The iconic annual Jaipur Literature Festival returned to the pink city in its new home, Hotel Clarks, Amer. The greatest literary festival on Earth that claims itself to be a sumptuous feast of ideas served as a democratic, non-aligned platform offering free and fair access. The five-day-on-ground literary mela was a hub of authors, guests, delegates, speakers, visitors, and readers who were ecstatic to be around each other. 

This year the festival was all the more special because it gave several first-time authors whose books were released during the pandemic the opportunity to talk about their work. First-time authors, including Daribha Lyndem, the writer of Name Place Animal Thing, Film critic Uday Bhatia, writer of Bullets Over Bombay, Rijula Das, the author of A Death in Shonagachhi, and Shabir Ahmad Mir, writer of the debut novel The Plague Upon Us were spotted in high-spirits discussing their works. 

Moreover, in attendance were some of the most prominent celebrities such as Neena Gupta, Barkha Dutt, Shashi Tharoor, Shekhar Ravjiani, Smriti Irani, Rukshmanii Kumari, Ayaan Ali Bangash, Manish Malhotra, Shobha De, and Manoj Bajpayee. The most luxurious literature festival did not disappoint with its line-up of impeccably talented artists which included Priya Kanungo, Aahaavan Project, and many other musicians and singers. 

After forced confinement of two years, it was refreshing to see that COVID-19 did not strip JLF of all its offerings and immaculate vibes. It is imperative to note that the festival might have changed in big or small ways, but still managed to retain its indomitable spirit.