The halls of Pragati Maidan in New Delhi came alive this weekend as the 53rd World Book Fair opened its doors, transforming into a vibrant paradise for bibliophiles and families alike. The event, which began on Saturday, January 10, and will run until January 18, has taken the significant step of making entry completely free for all visitors for the first time, leading to bustling aisles filled with enthusiastic readers of all ages.
A Fair for the Young and Curious
Amid the lively chaos of countless stalls, young readers found their own pockets of peace. Nine-year-old Sankalpit from Gurgaon was a picture of concentration, hunched over a comic book on a small stool, his glasses slipping down his nose. Completely absorbed in Pran's 'Billoo', he narrated the adventures of the mischievous boy to anyone curious. His parents moved nearby, keeping a fond eye on their son's literary journey.
Just a few steps away, a different kind of magic was unfolding. At an interactive stall, children queued up to record their voices and listen to an audio version of a book in their own tone. Eight-year-old Ritvi carefully recited a line from the Gita, her face breaking into a wide, delighted smile as she heard her voice echo back through the headphones. Clapping with joy, she ran to her mother, holding her new purchase, 'Gita: The Spiritual Stories'. "I like mythology and bhajans," the class III student explained, noting that the subject is also part of her school curriculum.
Scale and Significance of the Literary Extravaganza
Organised by the National Book Trust (NBT) under the Ministry of Education and co-organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation, this year's fair is a colossal gathering. It brings together over 1,000 publishers from more than 35 countries. The event schedule is packed with over 600 events and 1,000 speakers, and organisers anticipate a footfall exceeding 20 lakh visitors over its nine-day run.
The fair was inaugurated by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who was joined by dignitaries from India and abroad, including ministers and cultural representatives from nations like Qatar and Spain.
Themes and Experiences for Every Reader
This edition carries the theme 'Indian Military History: Valour and Wisdom @ 75', which is brought to life through a large, immersive pavilion. It features curated exhibits, books, documentaries, and installations. Special exhibitions are also dedicated to commemorating Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Vande Mataram.
The fair's layout thoughtfully caters to diverse interests:
- Dedicated zones for children's literature, where young readers often sat on the floor, lost in stories.
- Areas for academic and regional publishers.
- An international literature section.
- Interactive reading spaces that blend technology with tradition.
The atmosphere perfectly balanced the seriousness of a cultural event with the warmth of a weekend family outing. Parents negotiated book-buying limits, tote bags grew heavier by the hour, and readers paused mid-aisle, captivated by their finds despite the surrounding rush. The World Book Fair 2025 stands as a powerful testament to India's enduring love for the written word, successfully bridging generations and genres under one roof.
