There is, perhaps, no better way to spend a hot and humid February weekend.....
COVER STORY
There is, perhaps, no better way to spend a hot and humid February weekend than by getting lost in the madding crowd of literature lovers at the Karachi Literature Festival (KLF). Every year, folks from all walks of life buy books, get their copies signed and listen patiently to literary conversations. Even people with zero appreciation for literature have something to enjoy at the event.
Since I have had the privilege of studying literature at university, I have a greater responsibility to show up at KLFs. Like always, this year, too, KLF’18 was another enriching experience of my life.
Deep belly laughs
It is generally assumed that literary conversations have sleep inducing powers. A fun loving person can’t help but sleep in sessions where the host is incessantly bragging about a new book, or talking about the never-ending problems we face here in this country.
But speakers at KLF ’18 got this covered; they made sure to crack jokes and share amusing anecdotes and experiences with the audience to keep them laughing.
Dr. Arfa, at the book launch of A Thousand Cups of Tea, only shared funny bits from the book and didn’t bore the audience at all.
At another time, the venue was buzzing with laughter when The Banana Boys took the floor. The comedians were mostly messing up with politicians in their jokes so the audience really enjoyed.
A sea of frenzied people
Since KLF is held in a hotel near Arabian Sea, you can enjoy listening to the breezes whistling in your ear but you won’t even notice them because you will be drowning in the sea of enthusiastic literature geeks. People were pushing and dragging each other while steering through the crowd; the sessions were jam-packed. Every nook and corner of the venue was stuffed and it was unimaginable to stand still at a particular spot. I was frequently losing sight of my friend and had to shout to catch her.
Even the conversations weren’t peaceful. Volunteers were constantly blocking the view of the audience; they were running around haphazardly to take care of the arrangements, and the photo-thirsty people had almost invaded the entire place. There were also those annoying peeps who were jumping off their seats to capture the glimpse of their favourite speakers and constantly moving around to look for the nearest spot around the stage - by the way, I am guilty of being one of those peeps! Even now I wonder why people had encircled SOC on the stage; she is such a household name and we get to see her all the time. My friend says it is because people want to listen to her overwhelmingly impressive conversations on human rights!
The music that tears your soul
The literary spirit inside you will die as soon as you are at the entrance of the venue of KLF. The speakers placed at the entrance blared music that literally felt like deafening noise! A softer melody could have served the purpose of creating an ambience and got us in the mood to enjoy soul-enriching discussions taking place inside.
Your long-lost friends
“I am dying to see you, buddy, but I don’t have time!” “Why do you live so far in Clifton!” “Let’s see when I can make it.” These are the excuses you give to your old friends when they ask for a reunion, right? But then one day you finally get a whole day on weekend to spend at KLF happening really far away from your house. While looking for a seat or steering through the crowd, you bump into that long-lost friend; you try to show you are excited to see them and explain that you are here on an assignment; you also give them a tight hug - and notice that he/she has grown fat; get on the side, have a chit-chat and promise to see each other soon.
You will see several other surprise reunions taking place at KLF.
When in doubt, eat!
My Potterhead friend might not approve of the way I have ruined Hermione’s famous quote, but food is important, too.
It’s not mannerly to stare at people so I kept sneaking glances out of the corner of my eye to see what visitors were eating; they were licking popsicles, gobbling down fries and nibbling on my favourite milk chocolate cookies.
Once we got into the food court, the energy was insane. The aroma of delightful street food was wafting through the entire place, and the visitors were happily moving around with food in their hands. Books and food make people happy.
Photography nuisance
Craze for photos have taken over our lives. Aman Foundation, The Citizen Foundation, British Library had props and photo booths ready for the visitors; take a picture and share it on social media to spread the message.
Everybody wanted to have a selfie with the celebrities and renowned speakers at the event. A lot of people were seeing the sessions through the screens of their smartphones and tablets. And at least a thousand professional photographers were taking millions of pictures at KLF’18.
For the love of tea
After attending a session A Thousand Cups of Tea, the queues at the tea stall at the entrance made sense. We are chai addicts! It was heartwarming - and frustrating - to see people waiting helplessly for their cup of joe. But do you think tea is really a drink to die for?
The creative use of vehicles
How can we not mention the vehicles used for promoting reading at KLF’18? Oxford mobile bookshop, USAID mobile library, and the KLF signature rickshaw attracted everyone. Hop in, and read your way to success.
Additional information by SG
