I am sure that most book lovers in India must have heard about the Jaipur Literature Festival. It draws many visitors from across the world and has become synonymous with the pink city. Jaipur Lit Fest (JLF) has seen 12 seasons and it has progressed well into London, Adelaide, and New York editions. Closer home, the success of JLF has given rise to the birth of many more literature festivals across Indian cities. While they have not yet risen to the level of JLF, it has promulgated book reading and bringing the like-minded people together.
Read the complete guide on JLF- Your guide to surviving Jaipur Literature Festival
This year like last year I visited JLF for just one day. Even though I wanted to attend a few interesting sessions but I somehow couldn’t miss work during those times. I ended up watching them live on YouTube. I’m happy that the fest organizers have taken a step in the right direction.
During my time at JLF, I caught up with a few fellow bloggers and friends who had flown in from other cities from India and abroad to attend this event. I managed to find time to click some pictures. I prefer to focus on attending sessions and therefore don’t carry a DSLR camera. During this visit, I didn’t find any interesting sessions to attend, so I captured moments & people at the Jaipur Literature Festival!
Many people call JLF as Jaipur Lifestyle Festival because it has ceased to be merely a literary event. The speakers include not just authors but also politicians, actors among others. Food and fashion form a big part of this event. Many people visit this event to enjoy the food, atmosphere, and shopping. There are others who love dressing up fashionably & posting pictures on social media. In a way, Diggi Palace, the venue of the lit fest is a unique place. Where else can you see such a variety of people & attires in one place? Everyone loves to stand out and enjoy the attention. True?
Here are some of the pictures of people at Jaipur Lit Fest.
The boy with a cowboy hat!
The festival cuts across age and attracts both young and old!
A shawl is cool too!
Posing!
Let’s capture some moments!
The mobile phone forms an important part of our lives. It was evident at the fest.
There’s something nice about this picture although technically it’s far from perfect. Nevertheless, I’m sharing it with you as it shows how people connect irrespective of age, nationality, and background.
Just wondering if the food outlets match the color of the coffee cup with your attire?
No, they don’t!
Pondering over the panel discussion!
Let’s get ready for some fashion and style statement!
How not to get overboard with red!
The Pagdi (turban) photographer.
The Kurta with cargo pants
He definitely looks cool and angry (both)! Wearing a beret definitely makes you stand out!
Which way?
Dhoti with Blazer? That’s super-cool!
The Patrakar (journalist) look!
This one is boring…let me check the alternatives!
Phew, the sun is so strong! Let’s put the JLF program schedule to some good use!
Let me check which is the most interesting session to attend.
No Time!”So many authors and speakers to listen, let me rush!”
It’s true that this event has gained a reputation for being more than just books and many book lovers have stopped visiting this festival. The reason cited by them includes irrelevant crowd and lack of seats.
Despite all that, it still continues to attract book lovers in huge numbers from across the world. Here are a few pictures that I clicked during my JLF visit of the people reading books amidst all the action and noise.
Reading a book on the go!
And meanwhile, at the Penguin India booth…
My first love. Books!
Don’t disturb me!
Art also gets a fair share at JLF. This year Abhishek Sharma painted a large canvas with the “Yam Nachiketa” for 5 consecutive days and drew a huge crowd. Here’s a picture that captures him in action on day 2.
Both literati and glitterati form an important part of the Jaipur Literature Festival and are inseparable. I feel one should attend this festival at least once. Here is a complete guide on JLF- Your guide to surviving Jaipur Literature Festival
Also, read related write-up:Â Â Attending The Jaipur Literature Festival? Your Quick Guide To Explore Jaipur As You Attend JLF
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JaipurThruMyLens 
I really love this. It captures the true beauty of people just living the normal everyday life.
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Krista, True. Do you love street photography?
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People watching here seems to be half of the fun! Loved it.
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Absolutely. I’m sure these pictures are self-explanatory, Orla! 🙂
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They really are. I can feel the warmth radiating!
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I’m happy to be able to send some warmth in the cold weather, Orla! 🙂
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Great candid photos!
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Thanks, Nilla!
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I attended the Kala Ghoda arts festival here in Mumbai and it was more or less the same story with majority of the visitors clicking selfies and group pictures.
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I guess that’s a “side-effect” of all such events. Right?
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Looks like you had a great time. The pictures are lovely…revealing different moods of colourful people… 🙂
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Yes, kind of 🙂
Thanks. It certainly shows a different aspect of the fest. 🙂
Have you attended Kolkata Lit Fest?
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Wow! This looks amazing Arv! I can see why you loved it!
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I’m glad you liked the post, Josypheen 🙂
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Very cool. So many people and such an interesting group.
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Thanks, Angela. 🙂
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Loved all your pictures. And there appeared to have been a coffee mix-up as the girl with the red dress had the black cup and the girl in the black coat had the red cup. 🙂
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Haha! You sure are so observant, Jennifer! Cool. In which city do you reside?
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We recently moved to Orlando, Florida from Connecticut.
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Great 🙂
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What a fun event!
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I’m glad you enjoyed looking at these pictures, Fiona!
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Interesting even with even more interesting captures. Arv, your subjects and the corresponding captions are apt and you just have an eye for such intriguing subjects. 🙂
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I guess JLF is a goldmine for anyone looking for some interesting “subject”. I hope you visit and attend this someday! I’m sure you love books! 🙂
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A fine set of shots!
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Thanks, Fiona 🙂
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Really amazing captures. Always think of the challenges and the highs and lows behind the many faces! 🙂
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Thanks. I know, so many stories behind the faces. Do you like to look at faces and wonder what they are thinking or what their problems are?
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Yeah, I seem to do that all the time. I have so little idea what they may be facing!
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Haha! someday you should ask someone….Maybe someone who is not that intimidating?
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Nice pics!
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Thanks 🙂
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Check out my blogs as well 🙂
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will do. Arti
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Thanks for a quick glimpse of the festival. Just a small correction – it’s Abhishek Singh and not Abhishek Sharma painting the canvas.
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