From modest beginnings in 2006, the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) has grown into the largest literary festival in Asia-Pacific. More than 100,000 people attend hundreds of sessions over the Festival’s five day duration. Such an influx of people means that it’s important to start planning your trip a couple of months in advance, in order to arrange convenient accommodations and save on flights.
The debate on free speech (session titled ‘Is Freedom of Speech Absolute and Unconditional’) took a political turn on last day of Jaipur Literature Festival (held in the pink city) as panelists, which included actor Anupam Kher, AAP MLA Kapil Mishra, commentator Suhel Seth and journalists Madhu Trehan and Salil Tripathi, debated the limits on freedom of speech. Read more…
That’s a wrap! A big thank you to everyone who organised & participated in #ZEEJLF. We hope to see you again in 2017 pic.twitter.com/MuuYq4wQjh
— ZEE Jaipur Lit Fest (@JaipurLitFest) January 25, 2016
Several veteran actors & directors from the film industry attended the Jaipur Literature Festival. Big names like Naseeruddin Shah, Vishal Bhardwaj, Waheeda Rehman, Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, Girish Kanad, Prasoon Joshi shared their thoughts about their craft.
In just a few years, the JLF has grown from 14 lost tourists to a quarter of a million people and it’s now the biggest free festival of literature in the world.
Last year, the Jaipur Literature Festival (second edition) was held in London. Take a look at the Southbank Centre in London
Jaipur Literature Festival FAQ
Here’s all the information you need about the annual Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF), that is advertised as the world’s “largest free literary festival”.
When is the Festival Held
The Festival takes place in late January each year.
Where is the Festival Held
At the historic Diggi Palace hotel. The hotel is located in Sangram Colony, Ashok Nagar, which is just off M.I. Road, around 10 minutes walk from the Old City of Jaipur.
What Happens at the Festival
Both Indian authors as well as those from abroad appear at the Festival. The sessions consist of readings, discussions, and questions and answers. It’s possible to buy the authors’ books and get them signed. In addition, there’s a range of stalls selling everything from food to handicrafts. There’s also an outdoor lounge bar, for relaxing. Music performances are held in the evenings, after the literary sessions are over. In recent years, the Festival has turned into quite a fashionable occasion, and attracts plenty of socialites from Delhi and Jaipur.
The main theme for 2015 was the seven deadly sins.
