Literature fests bring back Kolkata's heritage to limelight

By hosting events on books, arts, culture and even theatrical performances at heritage venues during literature festivals, Kolkata's rich heritage structures are gaining the spotlight.
If it was Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan who inaugurated the fifth edition of the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival (AKLF) last week at the iconic Victoria Memorial then next week actor Shabana Azmi with her lyricist-husband Javed Akhtar would enact a play at the same heritage venue during the Kolkata Literary Meet (KLM).
As the AKLF, which ended today, travelled across venues other heritage landmarks in the city like Town Hall, St John's Anglican Church and Tollygunge Club were also brought to life.

"This is one of the best ways to showcase our rich heritage. When people get together at such venues and discuss art, culture, books or films, the brick and mortar edifice of such structures are brought to life," says G M Kapur of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).
Not only such landmarks provide the perfect backdrop for hosting events like book readings, author talks, panel discussions, etc but it also raises awareness on the importance of conservation of our rich heritage, he points out.
St John's Church, located near the Raj Bhavan, is another protected monument in Kolkata which is in dire need of conservation. The architectural beauty constructed in 1787 is in shambles for want of repairs.

AKLF director Maina Bhagat says, "One of the important aspects of our festival is to blend literature with heritage. Each year we make it a point to host our events at such venues. Last year we left many patrons surprised at the beauty of the Lascar War Memorial. It is among the most little-known heritage structure built after the World War-1".

On choosing Victoria Memorial as its venue for all six days beginning January 25, KLM director Malavika Banerjee says, "It is the city's most iconic monument and one of the most famous landmarks. And its name has become synonymous with Kolkata's art and culture and so it's a perfect venue for a literature festival".

She said it central location is also good making it more accessible to people.
Victoria Memorial Hall's secretary and curator Dr Jayanta Sengupta says he is happy that the colonial era architecture is getting its share of limelight.