Ulster University has welcomed the internationally acclaimed Jaipur Literature Festival to Belfast, marking a major cultural moment for the city and Northern Ireland.
The Belfast programme formed the opening leg of the inaugural all-island edition of the festival, bringing leading Irish, Indian and international writers, historians, thinkers and performers to Ulster University’s Belfast campus for three days of discussions, performances and cultural exchange.
Among the internationally recognised figures appearing were Indian politician, diplomat and bestselling author Shashi Tharoor, who joined constitutional law expert David Kenny to discuss democracy and constitutional traditions in India and Ireland, alongside acclaimed historian and Jaipur Literature Festival co-founder William Dalrymple and Indian oral historian and author Aanchal Malhotra.
The programme also featured a wide range of Irish voices including former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Belfast-born author Lucy Caldwell, Irish-Indian playwright Ursula Rani Sarma and Dublin playwright and journalist Colin Murphy.
Hosted at Ulster University and supported by the Government of Ireland and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the festival explored themes including identity, history, politics, climate, theatre and contemporary culture, while celebrating cultural connections between Ireland and India.
Professor Duncan Morrow, Director of Community Engagement at Ulster University, who opened the Belfast programme, said:
“Welcoming the Jaipur Literature Festival to Belfast has been a tremendous privilege for Ulster University and for the city. Bringing together internationally renowned writers, historians and thinkers from across Ireland, India and beyond created a unique atmosphere of dialogue, creativity and cultural exchange.
“The festival highlighted the important role universities can play in creating spaces for international conversation and cultural connection, while also showcasing Belfast and Northern Ireland as globally connected destinations for culture, creativity and international student experience.”
Milan Kothari, an Ulster University MBA student from Bangalore, said:
“Seeing Indian culture, literature and music celebrated here in Belfast made me feel instantly at home, and it was especially exciting to see globally recognised speakers such as Shashi Tharoor as part of the programme.
“It also showed how international and welcoming Belfast is as a city. Studying at Ulster University has given me opportunities to experience global events like this while building friendships and becoming part of a really supportive community.”
Nirlipta Chatterjee, who is also studying for an MBA, added:
“What makes Ulster University special is the mix of academic opportunities and cultural experiences both inside and outside the classroom. The festival created such an energetic atmosphere on campus and across Belfast, and as an Indian student it was amazing to see these cultural connections celebrated here in Northern Ireland.”
The Jaipur Literature Festival continues its journey across Ireland from 22–31 May, travelling from Belfast to Dublin with stops in Armagh and Dundalk. Marking the first time JLF has crossed a border through a shared all-island programme, the festival connects North and South, Ireland and India through literature, debate, dialogue and music.
Further information is available at jlflitfest.org/Ireland.
