Book festivals play a crucial role in promoting a culture of reading in today’s digital age. With screens dominating our lives, it is essential to encourage people to engage with physical books, explore new authors and genres, and develop a deeper appreciation for the written word. One such initiative is the Chinar Book Festival, set to take place at SKICC from August 17 to 25. Organized by the National Book Trust, India, and the District Administration Srinagar, this festival aims to nurture the ‚vanishing‘ culture of reading, especially among children.
Inculcating reading habits in children has become increasingly important in a world filled with distractions. Book festivals provide a unique opportunity for young minds to engage with literature, discover the joy of reading, and broaden their intellectual horizons. It is crucial for schools to actively participate in initiatives like the Chinar Book Festival by bringing students to the event. Regular visits to book festivals can expose children to a wide array of books and inspire a lifelong love for reading.
The Chinar Book Festival will feature more than 200 stalls offering books in various languages, including English, Urdu, Kashmiri, Hindi, Dogri, and other Indian languages. Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, emphasized the significance of the festival, urging people to immerse themselves in the world of books, literature, art, and culture. With programs such as creative writing workshops for children, career-oriented workshops for youth, and literary discussions with prominent authors and scholars, the festival aims to ignite a passion for reading among attendees.
The event promises to be a success, with over 50,000 children already registered to attend. To facilitate access, free buses will run from Ghantaghar to SKICC during the festival. Yuvraj Malik, Director of the National Book Trust, India, highlighted that the festival is ‚by the people of the Valley and for the people of the Valley,‘ emphasizing the inclusive nature of the event.
The Chinar Book Festival will host over 1,000 private publishers alongside participants such as Sahitya Akademi and NCERT, offering a diverse collection of books across various genres. Literary discourse at Chinar Talks will feature discussions on topics such as Kashmir in films and literature, poetry, and the region’s rich heritage in performing arts. Cultural performances, including live ghazal, mushaira, and band performances, will enrich the festival experience.
While the inclusion of artists and cultural performances adds vibrancy to the festival, it is essential for organizers to prioritize inviting reputed writers and ensuring that discussions focus on books and literature. By promoting a culture of reading and providing a platform for literary discourse, book festivals like the Chinar Book Festival play a vital role in enriching the intellectual and cultural landscape of society.