The Hyderabad Literary Festival (HLF), in its fourth year, is nothing like the ‘kumbh’ of literary fests — the Jaipur Literature Festival, in terms of numbers. Look past the obvious comparison that arise among those who’ve visited other lit fests in the country and visitors would notice a new beginning for HLF itself, in deciding to move to the heart of the city, away from university campuses, and initiating Hyderabadis to the concept of a ‘literary street’.
Early Friday morning, barring spirited volunteers, delegates, media and school children, there were limited numbers of participants on Road no. 8, Banjara Hills, which has transformed into a literary street. The numbers grew as the day progressed and the audience that attended the different sessions saw a mix of students, academicians, playwrights and in general, those who loved both the written word and creative arts.
There were eager listeners at the sessions hosted at Ashiana and there were children participating in workshops at Kalakriti Art Gallery and Kalpa School. A writers’ wall saw both delegates and visitors post their comments about the festival. The path leading from Ashiana to Saptaparni turned into a makeshift gallery displaying photographs up for sale and innovative book covers designed by students. Book stalls apart, the fest includes a few food counters as well. The HLF continues on Saturday and Sunday.
