The World Book Fair 2025, held at Bharat Mandapam, turned into a paradise for book lovers. With a footfall of 20 lakh, over 20,000 books, and 200+ stalls from major publishers like Bloomsbury, Penguin, and Oxford, the event was nothing short of spectacular.

A Grand Celebration of Literature

This year’s theme, ‘We the People of India’ (or ‘Hum Bharat Ke Log’), honored the Indian Constitution. The National Book Trust (NBT) successfully orchestrated this nine-day literary extravaganza, bringing together scholars, authors, and readers from all walks of life.

The event kicked off on February 1, 2025, with President Droupadi Murmu inaugurating the fair. The opening day alone saw thousands of visitors eager to explore the vast literary world on display.

The Magic of Books

Alisha, an avid reader, shared her excitement: “I’m so glad my mentors pushed me to come. This has reignited my love for reading!”

Anupam, a visitor from Jamshedpur, reflected, “A shelf full of fantasy and fiction can take you back in time, to an era when people were deeply connected through stories.”

A Hub of Literary Festivals and Engaging Debates

The fair also hosted several literary events, including the Brahmaputra Literature Festival, Prabhat Prakashan Festival, Bharat Literature Festival, and the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival. These platforms featured over 150 notable speakers from various fields such as education, diplomacy, medicine, literature, science, and the arts.

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan called the event a ‘Gyan Kumbh,’ highlighting how it serves as a bridge between Indian literature and its readers.

Brilliant Minds at the Fair

From thought-provoking debates to inspiring speeches, the fair saw a stellar lineup of speakers, including Acharya Prashant, Shiv Khera, Pushpesh Pant, and Dr. Shashi Tharoor.

Vocalist Kailash Kher announced his upcoming book and reminisced about performing ‘Teri Deewani’ at the venue years ago. He expressed his love for India, saying, “Shiv ke Kailash, Kailash ke Shiv.”

Authors, Dialogues, and Entrepreneurship

Penguin Dialogues hosted discussions with authors like Nona Uppal, Stuti Changle, and Shiv Aroor. The Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival featured Puneet Sikka and Murtza Ali Khan, while the Brahmaputra Literature Festival highlighted voices from Eastern and North-Eastern India.

Entrepreneur and author Ankur Warikoo shared his journey, encouraging young minds to find their true identity beyond job titles.

A special session, ‘Love Is in The Air,’ explored modern romance, featuring authors Nona Uppal and Stuti Changle, who discussed the importance of creating relatable yet dynamic characters.

A Grand Finale with Amish Tripathi

Bestselling author Amish Tripathi closed the fair with the launch of his documentary series, ‘Legends of Shiva,’ produced by Discovery Networks.

Shraddha, an enthusiastic fiction reader, expressed her delight: “This fair is a treasure trove of knowledge! The Bloomsbury stall, in particular, has some incredible books reaching more people.”

Global Literary Highlights

Books from around the world also found a special place at the fair, with Russia’s ‘Roos se aayi Kahaniyan’ drawing considerable interest.

NBT-India Director Yuvraj Malik summed up the event’s impact: “NDWBF 2025 has added new dimensions to India’s reading culture and literary discourse. It has become a platform where authors and readers connect on a grand scale.”

Looking Ahead

A major highlight of this year’s fair was the participation of young readers, inspiring hope for the future of literature. The fair’s YUVA Corner and Lekhak Manch gave budding authors a stage to showcase their talent.

As this year’s edition comes to a close, excitement builds for the next World Book Fair, scheduled for January 10-18, 2026. With its growing influence, the fair continues to be a beacon for book lovers across India and beyond.

The World Book Fair, organized by the National Book Trust (NBT), isn’t India’s first literary festival. The Kolkata Boi Mela, which began in 1918, holds that honor. Over the years, it has welcomed great minds like Rabindranath Tagore and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, keeping the literary spirit alive for generations.