Saluting the lit lovers.

[Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi]

It’s the people. In the 6th Jaipur Literature Festival, The Delhi Walla liked the readers more than the authors. I was moved by the earnestness of Delhi University students who came at their own expenses. I was struck by the long queue that was formed when it was author Ruskin Bond’s turn to sign his books.

Since the festival is free and open to all, the five days were like the 12 days of Allahabad’s Kumbh Mela. There was a sea of people and the space wasn’t huge. During the sessions, the chairs would be occupied within seconds. People climbed on tables to have a better view, or sat down on the floor. On the festival’s second day, I met a woman who had come all the way from Karachi, Pakistan. Each time I caught up with her, she would talk about the sessions she has attended and the sessions she was planning to attend. I would spot her scurrying from the Front Lawn to Mughal Tent, from Baithak to Durbar Hall. She was kinetic energy. She was 70. Here’s a tribute to the people of the festival.

Talking Coetzee?

In search of JK Rowling?

Looking for the Raj novels?

Aspiring novelist?

Midnight’s children

Same place, different sessions

Bewitched or bored?

Shook hands with Pamuk?

Steal her boots

Woodstock of the mind