After the pandemic, the three-day Lahore Literary Festival opened its doors to the public on February 24 after a gap of four years. The enthusiasm of the public was unmatched.
A variety of lectures has been organized this year. Creative Non-Fiction by Saba Karim Khan and Sabeen portrayed an interesting perspective on the multilingual paradox and how it is connected to our identity.
Several book launches have also been established. Amongst them, the popular fiction books included The Last White Man by Mohsin Hamid and The Fortune Men by Nadifa Mohamed.
The LLF is a great platform for educating people. It provides knowledge and is open to both adults and the youth, the poor and the rich. There are no barriers, no limitations in terms of who can and who cannot attend the LLF. It does not discriminate based on class.
Whilst the lectures were held in the halls, the ambience outside was colourful and festive. In the center courtyard were spread gaow takiyas and dewaans for the public to sit down and enjoy the scenario. It was shrouded in bright coloured cloth.
In addition, there were book and food stalls to keep the audience busy and entertained.
There was a welcome desk at the entrance to guide the attendants about the festival. The welcome desk provided copies of the revised schedule of the LLF and any information regarding the LLF such as where the halls were situated, etc.
The LLF is always a pleasant experience. I would say that the government and our cultural authorities should focus more on bringing and organizing such literary activities. Keeping literary cultural activities alive will not only illuminate the intellect of the people but will also help keep their spirits running and breathing.
So, hats off to the entire team of the LLF for bringing about such a fantastic event! After Covid, the people were starved for entertainment and cultural activities. The stagnant lives were injected with water. The current of water ran through their veins as a massive cultural uplift took place to bring the city back to life.
