Chaos Erupts at New Delhi World Book Fair as Visitors Rush for Books
The New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 wrapped up on January 18 at Bharat Mandapam. This major literary event featured more than 1,000 publishers from over 35 countries. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the fair alongside culture ministers from Qatar and Spain.
Viral Video Captures Stampede-Like Scene
A video circulating on social media shows visitors rushing to grab books from stalls on the closing day. People can be seen pulling books from shelves in a crowded area. The scene quickly turned chaotic as individuals pushed and shoved to collect publications.
Several attendees reported that the commotion started when some stalls offered free books on the final day. This announcement triggered confusion and severe congestion at the venue. The resulting scramble for books created a stampede-like atmosphere that shocked onlookers.
Social Media Erupts with Criticism
The video sparked immediate backlash online regarding public conduct and crowd management. Users expressed disappointment at the behavior displayed during one of India's premier literary gatherings.
Shekhar Dutt, a UPSC teacher who shared the video on X, commented on the incident. He wrote about how he has intensified his reading habits while stopping sharing his reading lists. Dutt suggested that many people show interest only in collecting books rather than actually reading them.
Social media reactions highlighted concerns about civic sense and respect for literature. One user referenced a popular saying about readers and thieves. Another comment pointed to the apparent contradiction between loving free books while showing little respect for them.
Key Reactions Included:- "Basic civic sense seems like a myth in India today"
- "Education doesn't always bring etiquette and self-respect"
- "Heartbreaking to see this disrespect toward writers and publishers"
- "True readers would never engage in such behavior"
Broader Implications for Public Events
This incident has raised questions about crowd management at large public events in India. The chaotic scene occurred despite the fair's prestigious nature and international participation. Organizers now face scrutiny about their planning for future editions.
The 54th edition of the New Delhi World Book Fair is scheduled for January 16-24, 2027. This recent episode may prompt changes in how closing day activities are managed. Event planners might reconsider distribution methods for free materials to prevent similar situations.
The controversy extends beyond the immediate chaos. It touches on broader discussions about public decorum at cultural events. Many Indians take pride in the country's literary traditions, making this incident particularly disappointing for book lovers nationwide.
As the video continues to circulate, it serves as a reminder of the challenges in maintaining order at popular public gatherings. The incident underscores the need for better crowd control measures while preserving the spirit of literary celebration that defines such events.
