At a time when book reading has become scarce with increasing digital space and with the aim of inculcating a habit of book reading among the youth, a week-long national event titled ‘Chinar Book Festival’ commenced yesterday at Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. This festival organised by National Book Trust (NBT) is dedicated to celebrating the rich culture of reading, promises a series of engaging activities for children, literary sessions, book displays for the people of Srinagar that are designed to reignite the passion for books in a digital age. 

 

The festival, first of its kind in Kashmir is expected to serve as a platform to explore diverse literary works, besides fostering a lifelong habit of reading among the younger generation.

 

Throughout the festival, attendees can look forward to various attractions, including a Children’s Corner featuring storytelling sessions and interactive workshops designed to engage young minds.

 

In addition to these, the festival will host a significant Photo Exhibition, displaying themes such as ‘Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh Through the Ages,’ ‘25 Years of Kargil Vijay Diwas,’ and ‘National Space Day.’ These exhibitions aim to visually narrate the rich history of the region, offering visitors a deeper understanding of its legacy. A major highlight of the festival is the participation of over 1,000 publishers representing languages such as Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri, Dogri, and English, with more than 200 book stalls available for visitors to explore.

 

Workshops on Creative Writing, Calligraphy, Storytelling, and Emotional Intelligence are set to provide people with practical skills and creative insights. Additionally, interactive symposiums will cover topics such as Careers in Civil Services, Empathy Circles, Art of Conversation, etc.