LAHORE: Lahore lived up to its reputation of being a centre of learning and conviviality as the three-day literary festival concluded at the Alhamra Arts Centre on Sunday evening.

Thousands of people from various callings thronged the halls during the three days to attend sessions on a myriad of themes, enlightening the audience on the issues of the day.

Equally interesting were the ‘sessions’ groups of visitors conducted on their own in the open either because they failed to make it to the intended venues or preferred to enjoy chance meetings and revive memories.

Yet many others were enthralled to have an opportunity to rub shoulders with the luminaries who had come from as far as the UK.

There was a lot more to the event than debates and discussions; the very presence of intellectuals like Zia Mohyeddin, Zehra Nigah, Aitzaz Ahsan, Pran Nevile, Ayesha Jalal, Shaista Sirajuddin, Navid Shahzad and Pervez Hoodbhoy created an aura of its own.

One of the key features of the festival was the interesting titles which left many spoilt for choice.

Among them, Lahore, Literature and Longing, Politically Incorrect, Angrezi Mushaira, Humour as Subvertor, Love in the Season of Mangoes and It’s Raining Litfests! were quite appealing.

The rendition of some great pieces of literature by Zia Mohyeddin and Navid Shahzad, the acerbic wit of Mohammad Hanif and Jugnu Mohsin and performances by Nahid Siddiqui were enjoyed by the audience.

Malala Yousafzai spoke through Skype in one of the sessions and expressed her desire to be part of the festival in the coming years.

Also part of the festival was a Food Court offering to the visitors various delicacies and traditional stuff. People also showed enthusiasm about the books which were being signed by the authors.

There were also stalls set up by Rafi Peer Theatre Workshop, Gymboree (Play & Music) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Speaking to Dawn, celebrated writer Pran Nevile expressed his delight to be part of the gathering and his love for Lahore – a city he grew up in and read and wrote a lot about. “The only regret I have is the publisher has not come over here to promote my book on Lahore,” he said.

Khaled Ahmed was at his best while sharing his knowledge about culture and literary traditions of the subcontinent not only during the sessions but also in leisurely moments in the lawns of Alhamra. He recommended some books to read to the students who wanted to have a word with him.

The visitors generally lauded the organisers who, together with a number of volunteers, strove for making the event a success. The impressions Dawn recorded while having a chat with visitors gave the message of reason, rationality and resilience the event promoted.