JLF Houston: A Symphony of Literature, Art, and Culture

The seventh edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) returned to Houston, engaging audiences with three days of stimulating discussions and performances. Featuring distinguished authors and speakers, the festival covered topics from feminism to climate change and concluded with a musical fusion of Punjabi traditions. JLF continues its journey to New York and Colorado next.

The seventh edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) returned to Houston with resounding success, captivating audiences over three days of electrifying conversations, powerful performances, and a rich celebration of ideas. The globally acclaimed festival featured an illustrious lineup of internationally recognized authors, thought leaders, and local talent, blending global issues with Houston's cultural diversity across three iconic venues.

The festival commenced at the Museum of Fine Arts, featuring words of wisdom from Suraj Dhingra and Sanjoy Roy. A stunning Indian classical duet set the tone for an engaging day filled with rich cultural exchange and literary exploration. Highlights included sessions by Houston Youth Poet Laureate Elizebeth Hsu and artist Bradley Bailey, who illuminated the impact of Indian culture on Japanese art.

Day two continued at Asia Society with Vidya Shah's tribute to female musicians and profound discussions by Alka Joshi and Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni on the art of storytelling. The festival crescendoed with contributions from Shashi Tharoor and Cristina Rivera Garza, bringing deep reflections on India's historical tapestry and personal grief. The final day concluded at the Eternal Gandhi Museum with evocative Punjabi music performances, leaving the audience inspired by the fusion of literature and culture.

(With inputs from agencies.)