4th Gomti Book Festival 2025 Concludes With Record Visitors and Book Sales in Lucknow
Lucknow: The sprawling grounds of University of Lucknow buzzed with readers, youth, children and families from across Lucknow on the final day of the Gomti Book Festival, held from 20 to 28 September, reaffirming its place as a literary and cultural landmark in Lucknow.
Visitors flocked to the over 225 book stalls this year in 2025, a significant rise from the 175 stalls last year. The 4th edition of the Gomti Book Festival also saw a remarkable surge in sales, with over 30% more books sold compared to the previous year. Over the course of the nine-day literary extravaganza, more than 3.5 lakh visitors made their way to the festival. Over 100 literary, cultural and children’s events saw the participation of more than 200 authors, artists, resource persons and children’s literature experts, underscoring its literary and cultural impact in Lucknow.
From 20 to 28 September, the 4th Gomti Book Festival, organised by National Book Trust, India in collaboration with University of Lucknow and Government of Uttar Pradesh, worked towards realising the Prime Minister’s vision of building a knowledge society and advancing the mission of “Make India Read,” while also reflecting the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by promoting foundational literacy, multilingualism, creativity, critical thinking and digital integration in learning. It also contributed to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh’s vision for Viksit Uttar Pradesh@2047 by nurturing a culture of knowledge, innovation and inclusivity.
Creativity, Sustainability and Music Mark Grand Finale
Before curtains came down, the Children’s Corner saw a morning full of creativity, colours, stories, quizzes and smiles. Neelam Rakesh conducted a spirited storytelling session, followed by a fun quiz conducted by Vivek Kumar and the winning team was awarded books published by the National Book Trust, India. He also introduced the children to the Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya. In the last session, a Book Cover Design Workshop, children reimagined covers of three selected NBT-India publications for young readers, with ten winners receiving prizes.
In Lekhakganj, sustainable industrial practices were discussed by K Ganesh, Director, Sustainability & Corporate Affairs at Bisleri, Janki Shah, Program Director, Centre for Environment Education and Shobha Kapoor, NBT-India. The panel discussed the challenges in phasing out single-use plastics, responsible disposal, recycling and how children can be taught to take up sustainable practices.
The final day ended on a high note with a mesmerizing performance by the band Parashara. Their powerful music and dynamic stage presence had the audience clapping, cheering and swaying along, keeping the crowd enthralled till the very last beat.
Literary Mahakumbh Wraps Up
The 4th Gomti Book Festival is leaving behind an unforgettable imprint on Lucknow. Loved wholeheartedly by the people of Lucknow, the festival concluded as a resounding success, setting new benchmarks for literary engagement and leaving the city eagerly awaiting its return next year. The National Book Trust, India, thanks the people of Lucknow for their heartfelt support, the University of Lucknow for generously co-hosting the festival on its historic campus, and the Government of Uttar Pradesh and local administration for their invaluable support in making this Mahakumbh of culture, literature and ideas a grand success.
NBT India promises to return with a Gomti Book Festival in 2026 that will be twice as impactful with more vibrant activities for children, double the literary sessions, more book launches and an ever richer lineup of cultural programs. Under the vision of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, the journey of books and ideas continues, with the next stop being the Gorakhpur Book Festival to be held from 1–9 November 2025 in Gorakhpur.
