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How to make the most of JLF

Wondering what’s on offer at Jaipur this year? Amrita Madhukalya maps some must-sees and must-dos so you can maximise your time at the literary Mecca

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The annual literary pilgrimage is upon us and there is just one way to negotiate the five-day spread — don’t fret too much at the bewildering line-up, draw up a list of must-dos and plan for it. So, here’s what to watch out for so you can enjoy your time to the fullest:


Paul Beatty

Catch the first American man to win a Booker in the award’s 48-year-old history on January 19 in conversation with Meru Gokhale, editor-in-chief of literary publishing at Penguin Random House. Beatty, whose book The Sellout is a sharp telling of racial politics in the US, is expected to speak to Gokhale on a range of things, including controversy, racism, Black history, and writing.

Simon Winchester

Did you know that one of the prominent lexicographers of the Oxford English Dictionary was a lunatic living at the asylum? Neither did we. Winchester’s book, the movie rights to which is now sold to Mel Gibson, charts the history of making of the OEDs over 50 years. Listen to him on January 19 in conversation with journalist Jonathan Shainin. 

Anne Waldman

Another not-to-miss session is the one where Allen Ginsberg’s Beat Generation poet friend Anne Waldman discusses the life and times of the counterculture poet along with Kunga Tenzin Dorji and Pragya Tiwari on January 20.

Christopher Sykes

We would hear everything you have to say if you had, at any point of time, hit the road with The Rolling Stones on a three-month tour. Sykes was with the band as their official photographer during their Tour of the Americas in 1975. He will talk about his days with the band, and the madness of their concerts in a conversation on January 22.

Mallika Dua

The YouTube star and queen of unrepentant sass will make her way to Jaipur this year. Rumour has it that make-up didi, being her usual self, has been giving the poor girl a lot of troubles. You will have to be at Charbagh on January 22 to find out why.

Rishi Kapoor

JLF has, thankfully, roped in a Bollywood face for once who isn’t worried about the trouble he might skirt by opening his mouth. Kapoor will be speaking about his memoir, Main Shayar Toh Nahin, on January 22. 

Mujre Se Multiplex Tak

Vocalist Vidya Shah, by way of her music, and music producer Luke Kenny, through poetry, will be performing at Hawa Mahan on January 21 to tide over the evolution of audiences and entertainment venues over the ages.

Handy tips

Take our heed, and expect networks to be jammed, and the mercury to dip to uncomfortable levels. A power bank will be a saviour in this post-digitised world. It will also be wise to remember that Jaipur is a beautiful city, and there’s a lot of things to do when the curtains come down every evening at Diggi Palace.

Food

The kachoris are as good as the laal maas at the Pink City. So, we would advise you not to miss the fare at Rawat Mistan Bhandar and at Handi. To complete the Rajasthan experience, one must head to 1135 AD at Amer Fort. Niros’s Rajasthani fare is fabulous, and Spice Court, replete with puppets and dancers, is also a must-do. 

Tours

If you’ve come to the Pink City, under no circumstances should you leave without looking at the Old City. It is gorgeous, pockmarked with white houses that have blue doors. A local tour (Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Amer Fort, etc) is highly recommended.

Shopping

Head to Babu Bazaar to stock up on Rajasthani clothes, and to Johri Bazaar for silver trinkets. Mirza Ismail Road has some breath-taking blue pottery, and Sireh Deori has some cool camel leather products.

Soulmate & Shillong Chamber Choir

The blues duo from Shillong will croon on January 21 evening. Tipriti’s robust vocals and Rudy’s magic with the guitar will hold the icy Jaipur winter at bay. In addition to that, on the 19th, the festivities open with a performance by fellow Shillong crooners, the Shillong Chamber Choir.

 

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