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 range of literary discussions, this nine-day-long festival is a haven for book lovers of all kinds.
Located at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre, overlooking the serene Dal Lake, the festival saw a whopping 5,000 visitors on its opening day. Organized by the district administration in collaboration with prestigious 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 is a celebration of literature and culture.
Spanning across 60,000 square feet, the festival boasts a diverse collection of books in languages such as Urdu, English, Kashmiri, Hindi, and other Indian languages. Yuvraj Malik, director of NBT, described the Chinar Book Festival as a convergence of books, literature, and culture, bringing together the beauty of the valley with the joy of reading.
One of the highlights of the festival was the recognition of young authors from the Kashmir Valley who have been mentored under the PM YUVA programme. Additionally, the release of bilingual books for children in English-Kashmiri and English-Dogri formats added a unique touch to the event.
In addition to the vast array 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 discussions, covers topics such as ‚Kashmir in Films & Literature‘ and poetry. Moreover, a ‚digital reading zone‘ allows visitors to access over 1,000 books from various publishers for free on their electronic devices.
For those looking to enhance their literary skills, the festival offers workshops on creative writing, calligraphy, storytelling, and emotional intelligence. With so much to offer, the Chinar Book Festival promises to be a holistic experience for book enthusiasts and aspiring writers alike.
The festival is set to conclude on August 25, leaving attendees with lasting memories of a literary extravaganza in the heart of Srinagar. Whether you’re a seasoned reader or a budding writer, the Chinar Book Festival is a must-visit event that celebrates the magic of books and the richness of Kashmiri culture.