With an array of local and international writers, the Jatra promises to be a never-before experience. The local lineup of speakers includes Abhi Subedi, Akhilesh Upadhyay, Buddhi Sagar, Gagan Thapa, Devendra Bhattarai, Krishna Dharabasi, Kunda Dixit, Narayn Wagle, and Sanjeeb Upreti, among others.[break]
As for the international figures, the Jatra will bring writer and historian William Dalrymple, writer and publisher Namita Gokhale, head of the BBC’s Urdu service in London Muhammad Hanif, novelist and editor-in-chief of Tehelka magazine Tarun Tejpal, and biographer Patrick French.
According to the organizers, the basic idea behind the festival is “to provide a platform for taking Nepali literature to the global stage.”
“Also we want to promote reading habits among the youth of the country,” shared Subani Singh, director of the festival.
The Jatra is scheduled to be held at different venues within the Patan Durbar Square complex. Alongside the discourses, there will be various other stalls offering books, food and also workshops.
“We also have a special program organized for kids,” informed Subani. “There will be a performance story telling episode and also heritage walks around the Patan Durbar Square,” she added.
The festival is the first of its kind in Nepal for hosting a total of 30 national and around a dozen international writers and poets.
“The numbers are likely to fluctuate since we are still in talks with a few local and international writers,” added Sujeev Shakya, Festival Chairman and President of Nepal Economic Foundation.
Shakya, who witnessed the Jaipur Literature Festival this year, believes such events not only promote reading habits but benefit the country in many other ways.
“This Jatra will not only unleash Nepali writers globally but will also help promote tourism,” he said, adding “the Jaipur Literature Festival is a strong proof.”
The Jatra is scheduled to run from 8am till 4pm everyday.
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