The lit-fest mystery

For authors, this is the rare occasion when they get to be heard and seen. Book readings are uncommon in our times

It’s the literature festival season and I am writing this from what is the prettiest venue for an Indian festival. I’ll come to that in a moment. But first, what explains the plethora of festivals in our parts?

It began with the Jaipur fest and, though it seems to have been with us forever, as a standalone festival, it has only existed since 2008, meaning a decade. Its success came upon it so quickly that it was established as an international venue for writers. 

And then, following that lead, other festivals sprang up in its wake. Mumbai now has two,