Nagpur Book Festival Celebrates Literature, Culture, and Music

The Nagpur Book Festival, held at Reshimbagh ground, captivated attendees on its fourth day with a blend of archaeology, poetry, and music. Organised by the National Book Trust in collaboration with the Maharashtra government and Zero Mile Youth Foundation, the nine-day festival, which runs until November 30, 2023, offers a rich tapestry of literary discussions and performances.

As part of the “Lekhak Manch” series, archaeology researcher and author Manohar Naranje took the audience on a compelling exploration of Vidarbha’s ancient history. He shared stories from his childhood in Selu, Wardha district, detailing how his interactions with esteemed scholar Dr Pradeep Meshram fueled his passion for archaeology.

Naranje discussed the identification of nine previously unknown archaeological sites in Eastern Vidarbha. “Archaeology is not just a profession — it requires relentless curiosity, caution, and a disciplined method,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of a solid foundation in history and geography for conducting meaningful research. He also shared anecdotes of the challenges faced during fieldwork, illustrating the excitement of piecing together historical narratives from scattered clues.

In a similarly engaging session, Lakhansingh Katre, a scholar and advocate for the Zhadiboli–Powari language, spoke about his dedication to preserving endangered dialects. Katre recounted a journey marked by struggle and determination, describing poetry as the anchor that guided him through personal crises. His mother’s cultural influence and the lyrical beauty of his rural surroundings significantly shaped his creative expression.

His collaboration with Harishchandra Borkar in 1990 strengthened his resolve to document oral dialects like Zhadi and Powari in written literature. Today, Zhadiboli is included in the curriculum of Gadchiroli University, a milestone Katre noted with pride. “Poetry is a mantra; it carries power,” he explained, sharing that he composed 16 poems for ‘Aadim Prakasachitre’ during a challenging period of illness. He concluded his session with a heartfelt recital of his poem “Vartamaan,” which received enthusiastic applause from the audience. A touching moment arose when attendees celebrated Katre’s granddaughter, Abhigya, whose childhood drawings adorn the covers of two of his books.

As the day transitioned to evening, the festival’s atmosphere transformed with a performance from Kabir Cafe, which infused folk, rock, and spiritual rhythms. Artists including Nilesh Arya, Brito KC, Viren Solanki, Piyush Acharya, Swapnil Tarse, and Ashish Naik brought a contemporary twist to the couplets of Saint Kabir, drawing a large crowd and turning the venue into a vibrant cultural hub.

Looking ahead, the festival promises an exciting lineup for Day 5, featuring sessions on cyber psychology, biography writing, mystery fiction, and Sufi-soft rock. The Nagpur Book Festival continues to provide a dynamic literary and cultural experience for attendees, celebrating the power of words and music in uniting communities.