Book lovers in Jammu and Kashmir are set for a grander cultural celebration as the Chinar Book Fair returns to Srinagar from August 2 to 10, 2025, following the overwhelming success of its inaugural edition in 2024. This nine-day literary festival promises a richer experience with over 200 publishers showcasing books in English, Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri, and other Indian languages.
Organized by the National Book Trust, India (under the Ministry of Education), in collaboration with the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL) and the District Administration Srinagar, the event will take place on the scenic lawns of SKICC. The fair features diverse events including workshops, panel discussions, author talks, and cultural performances.
A special focus will be on the Rajtarangini Samvad — a series of workshops exploring the historical and literary heritage of the classical Kashmiri text. Highlights also include a National Exhibition on the ancient Sharda Script and the first-ever Gojri Translation Workshop aimed at promoting linguistic diversity.
The festival will also host the Tamil-Kashmiri Samvad under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative, creative writing and illustration workshops, calligraphy demonstrations, storytelling sessions, and activities for children. Visitors can explore the Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya digital library offering free access to thousands of e-books.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s book, Exam Warriors, will be distributed to students participating in the Children’s Corner activities. Evening programs will showcase folk songs, Mushaira, Kashmiri Chhakri, Bhand Pather, and theatre, creating a vibrant cultural atmosphere.
Prof. Milind Sudhakar Marathe, Chairman of NBT-India, emphasized that the festival is about uniting people through literature and heritage. Shri Yuvraj Malik, Director of NBT India, highlighted the expanded reach to young readers. Dr. Shams Iqbal of NCPUL called it a historic initiative to foster harmony among Indian languages.
Dr. Amit Wanchoo, Chief Convener, described the festival as a reflection of Kashmir’s cultural pride and a platform to inspire writers, readers, and thinkers nationwide.
The event features notable scholars, educators, writers, poets, and youth icons including social media influencers and content creators. Students from institutions such as SKIMS Medical College, Govt Dental College Srinagar, IMFA, NIFT, and NIT will showcase their talents throughout the festival.
The Chinar Book Fair invites readers, students, educators, and families to celebrate the joy of books and cultural dialogue amidst the serene beauty of Srinagar.