All About The Almora Lit Fest

Almora is a scenic village set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Himalayas, located on a five km-long ridge at the southern edge of the Kashyap hills in the shape of a horse saddle. The Chand dynasty kings' former capital, Almora, is well-known for its rich cultural legacy, one-of-a-kind handicrafts, and delectable cuisine. The Himalayan town is all set to host a literature festival this week. After the festival, you will have the opportunity to explore Almora and its beautiful environs. The town is home to ancient temples, scenic viewpoints, nature trails, and wildlife (the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary).

About The Lit Fest

The Almora Literature Festival aims to promote and remember Almora's rich literary and cultural past, as well as give a place for both emerging and established writers to showcase their work. The three-day event, which takes place from June 30 to July 2, aims to bring together some of India's top artists, philosophers, and authors. Panel talks, workshops, masterclasses with renowned artists and writers, cultural activities, and a book market are among the experiences available at the festival. There will also be an area for children, replete with storytelling sessions and interactive workshops.

Speakers at the event include Sunita Pant Bansal, who blends mythology and history with real life. She has decoded the philosophy of mythology and written hundreds of books for children on folk literature and the scriptures. She has also headed publishing houses and founded and edited newspapers and magazines for readers in India, the US, and the UK. Also attending is Pushpesh Pant, an Indian scholar, academic, historian, food critic, and Padma Shri awardee. His remarkable literary contributions include The Cookbook (2011), which was also named by The New York Times as one of the best cookbooks of the year. You can also meet Himanshu Joshi, a renowned singer, music composer, poet, writer, photographer, and filmmaker. Influenced by folk theatre and music. He is the lead singer of Indian Ocean, one of India's most popular bands, known for its unique compositions. His remarkable talents include poetry and storywriting, with Hindi as his language of creative expression. And Dr Syed Ali Hamid, whose translations of poetry from English into Urdu or Hindi and vice versa, have appeared in various journals. He was awarded by the UP Urdu Academy for his translation of Ernest Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea into Urdu.  

It is apt that Almora is hosting a lit fest. This Himalayan town has had several close encounters with celebrities from the art and culture worlds. Writer DH Lawrence had holidayed here, as did George Harrison of The Beatles. The Uday Shankar Academy at secluded Falsima is where the dance maestro is said to have invented a unique dance form that was a blend of Indian classical dance and the Kumaoni Ramlila. His troupe in Almora included celebrated film personalities Guru Dutt, Zohra Segal, and Pandit Ravi Shankar. 

Things To Do In Almora

There is a lot to do in Almora. You can trek from Almora to Jageshwar through lush green meadows and picturesque towns. Another well-known trekking route is the Pindari trek. The Pindari Glacier, located between Nanda Devi Mountain and Nanda Kot, is also worth visiting. Or hike to Crank's Ridge, through a pine forest with scattered farms, and enjoy breathtaking views of Almora town, the stunning Hawabagh Plateau, and the five snow-capped peaks of the Panchachuli. You can also enjoy a short walk to the Fort of Almora or Lal Mandi Fort at Thana Bazaar (Almora Bazar). Climb to the top for panoramic views of the town and surrounding surroundings.

Check out Katarmal, India's second-most prominent sun temple. Built-in the ninth century, it is a spectacular edifice devoted to Surya, the Sun God. While there are several sun temples scattered around Uttarakhand, this is the most well-known. The ancient temple complex, also known as Bara Aditya Temple, is set in a forested location about 17 km from Almora, with one main temple devoted to the Sun God and several other temples with other presiding deities.  

The Information

Where Malla Mahal, Khazanchi Mohalla, Almora, Uttarakhand

When June 30 to July 2, 2023

Getting There The nearest airport is Pantnagar, situated 115 km from Almora. Taxis are available to Nainital, Haldwani, and Almora from Pant Nagar Airport. Buses are available from Haldwani, Kathgodam, and Nainital to Almora. The nearest railway station is at Kathgodam, situated around 90 km away from Almora. Kathgodam has railway connectivity with major cities like Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata, and Dehradun. You can get frequent bus and taxi services from Kathgodam to Almora.

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