Virendra Singh Rawat
Whilst Maha Kumbh 2025 culminates on February 26, the forthcoming ‘Lucknow Book Fair’ has espoused the theme of the world’s largest congregation of faith!
To be held during March 1-9 near the iconic Charbagh Railway Station in the heart of Lucknow, the Fair themed on ‘Children’s Books Mini Maha Kumbh’ is ostensibly committed to cultivating reading and writing habits among younger aficionados and budding authors.
“This is one of the largest book fairs in Northern India, This year’s fair promises to be the biggest and most diverse gathering of literary minds, and inviting book lovers, authors, publishers, and anyone who loves reading to celebrate the world of books,” Fair convener Manoj Singh Chandel said.
Organised by Forceone Books, the Fair will comprise 80+ stalls from Hindi, English and Urdu publishers, distributers apart from government, social and religious organisations from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Raipur, Jharkhand , Noida, Gurugram, Gorakhpur et al.
He said the Fair will feature author talks, special activities for children and cultural performances celebrating India’s rich heritage. A minimum of 10 percent discount will be offered on the sale of books.
Moreover, the organisation is mulling over launching a book bank and a mobile book library in Lucknow to nurture reading habits among the citizens.
Book Fair director Aakarsh Chandel said the Fair will showcase leading publishers such as Children’s Book Trust , Jaico Publishing , Shubhi Publications, Publications Division, Sasta Sahitya Mandal, Gita Press, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Yogoda, Shri Kabir Gyan Prakashan, Divyansh Publications, Welayat Publications, Bahujan Sahitya Yashika, Angel, Universal etc.
Moreover, the Fair will provide free display and sale of books to local authors.
A special drive in collaboration with Prithvi Innovations will promote recycling of waste materials and underscore no polythene theme to conserve environment.