A new festival is putting Panjabi and Pahari-Pothwari voices centre stage. JAAG: Panjabi and Pahari-Pothwari Language and Literature Festival takes place in Birmingham next week (Saturday 13 May).
The event, organised by the Jaag Collective, will see nearly 40 artists coming together for a jam-packed day of events featuring talks, workshops, discussions and performances. Artists taking part include Nuzhat Abbas, who will deliver an opening address, Abda Khan, Nabeela Ahmed, Rupinder Kaur, Amarjit Singh, Farha Bi among others. From intergenerational translation and writing workshops to a sangeet night singing (and interrogating) wedding songs this community event promises a rich and varied programme open to all.
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.
Jaag collective
Other programme highlights include a discussion on the hierarchies of languages with short provocations, led by Dr Farah Nazir alongside her co-host Dr. Virinder Kalra. Kuljit Singh from the Open Minds Project will explore the link between language, identity and belonging in his talk. Sessions will be held across two venues next door to each other: South and City College Handsworth campus and Handsworth Library.
Tickets for the Jaag Festival are available via Eventbrite and start from £20, with concessions available.
