It’s been a while since we’ve experienced a literary festival like in the pre-pandemic times. The ambience of a room buzzing with an enthralled audience, captivated by conversations about books and beyond, has long been replaced by discussions that happen in square boxes on our screens. We’ve normalised it, but we also know that it’s no fun. 

With the unpredictability of new Covid variants, and subsequent lockdowns, it’s been safer to opt for virtual fests, or none at all. The Jaipur Literature Festival, which kicked off on March 5 in an hybrid avatar, perhaps is a good way then to rekindle old habits. In its 15th edition now, it was held virtually till March 10, before moving on ground to its new venue, Clarks Amer, Jaipur. For the final two days—the festival concludes tomorrow—a diverse programme has been put together, where everything from debut literary works, the pandemic, Indian crafts, spirituality, climate change and conflict will be discussed.