Despite the gloomy weather, book lovers in Lucknow were undeterred as they flocked to the ongoing National Book Fair at Balrampur Gardens. The festival, celebrating its ’21 book-loving years‘, has been a beacon of literary delight for Lucknowites, offering a plethora of books across various genres. The festival, which began on a slow note due to the sporadic rains, picked up pace as book lovers thronged the stalls in search of their next literary treasure.
One of the prominent stalls at the fair is Vani Prakashan, which has been drawing a lot of buyers with its diverse collection of books. According to Manoj Chandel, the convenor of the book fair, the initial days saw a slow turnout due to the rains, but the enthusiasm of book lovers prevailed as they know that books tend to fly off the shelves during such events. The fear of missing out (FOMO) factor drives book lovers to the fair, where they can spend quality time browsing through the vast collection of books on offer.
For many like Neelansha Choudhary, a law student at LU, and her family, attending the book fair has become an annual ritual. The tempting offers and the opportunity to restock their bookshelves with books from around the world make it an irresistible event for them. Similarly, Reena Amaan, an aspiring medical professional, finds the fair to be a treasure trove of magazines, fiction, and competitive examination modules, catering to a wide range of interests.
One of the highlights of the fair is the abundance of books on Awadh culture, food, and history. Stalls like Shubhi Publications offer a rich collection of books on Awadh, which have been a big draw for visitors. Sanjay Arya mentions that their collection of over 20 books on Awadh, along with books on food culture and recipes, have been selling like hotcakes.
The fair also caters to lovers of classics and bestsellers, with Shayari books being a favorite among visitors. Atul Maheshwari, a representative of Vani Prakashan, mentions that Shayari books make up a significant portion of their sales, with classics like Gunahon Ka Devta by Dharamvir Bharati being a popular choice among readers. English fiction and classic Hindi literature books continue to be evergreen bestsellers at the fair.
In addition to the literary offerings, the fair also features cultural and performance events such as meet the author sessions, open mic performances, and discussions. The vibrant atmosphere at the fair, coupled with the diverse range of books on offer, makes it a must-visit event for book lovers in Lucknow.
This year, the book fair introduces the ‚pay for the box, not for the books‘ initiative, where visitors can choose between two box sizes and fill them with as many books as they can from a wide range of genres and titles. This innovative concept adds a fun and interactive element to the fair, allowing book lovers to curate their own collection of literary gems.
As the National Book Fair Lucknow continues to enchant visitors with its literary charm, it serves as a testament to the enduring love for books and reading in the city. With its rich tapestry of books, cultural events, and interactive initiatives, the fair promises to be a haven for book lovers of all ages and interests.