Theme “Viksit Bharat, Viksit Pradesh” to Inspire Book Lovers
Lucknow — A vibrant celebration of literature, culture, and creativity is set to begin in the city as the Lucknow Book Fair opens on March 13 at the main lawn of Ravindralaya Charbagh. The 10-day fair, running until March 22, will feature free entry for visitors and a wide range of literary and cultural activities.
This year’s fair will revolve around the theme “Viksit Bharat, Viksit Pradesh”, reflecting the national vision for development leading up to 2047. The event will include book launches, literary discussions, poetry recitals, storytelling sessions, and a series of spiritual, theatrical, dance, and cultural performances.
Organizer Manoj Singh Chandel said the city, globally known for its rich art and cultural heritage, has been witnessing a steady rise in literary and cultural events. He added that the overwhelming response to the recently held New Delhi World Book Fair has further boosted enthusiasm among organizers.
The fair will be inaugurated on March 13 at 5 PM and is being supported by Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation. Visitors will find books printed using modern technologies as well as digital publishing products. Several stalls will also showcase stationery and educational resources useful for teachers and schools.
Marking 150 years of the iconic patriotic song Vande Mataram, young artists will create a live painting on a 15-foot canvas under the coordination of artist Bhupendra, adding a unique artistic dimension to the fair.
Around 60 stalls dedicated to literature and publishing will participate in the event. Major publishers and distributors expected at the fair include National Book Trust along with Hind Yugm, Shubhi Publications, Upkar Prakashan, Nikhil Publishers & Distributors, Bharatiya Kala Prakashan, and several others from across the country. A stall by Dinkar Pustakalaya, Bhagalpur, will offer bestselling titles from well-known publishers such as Penguin, Harper, Westland, Rajkamal, Vani, and Rajpal.
The fair will also feature a dedicated pavilion for literary and cultural programs, including poetry symposiums, mushairas, author interactions, book releases, youth activities, and theatrical performances. A special stall will highlight books by local writers, giving readers an opportunity to discover regional literature.
Fair Director Akarsh Chandel said visitors will get a rare opportunity to interact directly with authors and poets, while enjoying a variety of literary and cultural events throughout the fair.
According to T.P. Havelia, an official of the Uttar Pradesh Olympic Association, the fair will remain open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM, offering a minimum 10 percent discount on books for all buyers. Adequate parking arrangements have also been made for visitors.
The fair is being organized with support from several partners including Force One Books, UPMRC, Big FM, Royal Café, Origins, Vijay Studio, Join Hands Foundation, Lokangan, Vishwam Foundation, Samagra Enterprises, Kiran Foundation, City Essence, Trade Mitra, and Birspark.
Adding a local flavour, the fair will also host a festival of Awadhi cuisine, celebrating the region’s culinary heritage. To encourage reading habits among the younger generation, students from numerous schools and colleges across the city are being invited to participate in competitions and special activities planned during the event.
With its blend of literature, art, culture, and food, the Lucknow Book Fair 2026 promises to be a lively gathering for readers, writers, and cultural enthusiasts alike.
