The temple city of Bhubaneswar in Odisha is all set to unfurl the "Legends of Ancient Bharat and Beyond: Inspiring Lived Experience in the 21st Century" at the 10th edition of Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF) which will begin on February 9, 2024. A mosaic of diverse literary forms ranging from poetry and politics to art and athletics will grace the festival till February 11.
Started in 2013, the Kalinga Literary Festival celebrates the rich literary heritage of India, fostering dialogues and exchange of ideas, welcoming thousands to the shared love of literature and the arts. With sessions ranging from democracy to digital revolutions and from cultural nationalism to climate justice, the festival further promises to be a kaleidoscope of thought-provoking dialogue.
The central theme at the KLF, ‘Legends of Ancient Bharat and Beyond’, will pulse with the collective rhythm of over 300 esteemed speakers, including poets, musicians, artists, and performers. In a reverent celebration of the rich heritage, the festival aims to rekindle the flame of inspiration from our ancestors' wisdom, demonstrating its profound relevance in today's world.
"Within the heart of the 10th Edition of the Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF), we engage with 'Legends of Ancient Bharat and Beyond: Inspiring Lived Experience in the 21st Century,' a theme that is particularly poignant as India emerges as a pivotal global power," says Rashmi Ranjan Parida, the founder director of KLF.
"We are profoundly honoured to welcome a galaxy of renowned scholars, authors and writers. The theme underscores the relevance of India's rich historical narratives in shaping a contemporary society that stands on the cusp of global leadership, driven by the ethos of its ancient wisdom and philosophical depth," he adds.
Over three days, the Kalinga Literary Festival will weave a tapestry of themes celebrating the relationship between literature and liberty, the ethos of a republic, and the pillars of social equity. The sessions promise to illuminate minds with discussions ranging from the foundation of democracy and cultural nationalism to dialogues on media influence, market dynamics, and the representation of children, women, and transgender individuals in literature.
In partnership with local cycling clubs, the festival will facilitate an opportunity for delegates to meander through the living canvas of Bhubaneswar, an amalgamation of ancient majesty and contemporary design, thereby experiencing the city's narrative of historical reverence and urban foresight.
Delving deeper into the cultural ethos, the festival will offer Mystic Walks and cycling tours through Bhuba-neswar's ancient heart juxtaposed against its urban expanse. The Kalinga Art Festival will be a visual symphony, harmonising the aesthetic essence of the festival's theme.
Parida elaborates on the essence of the festival, "The 10th Edition heralds a renaissance of hope and the indomitable spirit of resurgence. The KLF's comeback is a testament to our collective resilience and the enduring power of rise. We have convened an exceptional cadre of global literary talents, reflecting the diversity and richness of thought that KLF has always championed."
The event will be adorned with the creative pulse of 60 remarkable artists, while the KLF Book Awards will commend the genius of 20 writers who have enriched the literary landscape. Notable literary figures gracing the festival this time include - Bibek Debroy, Amish Tripathi, Sitakanta Mohapatra, Pratibha Ray, Rama-Kanta Rath, Paramita Satapathy, Arundhathi Subramaniam, Uday Prakash, K.R Meera, Yatindra Mishra, Hindol Sengupta, Milee Ashwarya, Milee Ashwarya, Yatish Kumar, Yashpal Sharma, Maria Goretti, Koral Dashgupta, Nila Madhab Panda, and Sandeep Bamzai, among others.
Further, KLF will also embrace literary brilliance from across the globe, including Nepal, Sri Lanka, Japan, and beyond, reverberating with the echoes of myriad voices and perspectives with over 30 new literary works and scholarly monographs unveiled to the world.
