The happiest country in the world Bhutan is set to hold the 6th edition of its annual Mountain Echoes literary festival in capital Thimphu.
An initiative of the India-Bhutan Foundation in association with Siyahi, a literary agency, the festival is being powered by the Rajasthan government.
The festival is scheduled to be held from August 19 to August 22 and will coincide with the year-long celebrations of the fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck's 60th birthday in Bhutan.
Every year, the festival hosts writers, poets, visual artists, curators, film critics and commentators from the world over, who engage in cultural dialogue and interactions on myriad subjects, in scenic Thimphu for three days.
Some of the names to watch out during the festival are author and entrepreneur, Ashwin Sanghi, journalist, Bahar Dutt Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, authors Chetan Bhagat, Dasho Sherub Gyeltshen, Yonten Dargye and health and Wellbeing author, Josephine Chia.
Actor Kalki Koechin, scholar, historian and meditation teacher, Khenpo Phuntsok Tashi, TV host and food writer, Mayur Sharma and Rocky Singh, photographer, Pawo Choying Dorji, infosys foundation laureate, Prof. Nayanjot Lahiri Director and Screenwriter, Rajkumar Hirani, Emmy Award winning filmmaker and activist Ruchira Gupta cultural historian, Rupert Arrowsmith,comedian and Author, Sorabh Pant social commentator, Suhel Seth, wildlife enthusiast and conservationist,Tshering Tempa and blogger, Yeshey Dorji are others on the list of attendees.
Art exhibitions and film screenings at the cultural heart of Thimphu, Nehru Wangchuck Cultural Centre and opportunities to sway to the tunes of Bhutanese rock and Indie pop at the Clock Tower Square and Open Mic at Mojo Park music lounge are also presented during the festival.
The Royal Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck is the chief royal patron of the festival, whose directors are Namita Gokhale, Pramod Kumar KG, Siok Sian Dorji and Kunzang Choden.
Festival advisors include Malvika Singh, Namita Bhandare, Pavan K Varma, Namagay Zam, Sonam Jatso and Tshering Tashi.
The India Bhutan foundation was established in August 2003, with the objective to enhance exchange and interaction among the peoples of both countries, through activities in the areas of educational, cultural, scientific and technical fields.
The literary event is being presented by Reliance.
