Lucknow: The fusion of timeless literary works with the contemporary digital-age literature is attracting book lovers at the Lucknow Book Fair, currently underway at Ravindralaya Charbagh lawns until March 9. The fair, which offers free entry, is drawing the highest number of literature enthusiasts.
On the fifth day, the fairgrounds resonated with the laughter of schoolchildren as they explored colorful books with excitement. Running until 9 PM daily, the fair also offers at least a 10% discount on books. Neeraj Arora of Divyansh Publications highlighted that they have published over 110 books by Osho Rajneesh, including Geeta Darshan (eight volumes), Lagan Mahurat Jhooth Sab, Kahe Kabir Main Pura Paya, Dhyan Vigyan, Naye Bharat Ka Janm, Kathopanishad, Sarvsaar Upanishad, and Satya Ke Agni Phool, which have gained immense popularity. Other noteworthy books include Nilesh Sharma’s Safar, Sunil Sahil’s Notes of a Spiritual Playboy, Naval Kant Sinha’s Gumnaam Hindu Raja Tikait Rai, and Swami Vivekananda’s Karma Yoga and Jnana Yoga.
Hind Yugm Publications is presenting bestsellers like Divya Prakash Dubey’s October Junction, Yaar Papa, Musafir Cafe, and Manav Kaul’s Saakshaatkar, Theek Tumhare Peeche, Bahut Door Kitna Door Hota Hai, along with Neelotpal Mrinal’s Dark Horse, Yaar Jadugar, and Aghor. Vinod Kumar Shukla’s Deewar Mein Ek Khidki Rehti Thi is also a popular pick across various stalls. Bodh Ras Publications is showcasing poetry collections, including Kisi Paridrishya Mein Nahin Hoon by Viyogini Thakur and Munder by Gopesh Kumar Choudhary, along with Gandhiyon Ke Shahar Mein, a newly published book in the ghazal genre.
Stall No. 45 by Navpallav features a special section on translations by Shakeel Siddiqui and works of Amritlal Nagar, alongside books of legendary poets like Mir, Nazir Akbarabadi, Momin, Jaun Elia, Wasim Barelvi, and Munawwar Rana. The Sasta Sahitya Mandal stall offers Hindi literature classics, literary criticism books, Premchand’s complete Mansarovar collection (eight volumes), and the Nehru Vangmay (11 volumes). Several stalls, including Nikhil Publications and Jayco, house English and Hindi literature collections.
One of the most talked-about books at the fair is Aliens of Lucknow by Amit Srivastava, attracting visitors to take selfies with the tiny alien mascots. Escalera Technologies has set up an exhibit on Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, and Digital Marketing training programs.
At the literary stage, the Laghukatha Srijan Sansthan hosted a symposium on short stories. Conducted by Alka Pramod, the event featured writers narrating tales reflecting human sensitivity. Neelam presented a review of Charvi, a collection by Nivedita Shri, who described the book as a culmination of her ten years of experience. K.K. Sinha’s book on mutual fund investments was launched, with the author explaining the concept and announcing upcoming translations in Hindi and other languages. Before this, psychological counselor Dr. Kumud Srivastava shared insights on stress and depression. Young poet Swayam Srivastava, author of Ghar Ke Vaaste, was also part of today’s literary events.
The evening saw a Lok Chowpal (folk music gathering) organized under the Lok Aangan and Join Hands Foundation initiative. The event, managed by Sudha Dwivedi and Archana Gupta, started with Shri Ram Stuti and transitioned into Holi-themed folk songs. Artists including Padma Gidwani, Neera Mishra, Usha Bajpai, Alka Chaturvedi, Jyoti Kiran Ratan, Pallavi Nigam, Manu Rai, Anjali Singh, and Nivedita Singh performed traditional Fag songs, making for a vibrant cultural evening.
