After the resounding success of last year’s celebration, the Chinar Book Festival is set to make a grand return in 2025, once again promising to be a vibrant celebration of literature, culture, and community. Scheduled from August 2 to 10 at the picturesque SKICC (Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre) on the banks of Dal Lake, this year’s edition is already generating excitement among authors, readers, publishers, and artists from across the country.

Organized with the aim of fostering a deeper literary culture in Jammu and Kashmir, the Chinar Book Festival has quickly become a cornerstone of the Valley’s intellectual and cultural calendar. Last year’s edition was hailed as a milestone, drawing thousands of visitors and witnessing participation from celebrated writers, budding poets, educators, and enthusiastic schoolchildren.
The 2025 edition of the festival is expected to build upon that momentum, offering a rich tapestry of book launches, author meet-and-greets, panel discussions, poetry recitations, and storytelling sessions. In addition, the festival will showcase local literary talent, children’s activities, cultural performances, and workshops aimed at promoting reading and writing among youth.
The organizers have reiterated their deep appreciation for the media’s unwavering support, stating that last year’s overwhelming turnout and engagement would not have been possible without the enthusiastic coverage and encouragement from journalists, broadcasters, and digital content creators.
“We are incredibly thankful for the wholehearted support we received, especially from the media,” said one of the organizers. “It amplified the festival’s reach and turned it into a true celebration of literary spirit. As we prepare for this year’s event, we look forward to the same warmth and cooperation to make Chinar Book Festival 2025 an even bigger success.”
This year, the theme of the festival will center around “Literature in the Age of Transformation,” exploring how storytelling, publishing, and literary expression are evolving in a digital-first, post-pandemic world. The event also aims to provide a platform for regional languages and literature—with a special focus on Kashmiri, Urdu, Dogri, and other native voices.
Publishers and booksellers from across India are expected to set up stalls, offering a diverse selection of titles across genres and age groups. In addition, interactive sessions with acclaimed authors, both national and local, will offer valuable insights into the craft of writing and the changing face of publishing.