Dressed in traditional attire and swaying to the sounds of drums, literature enthusiasts on Friday took out a ceremonial procession of books to mark the beginning of the 98th Marathi literary festival at the Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi.
Over 3,000 writers, poets and literary enthusiasts have gathered in the national capital from across Maharashtra to take part in the festival that has a history of nearly 150 years. Topics like language preservation, translation, and the impact of digitisation on literary works will be covered.
There will be over 2,600 poetry presentations, the release of 50 books, and 100 book stalls.
Additionally, the Marathi Literary Conference has seen a literary journey from Pune to Delhi, with 1,200 writers traveling on a special express train to reach the capital.
Tara Bhawalkar, a celebrated Marathi writer and scholar of folk culture, is the president of the conference. At 83, she is the sixth woman to hold this position in the conference’s 98-year history. Bhawalkar has authored numerous works on folk culture, theater research, saint literature, one-act plays, creative writing, folk art and women’s awareness. During her address at the event, she indirectly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, posing the question, “How can we trust someone who still claims their birth is not biological?”
On the second day of the literary conference, February 22, there will be a Kavi Katta (poetry corner) session from 9.00am to 2.00pm, followed by another session from 5.00pm to 9.00pm.
Later, the “Marathi Paool Padte Pudhe” (Marathi Steps Forward) interview will take place at the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Auditorium from 10.00am to 12.00pm. A panel discussion on “Manmokla Samvad – Marathi’s Non-Marathi World” will be held from 12.00pm to 2.00pm, followed by a special felicitation ceremony.
On the third day, February 23, an interview on “Ase Ghadlo Aamhi” will be held at the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Auditorium from 10.00am to 12.00pm, featuring former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan, former minister Suresh Prabhu, and Neelam Gorhe. At 12.00pm, there will be a discussion on social work and Marathi literature. Later, at 2:30.00pm, a panel discussion titled “Marathi’s Connection with Delhi” will take place, with Jyotiraditya Scindia, minister Shivendra Raje Bhosale and Bhushan Raje Holkar participating. Another discussion on “Marathi Language and Maharashtra Dharma” will also be held during the event.
