Srinagar, July 16,2026- The picturesque city of Srinagar is all set to celebrate literature, knowledge, and culture as the 3rd Chinar Book Festival 2026 opens its doors at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) from July 18 to July 26. Organised by the National Book Trust (NBT), India, under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, the nine-day literary extravaganza is expected to attract thousands of readers, students, writers, educators, researchers, and book lovers from across Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country.
The annual festival has grown into one of the most significant literary events in the region, providing a vibrant platform for publishers, authors, scholars, and readers to come together and celebrate the power of books and ideas. By bringing together India’s diverse literary traditions under one roof, the event aims to foster a stronger reading culture while promoting intellectual dialogue and cultural exchange.
This year’s edition will feature more than 200 publishers from across India, showcasing thousands of books covering a wide range of subjects and genres. Visitors will have access to publications in English, Urdu, Hindi, Kashmiri, Dogri, and several other Indian languages. The exhibition will include fiction, non-fiction, biographies, history, science, technology, competitive examination guides, children’s literature, academic publications, religious texts, regional literature, and books on art and culture, ensuring that readers of every age and interest find something valuable.
Apart from the extensive book exhibition, the festival will host an engaging calendar of literary discussions, author interactions, book launches, storytelling sessions, poetry recitals, panel discussions, creative writing workshops, children’s activities, educational programmes, and cultural performances. These events are designed to encourage dialogue between readers and writers while providing aspiring authors and students with opportunities to learn from established literary personalities and publishing professionals.
One of the key objectives of the Chinar Book Festival is to strengthen the culture of reading among young people and inspire students to develop lifelong reading habits. Educational institutions across the Valley are expected to participate actively, with schools and colleges encouraging students to visit the festival and engage with books beyond their academic curriculum.
The festival will also provide a unique opportunity for local writers, poets, and publishers from Jammu and Kashmir to showcase their literary contributions alongside nationally acclaimed publishing houses. By highlighting regional literature and local languages, the event seeks to preserve and promote the rich literary heritage of Jammu and Kashmir while encouraging contemporary voices to reach wider audiences.
According to the organisers, entry to the festival will be free for all visitors, making it accessible to readers from all sections of society. Participating publishers are also expected to offer special discounts on books, enabling visitors to build their personal libraries at affordable prices. The festival will remain open daily from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM throughout its nine-day schedule.
The Chinar Book Festival has emerged as an important cultural initiative that brings together literature, education, creativity, and community engagement. Beyond book sales, the event serves as a platform for exchanging ideas, promoting multilingual literature, encouraging creative expression, and strengthening cultural connections between different regions of the country.
With Srinagar preparing to welcome publishers, authors, educators, and readers from across India, the 3rd Chinar Book Festival 2026 is expected to become a major attraction for literature enthusiasts and contribute significantly to the promotion of reading, learning, and cultural awareness in Jammu and Kashmir.
