Literary festivals, publishers, writers and artists around the globe have shifted online in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The 2021 edition of the Lahore Literary Festival (LLF) was also organised online, addressing issues through literary works and discussions on a variety of subjects-- fiction and non-fiction writing, drama, painting, filmmaking, architecture and politics.

As spring surfaces to drive out the last traces of winter, Lahore has, for the last nine years, welcomed this season with LLF.One cannot forget the excitement of the literati and art lovers for the city’s premier event and the brimming venues during pre-pandemic times.

Open and free for the public, it used to provide the creative minds with a platform to share insights and observations with like-minded people, tocelebrate literature, arts and creativity with prolific writers, thinkers and icons.It provided an opportunity to see writers in flesh, to hear them speak and read from their work, to buy a physical book and get it signed by the favourite author. It was a unique way to connect and socialise with people on the same wavelength as you who enjoy a good book and a piece of art.

Even for the writers who remain engaged in the solitary splendours of the creative process throughout the year, an annual literary festival used to serve as a golden opportunity for them to emerge from their cocoons and connect with their readersand get some contemporary ideas from other creative people.

Although the coming together of creative people and the audience will remain uncertain for some time, fortunately, the popularity of the LLF wasn’t impacted by such uncertainties, as the internet apparently saved the day.The four-day event reached its audience through digital and social media.

After attending the virtual session this year, there were some points that came to the fore. Of course, nothing can match a personalised meeting or even selfie with your all-time favourite author, but if you consider the virtual experience from the comfort of your room, it was a big plus. One ended up enjoying it. The option to come back and enjoy the recorded session was also available.

The virtual event eliminated physical barriers such as traffic jams, parking hassle, a rush to reach the venue on time, to bear the pain and squeeze-in to stand at the end of a jam-packed room and, most importantly, what to wear. Earlier, some favourite sessions used to overlap and one had to prioritise and sacrifice one. This time, the virtual event made it all accessible. Audiences and writers from other parts of the world were able to reach and communicate.

Most importantly, “global empathy” was prevalent; everyone around the world was concerned about the hazardous impact of coronavirus and the terrifying prospect of quarantine. It left a positive psychological impact on the listeners, confined to their rooms in isolation. There was also a unique air of unity, as the main concern was how to map out new ways to think and act in future, which is so uncertain in these times.

On the virtual booth, everyone also had the opportunity to share their comments and thoughts. Accessibility was of good standard.

On the other hand, the online event had some ramifications too. In some sessions, the attendance was not high, and some complained of unreliable internet connection.

In the past, we enjoyed the opportunity of a magnificent calligraphy lesson by Haji Noor Deen Mi Guang Jiang from China. The addition of such sessions can make the experience more exuberant.

Overall, the virtual LLF had a lively and engaging appeal and a unique way to celebrate global cultural expression.

(The writer is an educationist)

Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2021