New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 was a true celebration of writing!
Held from Jan 10 to Jan 18, 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, the event saw readers and writers, author and publishers from each and every corner of the country.
Books, readers, poetry recitations, book launches, authors’ sessions, panel discussions, cultural performances–it was a mega event literary extravaganza organised meticulously and efficiently by the National Book Trust.
In the digital world, where paperback is being replaced by Kindle and Audible, where bookstores are shutting down every month, and where scrolling through social media is preferred to turning a few pages in one’s spare time, it was truly heartwarming to see masses crowding the vast space in Bharat Mandapam.
With hundreds of stalls spanning across multiple halls, which were so aesthetically designed and decorated around the theme “Indian Military History: Valour and Wisdom @75”, it was challenging to visit every book stall and scour for new books, but who can stop the bibliophiles! No ageism, no racism, no sexism. Welcome all religions, welcome all cities, welcome all countries. Everyone was there for the love of the written word! Universality in a true sense!
Hundreds and thousands of people visited the book fair every day to explore the ocean of written words. Some screening through the bookstalls to find books of their favourite authors, some wading in and exploring new authors, and new genres. Many enthusiastic parents wanted to introduce their children to the world of books, and others wanted to fill their bookshelves with the books their children adored, and many were there to collect the academic books and resources for their children. There were a few who had come to have fun on a chilly Delhi weekend, some roaming around the space with their friends, some soldiering alone, many young and old couples, and a lot of families. Many people carried suitcases, trolley bags and backpacks, filled with dreams, inspiration, mystery and aspiration inked in the pages of dozens of books stored within.
One could see numerous people seated anywhere on the carpeted floor, tired physically but unsatiated in spirit to explore more books. The exhibits, the statues, the volunteers dressed as soldiers, the selfie points, innumerable food stalls, the kids zones–nothing was left unnoticed by the visitors.
The fair also featured Qatar as the Guest of Honour and Spain as the Focus Country, highlighting global literature and culture.
I felt truly in awe of the organisers for their attention to detail in every area – stall management, media coverage, event creatives, microphones and speaker systems, volunteers, food stalls (both inside and outside), security, restrooms, and crowd management. Everything was well thought out.
I have attended the New Delhi Book Fair since childhood as an avid reader, but this year (just like last year), I had the honour of participating in it very differently:
–as a speaker, when I moderated the sessions,
–as an author, when I released my book “Sabr Shukr Sukoon–The Essence of Gurbani”,
–as a poet, when I recited my multiple poems (even at the International Corner),
–as a participant author, since both of my books (“The Gift of Self” and “Sabr Shukr Sukoon–The Essence of Gurbani”) were available for purchase at two stalls at the book fair–Indie Authors (A group of authors who’ve collected together for promoting their books), and The Great Indian Book Tour,
–as a host for the Panel Discussion on “The power of translation in bridging Cultural Values” with four bureaucrats as panellists,
–as a fellow author for the book releases of my friends.
It was a pleasure meeting so many fellow authors during the book fair.
The last three days were truly memorable for me, and I will cherish this experience for a long time.