Sixth Jaipur Literature Festival has started today. During the five-day long event, 285 writers from India and abroad will discuss literary and social issues in 174 various sessions. Our correspondent reports that the Jaipur literature festival is now recognized as an important literary event of the Asia-Pacific region. The event started with chanting by Buddhist monks and keynote address by Mahashweta Devi.Governor Mrs Margaret Alva and Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot were also present at the inauguaral function.Mrs Alva said that freedom of expression should be used without hurting anybody's sentiments and faith. Noted writers,critics,film makers and, translators from India and abroad are participating in the festival.Today some important sessions on literature and social issues will be organized with Spritual leader Dalai Lama, Sharmila Tagore and Union Minister Shashi Tharoor. Diana Eck, Elizabeth Gilbert,Javed Akhtar,Kunwar Narayan,Nadeem Aslam,Madeline Miller,Tarun Tejpal and Kiran Bedi among main participants.