Jaag: Panjabi and Pahari-Pothwari Language and Literature Festival

Jaag: Panjabi and Pahari-Pothwari Language and Literature Festival, the first such festival in the world, is taking place on Saturday 13th May 2023 from 10am – 8.30pm, and will be bringing together almost 40 speakers, performers and facilitators. It will be a packed day featuring talks, workshops, discussions and performances, all taking place in two venues next door to each other: the South and City College Handsworth campus and Handsworth Library, Birmingham.

From intergenerational translation and writing workshops to a sangeet night singing (and interrogating) wedding songs, from a workshop exploring Panjabi music lyrics, emotion and masculinity to a session of singing and storytelling for children, this unique community event is designed for families to come together and engage in open, cross-generational communication and learning. There will be a series of short, half-hour talks from academics, writers, thinkers, activists scheduled throughout the day with the aim of challenging our assumptions. Ultimately, Jaag Festival is an opportunity to connect and collaborate with others who are similarly passionate about Panjabi and Pahari-Pothwari language and literature – an inclusive space to celebrate, but to also ask questions, critique and go deep.

We attach an eventbrite link (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/596169167027) which has more details, a flyer and a programme poster – please get in touch if you would like to know more. We would greatly appreciate your support in promoting and publicising the festival over the next two weeks.

Thank you and warm regards,

Kavita Bhanot

Farah Nazir

Aaisha Akhtar

Charan Kaur

(Jaag Collective)