New Delhi, June 10 -- As heat waves pulverise the region, I think nostalgically back to the cooler months, marked by literary festivals across Pakistan.

Having long experienced terrorism, economic instability and political upheaval, this country has also made efforts to stay afloat by holding on to literature, critical thinking and social gatherings over tea in urban centres.

This year, some happiness and colour were sprinkled into Lahore's literary festivals with the revival, after almost 20 years, of Basant Panchami, the centuries-old kite-flying festival celebrating spring.

Inspired by the Jaipur Lit Fest, Pakistan's first literary festival took place in the country's largest city Karachi in 2010. Subsequently replicated in Lahore a...