Srinagar is set to host the third edition of the Chinar Book Festival, a significant cultural event organized by the National Book Trust (NBT). The nine-day festival will commence on July 18 and will be held at the Kashmir International Conference Centre, formerly known as the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre. This event aims to foster a vibrant literary and cultural exchange, bringing together a diverse array of readers, writers, publishers, and artists from across India.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the festival, spanning from July 18 to July 26, will feature an extensive collection of over 200 publishers and book stalls. These stalls will showcase a wide spectrum of literature, with titles available in English, Urdu, Kashmiri, Hindi, and numerous other Indian languages, reflecting the rich linguistic diversity of the country. NBT Director Yuvraj Malik highlighted the festival’s comprehensive program, which is designed to engage attendees with various literary and artistic activities.
The Chinar Book Festival’s agenda is packed with a variety of engaging sessions and events. Attendees can look forward to literary discussions that delve into contemporary and classic works, author interactions offering insights into the creative process, and book launches introducing new literary contributions. The festival will also host workshops designed to enhance creative skills, storytelling sessions aimed at captivating audiences of all ages, and a dedicated creative zone for children. Complementing the literary focus, cultural performances will add another layer of artistic expression to the event. The inauguration ceremony is slated to be graced by the presence of J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
A key highlight of the inaugural ceremony will be the release of the book ‘An Indian Muslim Speaks,’ authored by the noted scholar and educationist Hafeezur Rahman. This release is expected to spark significant discourse among attendees. Furthermore, the festival will mark the official launch of 24 bilingual books that have been developed through the first-ever Gojri Translation Workshop. This workshop was a significant undertaking during the previous edition of the festival, underscoring a commitment to promoting regional languages and literature. The NBT Director, Yuvraj Malik, emphasized the importance of this initiative in preserving and propagating linguistic heritage.
Adding to the literary milestones, the festival will also witness the release of the initial set of novels that have been developed under the Rajtarangini workshop. This initiative, likely focused on historical or regional narratives, further broadens the scope of literary creation being celebrated. The Children’s Corner is poised to be a hub of activity, offering a range of creative workshops, engaging storytelling sessions, and interactive activities specifically tailored for younger participants. This focus on early engagement aims to cultivate a lifelong love for reading and learning among children.
In a move to enhance accessibility to literature, visitors will have the opportunity to explore Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya, a comprehensive digital library platform. This initiative provides free access to thousands of e-books spanning a multitude of genres and languages, making literature more accessible than ever before. The digital platform is expected to be a valuable resource for students, researchers, and general readers alike, promoting a culture of continuous learning and exploration.
A novel addition to this year’s festival is the introduction of the ‘5K Reading Run – Together We Read, Together We Lead’. This groundbreaking event aims to merge the realms of physical fitness and literary engagement, creating a unique reading movement in Srinagar. The organizers anticipate a large participation from schoolchildren, who are expected to join in this initiative that promotes both health and the joy of reading. This innovative approach seeks to position reading not just as a sedentary activity but as a dynamic and communal pursuit, encouraging a holistic approach to personal development.
The Chinar Book Festival, in its third iteration, signifies a growing commitment to promoting literary culture and intellectual exchange within Jammu and Kashmir and across India. The comprehensive program, featuring a diverse range of activities and participants, is expected to draw significant attention from literary enthusiasts and the general public. The festival’s emphasis on regional languages, digital access, and innovative community engagement, such as the reading run, positions it as a significant cultural event on the national calendar.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.