Bilal Bashir Bhat
Literary aficionados in Jammu and Kashmir eagerly await the return of the Chinar Book Festival, poised to inaugurate this Saturday in Srinagar with an unprecedented celebration of literature, culture, and linguistic diversity.
Following the resounding success of its inaugural edition in 2024, which drew an enthusiastic audience spanning all age groups, the festival returns with an enriched and more inclusive programme. This year’s iteration will feature over 130 publishers and bookstalls from across India, presenting a diverse array of titles in English, Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri, and several other Indian languages. From bilingual children’s literature to scholarly publications, regional fiction, and digital media, the festival is designed to engage a broad and varied readership.
Beyond a mere book exhibition, the Chinar Book Festival is envisioned as a vibrant platform for intellectual discourse and cultural exchange. A highlight, the Rajtarangini Samvad, will delve into the literary and historical significance of Kashmir’s classical texts through expert-led workshops and discussions.
Further enriching the festival, a National Exhibition on the ancient Sharda Script will be held concurrently with the inaugural Gojri Translation Workshop, which seeks to produce bilingual publications in Hindi, Urdu, Dogri, Kashmiri, and English, thereby torching linguistic diversity in Kashmir.
A key feature, the Tamil-Kashmiri Samvad, organized under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative, will celebrate the spiritual and literary connections between these two distinct yet harmonious cultural traditions.
Visitors can anticipate a dynamic array of activities, including:
- Author talks and storytelling sessions
- Creative writing and illustration workshops
- Calligraphy demonstrations and laughter therapy sessions
- Interactive corners tailored for children
Additionally, the Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya, a digital library initiative, will provide complimentary access to thousands of e-books across various genres and languages.
To inspire young readers, copies of Exam Warriors by the Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be distributed to students participating in the Children’s Corner.
Each evening, the festival grounds will come alive with captivating performances, including folk music, Mushaira, Kashmiri Chhakri, Bhand Pather, and theatrical presentations, ensuring an immersive cultural experience for families and communities.
“The Chinar Book Festival transcends the traditional book fair; it is a movement to unite people through the power of literature and language, where tradition converges with creativity,” stated Dr. Shamas Eqbal, Director of NCPUL, during a press conference in Srinagar on Friday.
Yuvraj Malik, Director of the National Book Trust, India, added: “Following the triumph of the inaugural edition, we aimed to elevate the experience. This year’s Chinar Book Festival is crafted to engage a broader audience, particularly the youth, and to cultivate a profound reading culture in Jammu and Kashmir.”
Nitish Rajora, Director of Information, Jammu and Kashmir, remarked that the nine-day festival is poised to make a significant impact on Kashmir’s vibrant literary landscape. He emphasised upon local media to cover day to day activities of the festival positively.
Dr. Amit Wanchoo, Chief Convener of the event, expressed optimism, stating, “Building on last year’s success, we are confident that this year’s festival will achieve even greater heights.”
With anticipation soaring, the Valley is prepared to embark on another inspiring chapter in its literary journey.
