Nepal, Feb. 14 -- On January 27, 2017, by the banks of the Lake Fewa, journalist Kanak Mani Dixit and historian Ramachandra Guha were to hold a convivial conversation as distinguished panelists of the Nepal Literature Festival (NLF). Kanak had come well-prepared with a suitable headgear. When it began to drizzle and the chill in the air shot up, Ram had to ask for a cap from a member of the audience to cover his partially balding head. This year, the organisers have chosen a more appropriate date-between February 15 and 19-to host the 11th edition of the NLF at Barahighat grounds.

The Kuda Karnalika lit-fest is scheduled to be held between February 17 and 19 at the Bulbule Udyan in Surkhet. Soon afterwards, the fifth edition of the Janak...