Daily Times

Pakistan has taken a lot of time to finally provide a social platform for literature. Literary festivals have been a recent trend that provides an opportunity for social gatherings and community interactions.

We in all our capacities applaud authorities for the provision of this platform and the celebrations that we tend to enjoy. But once we are done with the celebration, we need to question its actual scope and impact. Do these literary festivals actually serve the purpose of promoting literature or are merely an opportunity to dress up and socialise?

Successful nations celebrate their art and literature and although these literary festivals are held in the name of celebration and promotion of arts, they have deviated from their actual purpose. The literary festivals, rather than actually recognising and promoting literature, have become a way to socialise, display fashion, enjoy celebrity encounters and of course photos with hashtags.

The literary festivals, rather than actually recognising and promoting literature, have become a way to socialise, display fashion, enjoy celebrity encounters and of course take pictures

The audiences that the festival attracts, unfortunately, belong to a particular class of social hierarchy. Like everything else, social status has also established its monopoly over these festivals. The literary festivals are supposed to enhance the literature production and reception but the real essence of the platform is lost in the glam of the social appearances that dominate the event. The rest of the event is dedicated to promotions and branding of various groups.

Celebrity appearances are must for these events and people are more attracted to the celebrities rather than the recitals that they are reciting. People are looking forward to encounters with so they can flaunt it on social medias. The popularity of the session also depends on the celebrity appearing or holding that session. Some of the most amazing sessions on outstanding literature go underappreciated because of the lack of audience; the only reason being that no famous celebrity is involved in the session.

The majority of people who attend the festival are not there for literature. In fact these people have nothing to do with literature. They are there merely to be a part of the parade. It won’t be wrong to say that literary festivals have become a fashion and to appear at such a festival serves as fashion statement.

Such festivals should be different from a fashion show or other social gatherings. The festivals should not be selective in its audience as well as participators. The real purpose is to recognise and promote the literature of the country and fortunately Pakistan is very rich in its share. So many artists go unappreciated and their art unnoticed. Similarly, many literature lovers, critic and fans are devoid of the opportunity to enjoy and learn from this platform.

Although it is hard to maintain any check and balance for art- oriented festivals but we all should remain conscious of the real purpose so theses festivals become true to their intended purpose.

Published in Daily Times, March 16^th 2018.