The Chinar Book Festival in Srinagar is currently drawing in bibliophiles from all over with its impressive array of books and literary discussions. With over 200 stalls of books and a variety of activities, the festival is a haven for book lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.
The festival, which is being held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre on the banks of the Dal Lake, kicked off with a bang, attracting a whopping 5,000 people on its opening day. Organized by the district administration in collaboration with esteemed organizations such as the National Book Trust India, National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language, Indian Council of Historical Research, and India Space Research Organisation, the festival promises to be a literary extravaganza.
Spanning an impressive 60,000 square feet, the festival boasts a diverse collection of books in languages such as Urdu, English, Kashmiri, Hindi, and other Indian languages. This wide range ensures that there is something for everyone, catering to the varied tastes of the attendees.
Yuvraj Malik, director of NBT, aptly describes the festival as a convergence of books, literature, and culture, blending the beauty of the valley with the joy of reading. The event also serves as a platform to recognize and honor young authors from the Kashmir Valley who have been mentored under the PM YUVA program, showcasing and celebrating their talent.
In addition to the plethora of books on offer, the festival also features a photo exhibition highlighting the rich history, culture, and civilization of the region. ‚Chinar Talks‘, a platform for literary discourse, hosts sessions on a range of topics including ‚Kashmir in Films & Literature‘ and poetry, providing attendees with a deeper insight into the cultural landscape of the region.
One of the unique attractions of the festival is the ‚digital reading zone‘, where visitors can enjoy reading books on electronic devices and access over 1,000 books from various publishers for free. This innovative feature caters to the tech-savvy readers who prefer the convenience of reading on their devices.
Moreover, the festival offers workshops on creative writing, calligraphy, storytelling, and emotional intelligence, providing attendees with an opportunity to hone their skills and engage in interactive sessions. These workshops add an educational and enriching dimension to the festival, making it a holistic experience for all participants.
With so much to offer, the Chinar Book Festival is a must-visit for book lovers and culture enthusiasts in Srinagar. The festival promises to be a celebration of literature, culture, and creativity, bringing together the best of books and the beauty of the valley. Don’t miss out on this literary extravaganza, as it comes to a close on August 25.