Jaipur Literature Festival begins in Houston

The much awaited Jaipur Literature Festival began in Houston at the Asia Society of Texas on Friday. 

The festival, touted as the world's largest free literary gathering, started with a soulful music performance by Indian Sufi singer Zila Khan, followed by stimulating discussions. 

Inclement weather failed to dampen the enthusiasm of hundreds of literature lovers who waited in long



queues to meet their favourite authors. 

The inaugural session also saw Congress leader and writer Shashi Tharoor discuss his book "Why i am a Hindu" with writer Namita Gokhale.

The annual festival, which has now become synonymous with showcasing a range of voices from India and abroad, began in 2006 and is held annually in Jaipur.