Chicago’s literary crowd gathered for a full day of words, music, and movement as the Art Literature Fest (ALF) 3.0, presented by the American Literature Association (ALA), unfolded into a celebration of creativity.
After the 9:30 a.m. inauguration, the festival jumped straight into stimulating literature sessions.
S. Hareesh opened with a talk in Malayalam that explored the soul of storytelling.
Dr. Manu S. Pillai followed, weaving English and Malayalam to examine how memory shapes our understanding of history.
M. Swaraj closed the morning with an engaging look at the History of the Indian Constitution in Malayalam.
The midday lunch break wasn’t just about food—it was a lively mix of book signings, networking, and casual conversations, where visiting and local authors mingled with readers. A special book release by Chicago and other State based writers highlighted the city’s own literary heartbeat, while young winners of ALA’s writing competitions were celebrated for their fresh voices and bright ideas. A short “Book on Stage” segment rounded out the literature track.
Post-lunch, S. Hareesh and M. Swaraj sat down for an intimate fireside chat. Then Dr. Sreevalsan J. Menon and Dr. Rachitha Ravi captivated the audience with Music & Mudras, a seamless dialogue of melody and movement.
The evening shifted into pure performance. Dr. Rachitha Ravi returned with a spellbinding dance on Karn Mrityunjaya (“The Death Conqueror”) by Shivaji Sawant book, followed by AMMA – Poetry in Motion, each piece marrying tradition with contemporary flair. Finally, Dr. Sreevalsan J. Menon and team delivered a soul-stirring live concert, sending everyone home humming.
The ALA program has a special space in my heart for their exclusive style of planning and curating the festival agenda. Everything was organized so smoothly, without disruption or confusion, that participants could simply immerse themselves in the experience. Kudos to the volunteers, who worked wholeheartedly behind the scenes—not seeking the spotlight but ensuring the event’s success. They function like a family, celebrating the collective achievement of the festival rather than individual recognition, and that spirit of humility is what makes ALA truly remarkable.
What made ALF 3.0 truly memorable was its spirit of connection. Acclaimed authors and performers proved warm and approachable, while festivalgoers formed new friendships across art, literature, and music—a vibrant bouquet of creative minds.
From insightful panels to transcendent performances, ALF 3.0 was not just a festival but an experience—a shining example of how stories, rhythm, and community can light up a Chicago weekend.
~ Dawn
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