Chinar Book Festival, a grand literary celebration, to begin at Srinagar on Aug 2

Week-long literary celebration to feature Mushairas, Sufiyana Kalam, and children’s activities

SRINAGAR: The scenic SKICC lawns on the banks of Dal Lake are all set to host the Chinar Book Festival 2025, a grand literary celebration scheduled from August 2 to August 10. The event is being organised by the District Administration Srinagar, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Government of India, National Book Trust (NBT India) and NCPUL.

The event is likely to be inaugurated by the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The event is also likely to see participation of diverse educational, literary, cultural interest groups.

With free entry for all visitors, the festival promises a rich blend of literature, culture, and creativity aimed at all age groups. All books at the festival will be offered at a 10% discount, making it a significant draw for bibliophiles and students alike.

Diverse attractions lined up

Among the key highlights of the festival are:

Books on all topics – from fiction and history to science, culture, and regional literature

Mushaira – traditional Urdu poetry gatherings featuring eminent poets

Sham-e-Ghazal – evening ghazal performances

Sufiyana Kalam – mystical music sessions rooted in Kashmir’s spiritual traditions

Literary activities – panel discussions, book readings, and debates

Children’s programmes – storytelling sessions, book art, and reading corners for young readers

Meet the Author programmes – interactive sessions with celebrated writers

A vibrant Shikara illustration and Kashmiri aesthetics featured in the festival’s promotional material reflect the local cultural identity the event seeks to celebrate and promote.

A platform for literary dialogue and cultural exchange

Dr Amit Wanchoo, a key organiser of the Chinar Book Festival told Ziraat Times that the event was  not just a marketplace for books but a platform for meaningful literary engagement. It aims to encourage reading habits, support local authors and create opportunities for dialogue between writers, publishers, and readers. He also said he and his team have made it a point to give an opportunity to local Kashmiri artists to make performances at this event.

Ziraat Times will be producing a series of features about the event in the coming days.

More detailed schedules of author interactions, poetry recitals, and musical evenings are expected to be released closer to the event.

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