thubron
Namita Gokhale, the Co-Director of the Jaipur Literature Festival, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming 2024 edition. She said, “The 2024 edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival will bring our living library of ideas, books, and writers into the hearts and minds of book lovers from around the world. Fiction and faction, poetry and music, debates and discussions await us, with a brilliant and diverse list of speakers and performers. A vintage year, with classic themes and stimulating contemporary interpretations.“
The upcoming edition of JLF continues to champion the theme of ‘Stories Unite Us,’ recognizing the profound impact of literature in fostering unity. The festival aims to delve into the transformative power of stories, highlighting how literature mirrors and influences society while bringing people together. True to its core values, the festival remains a democratic, non-aligned platform dedicated to inclusivity and the freedom of speech. Across four venues, the festival will host diverse conversations featuring over 300 speakers, ensuring a vibrant and open forum for intellectual exchange and exploration of the multifaceted world of literature.
Sanjoy K. Roy, the Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, the production team behind the Jaipur Literature Festival, offered insights into the thematic focus of the 17th edition. He emphasised the festival’s dedication to Indian literature and the celebration of diverse voices. Notable speakers include Mridula Garg, a Sahitya Akademi award recipient; Anuradha Sarma Pujari, a prominent Assamese author; B. Jeyamohan, celebrated in Tamil and Malayalam literature; as well as acclaimed writers Anand Neelakantan and Kalpana Raina. The festival also boasts an international lineup, featuring the award-winning historian Mary Beard, renowned travel writer Colin Thubron, and translator Tom Holland, promising a vibrant and inclusive literary gathering.
Parbh Deep
The Revisit Project
The Tapi Project
When Chai Met Toast
William Dalrymple
Jaipur Music Stage at JLF
The Jaipur Music Stage (JMS) promises an enchanting musical journey across three evenings, featuring a diverse lineup of talented artists and bands. The inaugural night will be graced by the soul-stirring performance of acclaimed singer, songwriter, and poet Alif (Mohammad Muneem). With multiple awards under his belt, including the Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival Award, Alif’s captivating presence will set the tone for the festival. Accompanying him on the first evening is The Tapi Project, an experimental band weaving intricate genres like folk, trip-hop, jazz, and ambient textures.
The second evening takes the stage with Prabh Deep, a Delhi-based artist recognized for his storytelling prowess. Alongside him, The Revisit Project, known for infusing contemporary Funk & Jazz fusion into Hindi film music, promises a musical journey that transcends genres.
The grand finale on the third evening boasts an incredible lineup, featuring renowned singer-songwriters Harpreet and Salman Elahi. Harpreet’s versatility spans various languages, while Salman Elahi’s soothing voice has garnered millions of admirers worldwide. Concluding the festival is the ever-evolving When Chai Met Toast, a band known for their unique multilingual lyrics and infectious, sing-along choruses. JMS 2024 promises not just music but an immersive experience celebrating the diversity and richness of India’s musical landscape.
Saloni Khandelwal excels in crafting engaging feature articles and stories. When not writing, you can find her reading Greek fiction.
