Nainital Literature Festival: A Mesmerizing Confluence of Literature, Mythology, and Music on Day Three
From Literary Dialogues to a Soulful Musical Evening, Audiences Immersed in a Unique Experience

Nainital, April 27, 2025 — The third day of the Nainital Literature Festival 2025 began with vibrant hues of literature and culture. The sessions were conducted by Sheetal Bisht. Festival founder and Lekhni Foundation president Amitabh Singh Baghel warmly welcomed the esteemed guests, authors, and students, emphasizing the significance of this unique confluence of literature, art, and nature.

The day opened with “Kalidas and Mallika,” a poignant theatrical reading by Mohit Sanwal, featuring select excerpts from Ashadh Ka Ek Din and Girish Karnad’s classic Tughlaq, bringing alive the emotional struggles of timeless characters and underscoring the rich heritage of Indian theatre.

This was followed by “Nature’s Narratives: Two Wildlife Books,” where authors Anil Bisht and Harvijay Singh Bora engaged in a dialogue with Rudy Singh. Anil Bisht shared how her love for nature inspired her to educate children, especially in villages along the Pindar River, about conservation, and announced her upcoming book on the trees of Uttarakhand. Harvijay Singh Bora presented the grandeur of Uttarakhand’s wildlife through stunning photographs of leopards, urging the youth to commit to environmental preservation.

In the “Mythic Realms” session, celebrated author Anand Neelakantan and classical dancer Rajeshwari Sainath graced the stage. Neelakantan delved into the diverse traditions of the Ramayana and Mahabharata, highlighting the richness of Indian mythology. Rajeshwari Sainath, accompanied by Ustad Sultan Niazi on tabla, performed two evocative dances—one based on the traditional tale of Shurpanakha and another inspired by Neelakantan’s reimagining, offering a more empathetic portrayal.

In “The Art of Suspense,” author Richa S. Mukherjee discussed the challenges and experiences of writing thrillers as a woman with Kanika Tripathi. Richa also shared insights into her satirical novel Vigil Aunties, reflecting on Western influences in Indian society.

During the afternoon, in “All He Left Me Was a Recipe,” Shenaz Treasury conversed with singer Kamakshi Khanna, sharing her personal journey through love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, metaphorically presented as a ‘recipe.’ Her heartfelt narration resonated deeply with audiences of all ages.

In the “Begum Para” session, acclaimed Hindi author Pratyaksha spoke with Kanak Rekha Chauhan about how experiences of pain, joy, and displacement fuel her creativity. She elaborated on complex themes of migration, rootlessness, and identity explored in her celebrated novel Sheeshaghar.

“From the King’s Table” brought together food historian Pushpesh Pant, Nawab Kazim Ali Khan, and Saeed Sherwani, who shared fascinating anecdotes about royal cuisines and their lasting influence on modern Indian gastronomy.

In “Circles of Freedom,” senior diplomat and author TCA Raghavan engaged in a profound conversation with journalist Jyotsna Mohan on the meaning of freedom and democratic aspirations in contemporary India.

The “Insatiable Shobhaa” session saw renowned writer Shobhaa De in conversation with Avni Tripathi, where she candidly discussed her literary journey, societal changes, and her ever-curious approach to life, captivating the audience with her wit and boldness.

In “From Slumdog to Seven Lives,” globally acclaimed author and diplomat Vikas Swarup shared insights into his creative process, real-life inspirations, and the phenomenal success of Q&A, the novel that inspired the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire.

Towards the end of the day, the festival director honored all volunteers and interns by distributing certificates, recognizing their invisible yet vital contribution to the event’s success.

The day concluded with a grand musical evening titled “Khayaal Ka Safar,” featuring maestros Ustad Ghulam Siraj Niazi, Mehdi Hasan Niazi, Ustad Ghulam Sultan Niazi, Ustad Shahzad Hussain Khan, and Munir Khan Niazi. Their spellbinding performances resonated through the serene valleys of the Himalayas, leaving the audience in a state of divine bliss and making the third day an unforgettable experience.