The Chambal Literary Festival aimed to bring literature to the concentration, especially if you live in rural areas and do not have easy access to such events. The festival featured panel discussions, book readings, writing workshops, fabric collection, and film screenings, providing a platform for you to showcase your work.

The festival also included writing and storytelling workshops and interactive sessions for local students and aspiring writers, encouraging a love for literature and creativity. The organizers hoped to inspire a new generation of storytellers and poets from the heartland of India.

By choosing a remote and unconventional location for the festival, the organizers aimed to break away from the elitist image often associated with literary events. They wanted to show that literature is for everyone, regardless of their background or location.

The success of the Chambal Literary Festival has concreted the way for more such events to be organized in rural and lesser-known regions of the country. It has proven that literature has the power to transcend boundaries and bring you together, no matter where you’re from.

In a world where technology and social media often dominate our lives, events like the Chambal Literary Festival serve as a reminder of the importance of storytelling, human connection, ancient coins, letters, and the rare material related to the Chambal region’s struggles. It is a celebration of creativity, imagination, and the power of literature to inspire, educate, and unite us all.

The Chambal Literary Festival’s journey to challenge stereotypes

In Lucknow, known as the ‘City of Nawabs,’ literature festivals are a common occurrence.

However, it is quite unheard of to organize such festivals in the remote and inaccessible locations of the country. Unfortunately, these events often fail to gain recognition even in the most modest media outlets.

Recently, the Chambal Literary Festival took place over three days 16th, 17th, and 18th February 2024, in Panchanad.

Now you may have thoughts, why did organizers choose Panchanad rather than opting for a luxurious hotel or a grand auditorium?

Panchnad is situated near Sindous, at the border of Jalaun, Etawah, and Auraiya districts in Uttar Pradesh. It is the meeting point of five rivers (Kunwari, Pahuj, Yamuna, Chambal, and Sind).

This unique gathering brought together admired writers and film personalities from all corners of the country. What made this festival even more extraordinary was its unconventional venue.

The soil of this pleasing venue echoed with the powerful waves of speeches and discussions of renowned figures from the world of arts and culture. It was a truly remarkable experience, showcasing the beauty of literature amongst the natural luxury of the riverside.

The Chambal Literary Festival, which was held on February 16th, turned the spotlight onto a glorious celebration of literature and art. Organized by the Chambal Museum and The ANTS, this three-day extravaganza promised nothing short of grandeur.

As the festival unfolded on February 17th and 18th, it became a magnet for poets, writers, actors, journalists, and literature. The Chambal Literary Festival commenced with a dazzling display of lights, casting a spellbinding aura over the beachside setting. From 10 am to 11 pm, the inauguration ceremony unfolded, featuring engaging discussions on the theme.

The first day witnessed a magnificent gathering, with positive discussions around 11 am- 1 Pm circulating the theme of “Panchanad – Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.” The venue itself was transformed into a shelter of literary delights, decorated with book stalls attracting visitors with their treasures.

The day progressed with sessions from delving into the fascinating empire of “Ravine in Literature and Literature in the Ravine,” followed by a film screening and a cultural evening from 2 pm to 4 pm, ensuring a delightful blend of entertainment and artistic expression.

In between, a pleasant tea break from 4 pm – 5 pm, and then the film screening and cultural evening happened from 5 pm – 8 pm. The first day was full of speeches, and shoots, alike.

As we stepped into the second day, on the 17th of February, there was a writing and storytelling workshop from 10 am to 11 am. Attendees gathered eagerly, armed with pens and imaginations, ready to dive into the realms of creativity.

Following the workshop, there was a captivating discussion on Chambal, renowned for its natural beauty or ecosystem of Chambal, from 11 am to 1 pm. Enthusiasts came together to share stories and marvel at the wonders of this scenic region.

After a refreshing lunch break, the dialogue shifted to the elaborated social fabric of Chambal. From 2 pm to 4 pm, voices mingled as participants delved into the cultural variations that define the region.

As the afternoon sun began to disappear, suspense arranged for the evening’s musical presentation. From 5 to 8 pm, melodies filled the air, weaving a harmonious tapestry that echoed the spirit of Chambal.

The third arrived, which happened around 08:00 am – 2 pm and they held Heritage walk festivals around the area like Camping Site, Beehad Safari, Chambal Ashram, Chambal Museum, Panchnad Dham, and Jagammanpur Fort.

The whole three-day exhibition was photographed by Anil Sindoor, Rajeev Tomar, and Praveen Parihar of the Chambal region.

Lost and found – The search for Chambal’s histor

The history of Chambal was stolen, according to Suraj Rekha Tripathi. He regretted the lack of focus on the region’s revolutionary past, urging literature festivals like the one at Panchnad to shed light on it.

Devendra Singh Chauhan advocated for youth involvement in literature, highlighting the area’s historical significance, including ties to the Mahabharata.

Praveen Parihar echoed the sentiment, noting the lack of recognition for Chambal’s role in history. Senior journalist KP Singh acknowledged the literary aspects of Chambal Stolen and pointed up the positive traits of figures like Paan Singh Tomar.

Dheeraj Kumar and others praised Panchnad’s unique significance as a confluence of five rivers and the positive discussions it encourages about Chambal and literature.

Despite its rich heritage and ties to the Mahabharata, the region lacks recognition in mainstream narratives. However, initiatives like literature festivals at places like Panchnad offer hope for shedding light on Chambal’s forgotten history and bringing up positive discussions about its cultural significance.
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