The Chinar Book Festival is all set to make its mark in the valley of Srinagar, Kashmir, from 17 to 25 August, 2024. This nine-day event is a collaborative effort between the National Book Trust, India (Ministry of Education, Govt of India) and the District Administration Srinagar, making it the first national book festival in the region. The festival will also see participation from the National Council for the Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL), adding to the diversity of languages and cultures represented.
Set against the backdrop of the picturesque Dal Lake, the Chinar Book Festival will feature over 200 stalls offering a wide range of books in various languages including English, Urdu, Kashmiri, Hindi, Dogri, and other Indian languages. This provides a unique opportunity for readers to explore and engage with books from over a thousand publishers nationwide, all in one place.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, expressed his excitement about the festival, stating that it will be the biggest book fair in Kashmir Valley. He highlighted the significance of such a large-scale event in Srinagar, emphasizing the opportunity for people to participate in programs related to literature, art, and culture amidst the sea of books.
The festival will feature a range of programs catering to different age groups and interests. Creative writing workshops, including Calligraphy, Storytelling, Caricature, and more, will be organized for children in the morning. In the afternoon, career-oriented workshops will be held for the youth, providing them with the chance to interact with renowned figures in the fields of art, literature, and culture.
Dr. Bilal encouraged the people of Srinagar to attend the Chinar Book Festival and make it a grand success. To facilitate access to the event, free buses will run from Ghantaghar to SKICC, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to be a part of this literary extravaganza.
Yuvraj Malik, Director of the National Book Trust, India, highlighted the inclusive nature of the festival, stating that it is organized by the people of the Valley, for the people of the Valley. With over 200 book stalls featuring publications from various renowned institutions and publishers, the festival promises a diverse collection of books across genres.
The Chinar Book Festival will also host engaging discussions on topics such as Kashmir in Films & Literature, Poetry, and the rich heritage of performing arts in the region. Eminent scholars and artists will share their insights, adding a layer of intellectual discourse to the event. Additionally, cultural performances by artists like Rekha Bhardwaj and Noor Mohammad will grace the stage, adding a touch of local flavor to the festival.
Through this initiative, the District Administration Srinagar and the Ministry of Education, Government of India, aim to promote the tradition of book reading and knowledge acquisition. By showcasing the rich literary heritage of Jammu & Kashmir on a national platform, the festival seeks to celebrate and preserve the cultural legacy of the region.
In conclusion, the Chinar Book Festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of literature, art, and culture, bringing together people from all walks of life to revel in the joy of reading and learning. With its diverse range of programs and activities, the festival is poised to leave a lasting impact on the literary landscape of Kashmir and beyond.