Literature festivals gaining popularity among young Indians

In India, literature festivals are becoming popular among young people, providing a lively space for readers and writers to connect. While Bollywood and cricket often dominate cultural conversations, these festivals have started to thrive across the country. Different cities hold their own festivals. For example, the Jaipur Literature Festival recently marked its 18th year and claims to be the largest literary event in the world. Other festivals, like the one in Mizoram, are smaller and more intimate. The increase in book festivals is mainly driven by young readers who are exploring literature in both their native languages and English. The Jaipur festival has expanded its focus from primarily English-language writing to include works in South Indian languages such as Telugu and Malayalam. Namita Gokhale, one of the festival's co-founders, believes that this trend shows a growing confidence among the nation’s youth. Many young people now cherish their mother tongues while embracing bilingualism. The festival season, happening from October to March, offers free events for college students and book lovers alike. Young attendees enjoy browsing book stalls, attending discussions, and sharing their experiences on social media. For some, being seen at a festival is a mark of social status. New authors are finding success as well. Ravi Mantri, who writes in Telugu, released a debut novel that unexpectedly sold over 185,000 copies. This surge in interest has drawn attention to regional literature and encouraged festivals to adopt diverse programming, including discussions in multiple languages. Book festivals also benefit authors, giving them a platform to engage with fans and promote their work. Many authors jump from one festival to another, building connections and sharing their stories. Overall, these gatherings are invigorating India's literary scene and inspiring a new generation of readers and writers.