The Chinar Book Festival in Srinagar is a much-needed initiative in today’s digital age, where book reading has taken a back seat to online content consumption. The festival aims to reignite the passion for books and reading among the youth of Srinagar by providing a platform to explore diverse literary works and fostering a lifelong habit of reading.
The festival kicked off at SKICC, Srinagar, with a series of engaging activities planned for the attendees. One of the main attractions of the festival is the Children’s Corner, where storytelling sessions and interactive workshops are designed to engage young minds and instill a love for reading from a young age.
In addition to the Children’s Corner, the festival features a significant Photo Exhibition showcasing themes such as ‚Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh Through the Ages,‘ ’25 Years of Kargil Vijay Diwas,‘ and ‚National Space Day.‘ These exhibitions aim to visually narrate the rich history of the region, offering visitors a deeper understanding of its legacy.
With over 1,000 publishers participating in the festival, representing languages such as Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri, Dogri, and English, visitors have access to more than 200 book stalls to explore. Workshops on Creative Writing, Calligraphy, Storytelling, and Emotional Intelligence are also scheduled to provide practical skills and creative insights to the attendees.
The festival has garnered praise from Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, who expressed his pride and satisfaction in seeing his dream of hosting the Chinar Book Festival come to fruition. He emphasized the transformative power of books and the importance of such events in shaping the world.
The Chinar Book Festival, the first national book festival in the Kashmir Valley, is a collaborative effort between the National Book Trust, India (Ministry of Education, Government of India), and the District Administration Srinagar. Set against the backdrop of the picturesque Dal Lake, the festival offers visitors a unique opportunity to engage with a wide array of books from various publishers nationwide.
In other news, a tragic incident was reported in Srinagar where an assistant sub-inspector of Jammu and Kashmir police was found dead in his room in the Ahmad Nagar area. The police have launched an investigation into the matter to determine the cause of his death.
On a more positive note, the Ayam-e-Urs of Hazrat Sultan Ul Arifeen Sheikh Hamza Maqdoomi (RA) has begun, and Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Senior leader, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, has called for adequate arrangements to be made for the devotees visiting the revered shrine during this auspicious time. He emphasized the importance of providing all necessary amenities to ensure a memorable and fulfilling experience for all visitors.
Overall, the Chinar Book Festival in Srinagar is a commendable effort to promote reading culture and celebrate the rich literary heritage of the region. With a diverse range of activities and attractions, the festival promises to be a memorable experience for book lovers and enthusiasts alike.