In the vibrant city of Bangalore, where technology and tradition coexist harmoniously, the Bangalore Literature Festival (BLF) has become a cornerstone in the literary calendar and brings together writers, thinkers, and enthusiasts. The 12th edition of the much-anticipated festival will be held on December 2-3, 2023, at The Lalit Ashok.
Bangalore Literature Festival Is Back!
The 12th edition of the festival will take place in the city on December 2-3. This edition promises to be as exciting as previous editions, with an eclectic and diversified collection of sessions. Over the years, the BLF has grown exponentially. It has drawn a diverse audience and established itself as a premier literary event in India.
The festival showcases a wide array of literary genres, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and regional literature. It has remained a platform for both established and emerging voices. This year’s festival will showcase over 250 writers, including well-known authors like Perumal Murugan, Chandrashekhara Kambara, Abraham Verghese, and Ramachandra Guha.
The festival’s main attractions include a keynote speech by Dr Abraham Verghese, a discussion on Jainism with Devdutt Pattanaik, a meet-and-greet with Sudha Murty—who will actually bring Gopi, the dog from her children’s book—a stand-up session by Anuvab Pal on lit fests, a dialogue on language love between Shashi and his sister Smita Tharoor, and a session with Prahlad Kakar, among many other highlights.
In addition, there will be a kid-only carousel, a LitMart and ScreenLit where people can pitch their novel and screenplay ideas, and musical performances by Kavish Seth and Avrina Prabala-Joslin. In addition, there will be a kid-only carousel, a LitMart and ScreenLit where people can pitch their novel and screenplay ideas, and musical performances by Kavish Seth and Avrina Prabala-Joslin.
This commitment to linguistic diversity sets the Bangalore Literature Festival apart and reinforces its role as a truly inclusive literary platform.
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Why Are Literary Festivals Important?
While the Bangalore Literature Festival embraces the global literary scene, it also remains deeply rooted in the local context. The festival provides a unique space. Here international and Indian authors come together to engage in conversations that transcend geographical boundaries.
Literary festivals play a crucial role in the cultural and intellectual landscape, serving as dynamic platforms. Their significance goes beyond the celebration of literature; these festivals contribute to the enrichment of society in various ways.
By creating an environment that celebrates literature, literary festivals contribute to the promotion of a reading culture. These events inspire people to engage with books, explore different genres, and discover the joy of reading. The festival atmosphere often encourages attendees to delve into new literary territories, fostering a lifelong love for books and storytelling.
Literary festivals frequently address social, political, and cultural issues through the lens of literature. Authors and speakers often use these platforms to explore and discuss contemporary challenges. They attract visitors from different regions and even countries, contributing to cultural tourism. These festivals become cultural landmarks, drawing attention to the host city and creating a positive impact on its cultural landscape.
Similarly, the Bangalore Literature Festival is a unique and indispensable fixture in the literary landscape of India.
When: December 2-3, 2023
Where: The Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru
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