Top 10 reasons to attend Jaipur Literature Festival, JLF 2018
JLF or Jaipur Literature festival is an annual fest celebrating literature. Founded in the year 2006 its unique offerings are making it successful year after year as it hosts famous writers from around the world. The writers gather to conduct sessions which are attended by various readers and visitors from various parts of the world.
I have been attending this festival for the last five years and every year it throws up unique surprises and I can’t resist going back to the world’s largest free Lit Fest!
The shining stars from the literary firmament gather together to attend and promote the culture of reading, writing and discussing the new & old ideas. The festival also provides an ideal platform for the budding new writers who lap up the opportunity to not only promote their work but also to connect with the likeminded people. This is also a must visit place for each and every literary enthusiast. The whole day jam-packed schedule is full of action and there is never a dull moment.
How to reach the venue?
JLF takes place at the Diggi Palace. Map below
The Top 10 reasons to visit the JLF are listed out below.
1) For the love of literature
If you are a book lover, writer or reader, this festival should be on your bucket list. You are sure to fall in love with it. You can attend the book launches, listen to fiery debates and be a part of interesting conversations. The possibilities are endless.
2) To be part of this Mega event
It’s Mega event where multiple venues host the multiple programmes of different hues and its all under the same roof. Shuttle between the sessions to get the glimpse of all or take your pick and sit through a talk delivered by your favorite author.
This unique literary jamboree is attended by the people of different nationalities who are here to understand this land and share their stories. It’s an eclectic amalgamation of people who are bound the love of art and culture. Ideas are shared and discarded and sometimes a new insight is developed. This feeling cannot be expressed, it can only be experienced.
3) To get chance to meet your favorite authors
Have you been waiting to meet your favorite author? Then this is the place for you. Attend their sessions and get a personalized autograph too. Most of the sessions are followed by a brief Q & A and people are encouraged to voice the opinions and ask the relevant questions. You could spot some hotshot authors milling around in the balmy weather of January. What better chance than this to show your admiration to them J
4) To embrace Colorful Environment
The venue, Diggi Palace, is decorated in a very colorful style which creates an amazing vibe. The theme of the year is carefully selected and usually, represent the heritage value of the beautiful state of Rajasthan. The host city of Jaipur is truly an ideal location because of its multifaceted charm. The city is adorned with pink color and known for its beauty and grandeur. The main entrance is usually covered with hundreds of Puppets or Umbrellas which represent the local culture. The event organizers leave no stone unturned to create an unforgettable experience for all.
If you want to read more about the colors of Rajasthan then please read my Blog here – Colorful Rajasthan.
5) To feel Royal
Feeling Royal is one of the most attractive things about Jaipur Literature Festival. This event is held at the Diggi Palace which was an erstwhile palace of Thakurs of Diggi–an estate 40 km south-west from Jaipur. A certain portion has been converted into a luxurious hotel. The royal family still resides here and they personally get involved to make sure that all the guest are able to enjoy the hospitalities. It’s a royal treatment indeed! Sessions are held in the heritage rooms with historical artifacts and glistening chandeliers which make the entire experience a truly a unique one.
6) To relish amazing Food
What has food got to do with books? But a lot of people throng the lawns of JLF to check out the amazing food scene. The food offered here is extremely authentic and mouth-watering. My favorite is Diggi ki Chai–tea served in earthen pots with the pyaz ki kachori (an Indian snack). Then there are various food outlets to explore. The cuisine is local and global too. Right from the Continental to Italian to exclusive option to Wine and Dine under the open air. If you want more exclusive experience than buying the delegate passes which give you an access to the private area where you could have an amazing lunch buffet, prepared by the royal cooks.
7) To experience Exclusivity
The opportunity to have lunch with your authors is sure if you buy delegate passes. The details can be found on the website of the Jaipur Literature Festival. The passes also give you an option to attend live musical events and exclusive poolside dinner.
Checkout this Slideshow of how amazing the decoration is done with puppets
8) To attend amazing Musical Evenings
After the day, filled with various discussions and sessions, the musical evening starts to close the day’s proceedings. You can attend live fusion music from around the world if you get the concert tickets purchased online in advance. I have attended some of the best musical concerts in this event and I always look forward to this fun-filled evening.
9) To explore the Pink City Jaipur
Jaipur has to be on your list be it JLF or no JLF. The city is beautiful which needs to be explored. This capital city of Rajasthan has a lot to offer and attending the JLF has more fun if you could take out some time to soak in the aura of this majestic city. Every time I visit the city, I always see something new and spellbinding.
Jaipur city in Diwali is so beautiful and in all seasons one can explore various historical monuments and forts
Read more about Jaipur and its festival here – Diwali at Pink City Jaipur
10) To get inspiration
Lastly, one of the most important reason is to get inspired. An inspiration is what we all are looking for. There is no better place than actually meeting your authors, whose books you read to get inspired. While attending the sessions, you learn something new and develop a perspective. An interaction with likeminded people or with whom you don’t share anything, always inspires you to learn or to give up on old beliefs. I go there to get more inspiration as I am a beginner in writing and I can take and imbibe so much from this single event. After traveling to many places around the world if someone asks me which is your favorite event, this event comes on my top list.
I recommend you to attend this festival which, I am sure, will bring some positive changes in you. I will be glad if you share your experience post the event.
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