The recently concluded Pune Book Festival has written a new chapter in the city's cultural history, shattering all previous records for attendance and sales. The nine-day literary extravaganza, which wrapped up on Sunday, drew an unprecedented crowd of over 12.5 lakh book lovers and generated business worth more than Rs 50 crore.
A Festival of Unprecedented Success
Held from December 13 to 21 at the iconic Fergusson College grounds, the festival transformed into a massive hub for bibliophiles. Organisers announced the staggering figures at a press conference on the final day, with Chief Organiser Rajesh Pande declaring this edition a significant milestone. "The book festival witnessed the highest footfall ever. It goes to show that reading continues to hold a strong place in people's lives," Pande stated, visibly elated by the public's response.
The commercial success was equally impressive, with sales skyrocketing past the Rs 50 crore mark. Nearly 30 lakh books found new homes during the event, a testament to the undying appeal of the printed word. The festival's layout featured a diverse array of publishers and stalls, offering titles spanning numerous Indian and international languages and every conceivable genre.
Engaging Programs and Youthful Energy
Beyond mere book sales, the festival buzzed with intellectual and cultural activity. A key highlight was the overwhelming participation of young readers. Over 30,000 students from 400 schools engaged with the specially curated Children's Corner, and colleges actively encouraged visits. In a promising sign for the future of reading, organisers noted that more than 60% of the total visitors were young readers.
The event also served as a grand confluence for literary minds:
- 1,200 authors, writers, and poets participated in various sessions.
- 122 eminent speakers interacted with audiences in panel discussions and talks.
- A remarkable 498 new books were launched across 150 stalls.
- A dedicated librarians' conference saw over 200 participants procuring books for their institutions.
Adding a global feather to its cap, the festival set and registered three new world records with the Guinness World Records, although the specific records were not detailed in the announcement.
Pune Cements Its Status as a Literary Capital
Rajesh Pande emphasized the festival's inclusive and community-driven spirit. "Pune has emerged as a major market for books, with citizens coming from across the state to make purchases. The festival belongs not to the organisers, but to people," he said. He attributed the success to the multilingual offerings that attracted readers from every linguistic background and the heartening sight of families attending together.
With the 2025 edition closing on such a high note, plans are already underway for the next chapter. The organisers have announced that the subsequent Pune Book Festival will be held from December 12 to 20, 2026, once again at the Fergusson College grounds. Pande confirmed that efforts are being made to expand and enhance the experience, with more information to be released in due course. The city's book lovers have a major date to mark on their calendars for two years hence.
