The book launch of Death In The Holy Month by Sufia Khatoon was unveiled at Ethos Literary Festival 2018 in the august presence of Sharmila Ray. The event took place at Royal Banquet Hall, Dum Dum, Kolkata.

The main idea behind Ethos Literary Festival 2018 was conceived by Ethos Literary Journal and Hawakal Publishers this year to celebrate the independent presses and both known and not-so-known writers published by these presses of India. The Ethos Literary Journal is a bi-annual literary journal published in both versions- online and print. The journal is headed by Kiriti Sengupta who is the chief editor.

Sharmila Ray while speaking about the book said that the poet was in for a spiritual and personal quest in the book. The poet even while living in the bustling city turns to prayer and this is what she showcases in the poems.

Sufia Khatoon said “I took four years to write this book. The book was inspired from the deaths in my family. One goes through a lot. Apart from this, we also have situations when we have faith and faithlessness at the same time. It is during such times that I turn to poetry and I came up with these poems”.

Gautama Benegal and Professor Sanjukta Dasgupta inaugurated the festival which took place from 22nd to 23rd December.

Priyanka Dutta