The Chinar Book Festival in Srinagar is currently drawing in bibliophiles from all over with its impressive lineup of literary offerings. With over 200 stalls of books and a variety of literary discussions, this nine-day-long festival is a haven for book lovers of all ages and interests.
Located at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) on the banks of the picturesque Dal Lake, the festival kicked off with a bang, attracting a whopping 5,000 people on its inaugural day. Organized by the district administration in collaboration with esteemed organizations such as the National Book Trust (NBT), National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL), Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), and India Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the festival promises a rich and diverse literary experience.
Spanning over 60,000 square feet, the festival boasts a wide array of books in various languages including Urdu, English, Kashmiri, Hindi, and other Indian languages. Yuvraj Malik, director of NBT, aptly described the Chinar Book Festival as a „confluence of books, literature, and culture,“ bringing together the beauty of books and the beauty of the valley for avid readers to enjoy.
One of the highlights of the festival is the recognition of young authors from the Kashmir Valley who have been mentored under the PM YUVA programme. These talented individuals were felicitated by the administration, showcasing the region’s rich literary talent and potential.
In addition to the vast collection of books available, the festival also features a photo exhibition showcasing the history, culture, and civilization of the region. ‚Chinar Talks,‘ a platform for literary discourse, offers engaging sessions on various topics including ‚Kashmir in Films & Literature‘ and poetry, providing attendees with a deeper insight into the cultural landscape of the region.
For tech-savvy readers, a ‚digital reading zone‘ allows visitors to access over 1,000 books from different publishers on their electronic devices for free. This innovative feature caters to the modern reader’s preference for digital reading while still maintaining the essence of a traditional book festival.
Moreover, the festival offers workshops on creative writing, calligraphy, storytelling, and emotional intelligence, providing attendees with the opportunity to enhance their literary skills and knowledge.
With so much to offer, the Chinar Book Festival is truly a celebration of literature, culture, and creativity. As the festival draws to a close on August 25, visitors are encouraged to make the most of this unique literary experience in the heart of Srinagar.