Banaras Lit Fest blends sports, books, music & global art

The fourth edition of the Banaras Literature Festival, is celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Varanasi, is all set to roll out. The festival that will be held from January 30 to February 1 will have the presence of celebrated artists, sportspersons and writers.
According to Deepak Madhok, President of the organising committee, “The Banaras Literature Festival, which has grown over the years, will showcase the art, culture, music, and literature of the cultural capital of the country, that is, our Varanasi. Due to the tremendous response from participants, we have set up six stages at the venue where various activities will take place. We have the pleasure of hosting some great names like actor Anupam Kher and Tisca Chopra, who will be participating in panel discussions. Known actor and writer Piyush Mishra will perform with his band. Sportspersons P Gopichand, among others, will also be in conversation on the topic, The Sacred Body: Sports, Discipline and Healthy Living. Bhaichung Bhutia, prominent footballer, will also address a session. MM Faruqui, better known as Lilliput, will be part of a discussion on From Comic Illustration to Cultural Responsibility: Way Ahead in AI and AR World.

Further informing about the festival, Brijesh Singh, Secretary of the organising committee, says, “Apart from the various sessions, an attempt is being made to create an Asian Book Mark Record where 50 thousand bookmarks will be made on the theme Heritage of Kashi. We will have the privilege to witness the discussions of authors like Dan Morrison, Namita Gokhale, Namita Devidayal, Ashwin Sanghi, Damodar Mauzo, Ashok Vajpeyi, and Gagan Gill, who have also confirmed of their presence.”
Painting and photography exhibitions have also been given a prominent space in the literature festival. Dhawal Prakash, treasurer in the organising committee, says, “Apart from prominent Indian painters, there will be a global presence as artists from Sri Lanka, Nepal, Japan and Lithuania will participate. Noted Indian photographer Raghu Rai will also participate in the festival, while from the international platform, photographers from countries like the United States, New Zealand, France, the UK, Italy, Israel, Australia, Poland, China and Germany will also display their works.”

A special session in the memory of noted vocalist Pt Channulal Mishra will also be held. A pre-event will be held on January 29 in which noted stand-up comedian Amit Tandon, sitar artist Deobrat Mishra, among others will perform.

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