Lucknow – Books are not only known as true companions but also as guiding lights, capable of transforming lives with just a single sentence, much like the wisdom imparted by a guru. The ongoing Lucknow Book Fair at Ravindralaya Charbagh Lawns, set to continue until March 9, is offering a treasure trove of books that can help readers find solutions to their problems and guide them toward new paths in life.
The fair, open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM, is offering a minimum 10% discount on all books, with some stalls extending discounts up to 20%. As part of the cultural programs, the comedy play Sab Golmaal Hai will be staged here.
The fair features several stalls dedicated to religion and spirituality, with books that provide deep philosophical insights and inspiration. The Geeta Press Gorakhpur stall is drawing significant attention with its collection of religious texts, including various Puranas and a special edition of Shri Ramcharitmanas. The Yogoda Satsanga Society stall is showcasing works of Paramahansa Yogananda, such as Autobiography of a Yogi, The Journey of Self-Realization, and Causes and Remedies for Mental Restlessness, all available at a 20% discount. Ramakrishna Math’s stall is offering literature on Swami Ramakrishna Paramhansa and Swami Vivekananda, which is particularly popular among the youth. Stall No. 16 features an extensive collection of Kabir’s writings, along with a range of other spiritual books. Meanwhile, Vilayat Publications has a variety of books on Islamic thoughts, women’s status, and lifestyle, available in Hindi, English, and Urdu at a 20% discount.
One of the fair’s major attractions was an insightful discussion on Koi Naya Naam Do, a newly published short story collection by writer Mahendra Bhishm, led by Dr. Rinki. This was followed by a literary event, Pandit Brijmohan Awasthi Smriti Kriti Aur Kritikar, presided over by Ashok Chaudhary, with Mahendra Bhishm as the moderator. The session featured prominent guests, including Dr. Guru Shekhar and convenor Anil Kumar Upadhyay.
Several literary figures, such as Dayanand Pandey, nationalist thinker Dr. Vidya Sagar Upadhyay, Dr. Satya Singh Human, writer Keval Prasad Satyam, poet Ashish Kulshrestha, novelist Surabhi Singh, and poetess Renu Shukla, shared insights on their works. Dr. Rinki provided a critical analysis of these authors’ writings.
In the cultural segment, a dance competition titled Aparajita Jazba Jeet Ka was organized under the joint aegis of Join Hands Foundation and Lokangan. The panel of judges included Jyoti Kiran Ratan, Shipra Chandra, and Anju Yadav. An open mic session on cultivating interest in books was also held, with Dr. Anupama Srivastava honoring various writers for their contributions.
Additionally, an environmental awareness campaign at the fair encouraged visitors to use cloth bags for their purchases. To promote sustainable practices, the fair organizers are refunding deposits for returned bags and even providing stitching services for visitors who bring their own fabric.
With a blend of literature, culture, and environmental consciousness, the Lucknow Book Fair continues to be a vibrant hub for book lovers, intellectuals, and art enthusiasts.