Day 3 of the Vedanta Presents Jaipur Literature Festival 2026 unfolded as a vibrant confluence of storytelling, cultural memory and pressing global concerns. Hosted at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur, the festival continued to draw packed audiences across venues, reinforcing its stature as a democratic space for dialogue, debate and literary celebration.
The day opened on a musical note with Morning Music by TĀL FRY, whose energetic percussion performance seamlessly blended Carnatic and Hindustani classical traditions, setting an invigorating rhythm for the sessions that followed.
A key highlight of the day was The Magic of the Lost Earrings, where Sudha Murty, in conversation with Mandira Nayar, discussed the research and emotional grounding behind her work. Drawing inspiration from family histories, Murty spoke about narrating the story of Partition for younger readers through an educational and empathetic lens. Emphasising the importance of historical awareness, she remarked that understanding the past is essential to shaping the future, underscoring the interconnectedness of memory and identity.
Personal growth and inner reflection took centre stage in You Can Have It All: Unlock the Secrets to a Great Life, featuring Gaur Gopal Das in conversation with Poulomi Chatterjee. Das encouraged audiences to acknowledge their personal narratives, understand their shortcomings and cultivate self-awareness as a pathway to meaningful living. His session resonated strongly with younger audiences seeking balance between ambition and emotional well-being.
History and mythology merged in The Chola Tigers: Avengers of Somnath, where bestselling author Amish spoke to Viveka Kumari about his latest novel. Beyond historical fiction, Amish addressed contemporary social issues, openly denouncing the caste system and explaining his decision to drop his surname. Invoking the ideals of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, he described caste as a persistent obstacle to India’s moral and social progress.
One of the most intense and emotionally charged sessions of the day was The Gaza Genocide, featuring historian Avi Shlaim, journalists Noa Avishag Schnall and Ramita Navai, and poet Lena Khalaf Tuffaha, in conversation with Navdeep Suri. The panel examined the humanitarian crisis in Palestine through historical analysis, eyewitness reporting and poetry. Tuffaha recited a poem capturing the terror of sudden displacement, while journalists shared first-hand accounts from Gaza, bringing human stories behind geopolitical headlines into sharp focus.
Food, memory and cultural identity were explored in The Wisdom of Indian Food, where nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar, in conversation with Namita Devidayal, spoke about returning to traditional Indian dietary practices. Stressing sustainability and mindful eating, Diwekar highlighted the importance of freshly prepared food and a balanced relationship with eating over quick-fix health trends.
Continuing the culinary theme, Ammi’s Kitchen: Heirloom Recipes from Rampur saw Pernia Qureshi in conversation with Tarana Husain Khan, offering a nostalgic journey through Rampur’s rich culinary heritage. The discussion traced influences from Mughal, Persian and Kashmiri cuisines, shaped by history, migration and royal patronage.
The day also witnessed the conferring of the Mahakavi Kanhaiyalal Sethia Award on eminent Hindi poet Yatindra Mishra, followed by the launch of a new edition of Sethia’s Pankh Diye Aakash Na Doge. Festival organisers also announced the dates for the Jaigarh Heritage Festival 2026, scheduled from December 11 to 13, celebrating Rajasthan’s cultural legacy through music, art and heritage dialogues.
As Day 3 concluded, the Jaipur Literature Festival reaffirmed its ability to weave literature with lived realities, bridging history and the present, personal stories and global conflicts, while offering audiences a space to reflect, question and engage deeply with the world around them.
