Bhutan calling for third edition of literary festival
The festival between May 20th and 24th this year has lined up some of the most impressive authors writing from and on South Asia, including Vikram Seth, Patrick French, Wendell Rodricks, William Dalrymple, Kalpish Ratna, Ali Sethi and Gulzar.
Conceptualised in 2009, the festival began its journey in the pristine city of Thimpu in May 2010, as a joint effort by Pavan K Varma, India's ambassador to Bhutan, co-directors Namita Gokhale and Pramod Kumar K G as wells as Mita Kapur, CEO, Siyahi.
The festival also has the support of the India-Bhutan Foundation and the patronage of Bhutan's queen mother, H M Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, who is herself a published author.
"The festival has grown organically. The focus this year is on travel writing, photography, Sci-fi, food writing and writing music. Films would also be screened," says Mita Kapur.
Mountains, particularly the Himalayas, are an important factor for the South Asian region encompassing within them other themes such as travel, environment, spirituality and philosophy