The stunning Himalayan landscape of Nainital recently became a vibrant hub for art, culture, and literature as the much-awaited Himalayan Echoes Festival 2024 unfolded at the historic Abbotsford Estate. Held from November 16-17, this immersive festival brought together distinguished voices and local artisans to celebrate the region’s heritage while highlighting the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas.
The festival kicked off with a soulful performance of Bhutanese Folk Music, setting the tone for an event filled with creativity, connection, and captivating conversations. The theme for this year’s gathering, “Creativity, Art, Literature, Mountains” (C.A.L.M.), perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the festival, with a series of fascinating discussions on literature, cinema, and wildlife conservation.
One of the festival’s standout sessions featured Namita Gokhale, the celebrated Indian fiction writer and literary activist, who shared her journey as an author and publisher. Moderated by Priya Kapoor, the discussion focused on the world of storytelling and the art of book publishing. Namita, with her vast experience, spoke candidly about her early days as a writer, revealing that she never imagined she would have written 25 books. “When I wrote my first novel, I thought maybe I’d write a few, but here I am today, with 23 books out and two more in the works,” she reflected, reminiscing about the surprising success of her debut novel.
Priya Kapoor also delved into the ever-evolving world of publishing, emphasizing how new authors today have the power to bring their ideas to life. “Publishing is exciting because if you have an idea, you can approach a writer and commission a book,” Kapoor said. She highlighted the challenges of the competitive publishing landscape in India, where global players are vying for the same readership, yet also praised the opportunities for growth, especially in the burgeoning market for books focused on Indian culture, food, and history.
A key part of the session was a casual yet insightful exchange about the realities of writing. Namita shared her personal writing process, explaining how she doesn’t follow a strict routine but waits for the right moment when the story begins to flow. “Sometimes, stories come to me all at once, and I just write them down wherever I am. The key is finding time, even if it’s just 300 words a day,” she said, encouraging aspiring writers in the audience to pursue their stories, no matter how intimidating the process may seem.
The festival wasn’t just about literature. It provided a platform for meaningful discussions about conservation and the mountains, with experts and guests exploring topics such as sustainable tourism, protecting wildlife, and the cultural significance of the Himalayas.
Himalayan Echoes 2024 has truly proven to be a melting pot of ideas, creativity, and culture. The combination of mesmerizing landscapes, engaging conversations, and hands-on experiences made it an unforgettable celebration of the arts, nature, and community. As the festival continues to resonate with both participants and visitors, it’s clear that Himalayan Echoes is more than just an event; it’s a tribute to the timeless charm and creativity of the mountains.
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