Celebrating literature in Jaipur

Jaipur Literature Festival 2012 started on Friday, January 20, 2012. JLF is now regarded as the Kumbh Mela of Indian and international writing, drawing in writers and readers from across India and the world.

The event encompasses a range of readings, talks, debates, performances, childrens workshops and interactive activities held at Diggi Palace in Jaipur.

DSC Jaipur Festival is the largest literary festival in Asia-Pacific.

With almost 250 speakers addressing more than 50,000 people over five days, the festival has grown exceptionally over the past few years.

This year, organisers are expecting 12,000 people per day.

Arvind Krishna Mehrotra at the opening day of Jaipur Literature Festival on Friday, January 20, 2012. The event at the Diggi Palace kicked off with Arvind Krishna Mehrotra discussing Bhakti Poetry.

This years' highlights also include sessions by noted poet Gulzar.

Bina Kak at DSC Jaipur Literature Festival on Friday, January 20, 2012.

Ardent readers, beginners and bloggers congregate in the beautiful Pink City during the five-day event annualy held in January.

Argentinian novelist Pola Oloixarac with Chandrahas Choudhury in Jaipur on Friday, January 20, 2012.

Gurucharan dasat the opening day ofJaipur Literature Festival on Friday, January 20, 2012.

Theatre personality and filmmaker Girish Karnad with British playwright David Hare at Jaipur Literature Festival on Friday, January 20, 2012.

Girish Karnad shares his ideas on future of theaters in India.

British playwright David Hare at Jaipur Literature Festival on Friday, January 20, 2012.

Theatre personality and filmmaker Girish Karnad at the JLF on Friday, January 20, 2012.

Noted journalist Barkha Dutt at Jaipur Literature Festival on Friday, January 20, 2012.

Celebrated poet and lyricist Gulzar at the Day one of Jaipur Literature Festival on Friday, January 20, 2012.

Noted actor Kabir Bedi at the Jaipur Literature Festival on Friday, January 20, 2012.

An ardent reader at the Jaipur Literature Festival venue on Friday, January 20, 2012.