At the Chinar Book Festival, the largest literary celebration in Jammu and Kashmir, thousands are expected to gather to embrace reading.
Against the picturesque backdrop of Dal Lake, the third edition of the Chinar Book Festival was inaugurated at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Center (SKICC) on Saturday, bringing together thousands of readers, students, teachers, writers and artists in what is set to be the biggest literary celebration in Jammu and Kashmir.
Inaugurating the nine-day festival, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasized the transformative role of books in shaping the future of the region’s youth, calling for a sustainable reading movement.
“I congratulate the National Book Trust, its entire team and everyone associated with organizing this festival for their endeavor to provide our youth with a future shaped by books and knowledge, and transform it into a vibrant intellectual movement. Just as a lamp dispels darkness and a rose spreads its fragrance, books enlighten minds and enrich lives. Chinar is not just a tree of Kashmir – it symbolizes patience, resilience and continuity. It is our collective responsibility to promote India as a center of knowledge, education, literature and youth empowerment. Chinar Book Festival makes a contribution,” Sinha said. Great for achieving this goal.
During his speech, Sinha also recited a few lines by famous Urdu poet Bashir Badar, drawing applause from the audience. “Kabhi na mile koi maslehat, koi khauf dil mein zara na ho… Woh difference ho ya faisal ho, teri yad mahakti rahiHe used the verses to emphasize how literature and poetry transcend time, preserve memory, and shape the emotional and intellectual fabric of society.
Organized by the National Book Trust (NBT), under the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Srinagar district administration and the National Council for the Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL), the festival will continue until July 26. More than 200 publishers and booksellers set up stalls to display books in English, Urdu, Kashmiri, Hindi and several other Indian languages.
Hundreds brave unusual temperatures in Srinagar to attend the book festival
Aside from the formal speeches and inauguration ceremonies, what stood out was the atmosphere itself. The sprawling venue was full of energy as groups of schoolchildren, university students and families walked through the exhibition halls. The children, often accompanied by their parents and grandparents, seemed genuinely keen to browse through the books rather than attending out of obligation. Hundreds of people braved the Valley’s unusual summer heat to be part of the opening day, giving the festival the feel of a community celebration rather than an official government event.
National Book Foundation Chairman Milind Sudhakar Marathe urged the youth to develop the habit of reading, saying books allow readers to experience a life far beyond their own.
“It is often said that a person who does not read remains confined to the confines of his own world. But a person who reads books experiences through them lives, experiences, lessons, history and worlds unknown to countless others. In one life, a reader can live thousands of lives. That is why I believe you should read anything, but keep reading.”
Dr. Amit Wanchu, Chief Organizer of Chinar Book Festival, thanked the organizers and collaborating institutions for making the event possible and encouraged the participants to make the most of the experience.
“…We have tried to make this not only an educational experience, but also an unforgettable one. The sessions and competitions will continue, but my wish is that you learn, share and cherish every moment – whether it is learning in the morning or entertainment in the evening. I hope this experience stays with you for a long time.”
The nine-day festival program includes literary discussions, interactions with authors, book launches, workshops, storytelling sessions, creative activities for children, and cultural performances. Discussions will include journalism and storytelling, multilingual education, public policy, women’s leadership, Kashmiri women, the Urdu heritage of Indian cinema, environmental sustainability, and the region’s literary heritage. Performances by Mushira and Sufyana and cultural evenings will complement the literary programmes.
A dedicated children’s corner will host storytelling sessions and interactive workshops designed to promote reading habits among young visitors, while readers can also explore the Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya digital platform, which provides free access to thousands of e-books. This year’s edition also introduces the Reading 5km Run, the flagship event of Shiksha Saptah 2026 that combines reading, fitness and community engagement.
Bearing the slogan “Together we read, together we lead” [Mil Kar Padhenge, Mil Kar Badhenge]The festival seeks to make reading a common social movement. Judging by the crowds that packed the SKICC on opening day – with excited young people queuing up in front of book stalls, families browsing the shelves and readers staying engaged in conversation – the idea seemed to have found enthusiastic participants.
