The “Chinar Book Festival,” a weeklong national event, has commenced at the SKICC in Srinagar, aiming to revive the declining habit of book reading, particularly among the youth. With around 1,000 publishers from across the country participating, this first-of-its-kind festival in Srinagar is dedicated to celebrating and promoting the rich culture of reading. In an age where digital consumption often overshadows traditional book reading, the festival offers a refreshing platform to explore diverse literary works and reignite a passion for reading. It features a variety of engaging activities designed to attract and inspire young readers. The Children’s Corner, for example, includes storytelling sessions and interactive workshops that are specifically tailored to capture the imagination of younger attendees. One of the standout attractions of the festival is a significant Photo Exhibition, showcasing themes such as “Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh Through the Ages,” “25 Years of Kargil Vijay Diwas,” and “National Space Day.” These exhibitions offer a visual journey through the region’s rich history and legacy, providing visitors with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the area’s cultural heritage. Over 200 book stalls, representing languages such as Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri, Dogri, and English, provide a vast array of reading material for visitors to explore. In addition to the literary offerings, the festival also hosts workshops on Creative Writing, Calligraphy, Storytelling, and Emotional Intelligence. These workshops are designed to impart practical skills and foster creative thinking. Interactive symposiums on topics such as Careers in Civil Services, Empathy Circles, and the Art of Conversation further enhance the festival’s appeal, offering valuable insights and guidance to attendees. The Chinar Book Festival stands as a vibrant celebration of literature and culture, with its wide-ranging activities and diverse participation, it promises to foster a lifelong love of reading among the younger generation, ensuring that the joy of books continues to thrive in the digital era.