Over 200 publishers, cultural showcases, and workshops to mark nine-day event at SKICC lawns
Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar,(DD)Book lovers and culture enthusiasts across Jammu and Kashmir have reason to rejoice as the Chinar Book Festival makes a grand return to Srinagar from August 2 to August 10, 2025. Following the resounding success of its inaugural edition last year, the festival returns on a significantly larger scale — with an expanded roster of publishers, workshops, cultural events, and literary activities designed to engage readers of all ages.
Organised by the National Book Trust (NBT) of India, under the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL) and the District Administration Srinagar, this year’s edition promises to transform the picturesque SKICC lawns into a vibrant hub of learning, creativity, and cultural dialogue.
Over 200 publishers and bookstalls from across India will participate, offering a wide spectrum of books in English, Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri, and several other Indian languages. From bilingual children’s books and scholarly publications to regional classics and contemporary digital content, the festival is a celebration of literary diversity.
Cultural and Intellectual Highlights
Going beyond the conventional book fair model, the festival features Rajtarangini Samvad, a series of scholarly discussions and workshops delving into the historical, literary, and cultural significance of Kalhana’s ancient Kashmiri chronicle, Rajtarangini.
Another intellectual highlight is the National Exhibition on the ancient Sharda Script, aiming to rekindle interest in one of Kashmir’s oldest scripts. Meanwhile, the first-ever Gojri Translation Workshop will break new ground by producing bilingual content in Hindi, Urdu, Dogri, Kashmiri, and English, promoting linguistic inclusivity and preservation of tribal languages.
Under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative, a Tamil-Kashmiri Samvad will celebrate shared spiritual and cultural traditions, further strengthening inter-regional bonds.
Activities for Children and General Public
Children and young readers are at the heart of the festival’s programming, with a dedicated Children’s Corner offering storytelling sessions, creative writing workshops, calligraphy demonstrations, laughter therapy sessions, and author interactions.
As a special gesture, copies of “Exam Warriors”, written by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will be distributed to participating students to encourage a positive attitude towards education and exams.
Visitors will also get hands-on access to the Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya, a digital platform offering thousands of free e-books across genres and languages.
Evenings of Folk and Theatre
Adding to the festive atmosphere, each evening will come alive with live cultural performances, including Mushairas, Bhand Pather, Kashmiri Chhakri folk music, and theatre performances. The performances are designed to reflect the composite culture of Jammu and Kashmir while offering entertainment and cultural immersion for audiences of all age groups.
Organisers Speak
Speaking ahead of the festival, Prof. Milind Sudhakar Marathe, Chairman of NBT-India, said:
“The Chinar Book Festival is not just a showcase of books. It is about bringing people together through language, literature, and shared experiences. From ancient scripts to modern publishing, we are creating a space where heritage and innovation go hand in hand.”
Yuvraj Malik, Director of the National Book Trust, added:
“After the success of the first edition, we wanted to expand the Chinar Book Festival. With new ideas and broader participation, this year’s edition is designed to reach more people, especially young readers. It’s not just about books—it’s about building a community around knowledge.”
With its rich programming and inclusive spirit, the Chinar Book Festival 2025 is poised to become a landmark event in the cultural calendar of Jammu and Kashmir, reinforcing Srinagar’s growing reputation as a centre for literary and cultural revival (DD)