In today’s time, the habit of reading books is slowly decreasing. Technology has made information available easily, but the value of books is still different because books help us think deeply and understand things better. The Chinar Book Festival is a positive step towards bringing people back to books. It is not just about displaying and selling books—it is a platform that brings together writers, readers, students, teachers, and book lovers for an exchange of ideas, learning new things, and developing an interest in reading.
Mohammad Arfat Wani
Books have always been an important part of human life. They give us knowledge, improve our thinking and help us understand the world in a better way. A good book can teach us lessons that remain with us for a lifetime. However, in today’s time, the habit of reading books is slowly decreasing. Many young people spend several hours on mobile phones, social media and short videos, but they do not give enough time to reading.
Technology has made information available easily, but the value of books is still different because books help us think deeply and understand things better. In such a situation, the Chinar Book Festival is a positive step towards bringing people back to books. It is not just about displaying and selling books. It is also a platform that brings together writers, readers, students, teachers and book lovers for an exchange of ideas, learning new things and developing an interest in reading. Over the years, the festival has become an important literary event in Jammu and Kashmir.
The third edition of the Chinar Book Festival was organised from 18 to 26 July 2026 at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), Srinagar. The festival was organised by the National Book Trust (NBT), India, under the Ministry of Education. For many years, the National Book Trust has been working for the cause of promoting reading habits and making good books available to the people of the entire country. The beautiful location of SKICC on the banks of Dal Lake adds a unique charm to the festival and makes for a memorable experience for the visitors.
The Chinar Book Festival is not limited to book stalls only. It also includes many activities such as author interactions, discussions, book launches, poetry sessions, storytelling programmes, workshops and cultural events. These activities give people an opportunity to meet writers, journalists, translators and scholars. For students and young readers, meeting such personalities can be a source of inspiration. It encourages them to read more, write better and develop their own ideas.
One of the most important features of this festival is that it highlights Kashmir’s rich literary legacy. Kashmir has always been associated with a rich legacy of Literature. The Valley has produced numerous poets, writers, scholars and historians who have made valuable contributions to literature and knowledge. This festival plays its part in protecting & promoting the treasure trove of works written in the Kashmiri, Urdu, Dogri & other Regional Languages.
The festival provides an excellent platform for aspiring young writers from Jammu and Kashmir to showcase their talent. Many talented writers in the region often lack opportunities to present their work. Such platforms allow them to interact with experienced authors, publishers and literary personalities, helping them grow in their literary journey.
Students are among the biggest beneficiaries of this festival. A book festival allows students to explore knowledge beyond their textbooks. They can discover books related to science, literature, history, medicine, technology and many other subjects. Students preparing for competitive examinations can also find useful material. Such events encourage students to ask questions, think independently and develop a habit of learning throughout life.
Educational institutions, teachers, and librarians all have a significant part to play in encouraging reading habits. Schools and colleges should motivate students to visit the libraries and read books other than their syllabus. Libraries should not remain only places for keeping books; they should become active centres of learning. Parents can also help children by developing a reading habit at home. A child who reads regularly often develops better communication skills, imagination and confidence.
Another thing special about Chinar Book Festival is that it is open to people of all ages. Children enjoy story-telling sessions and creative activities. Teenagers find books which help them in education and career choices. College students and researchers read scholarly books and engage in discussions. Older people also get an opportunity to reconnect with classic literature. In this way, the festival connects different generations through books.
The festival also contributes to Kashmir’s economy and tourism. Thousands of visitors come to Srinagar to attend the event. Their presence supports hotels, restaurants, transport services and local businesses. More importantly, the festival presents Kashmir as a place of education, culture and creativity. It reminds people that Kashmir is not only famous for its natural beauty but also for its intellectual and literary traditions.
The festival should not be restricted to Srinagar alone and similar book festivals should be organised in all districts of Jammu and Kashmir to ensure maximum participation by students, particularly those in rural and remote areas. Initiatives such as mobile libraries, setting up of reading clubs and promoting community reading programmes would go a long way towards fostering a culture of reading among youth.
Schools and colleges should host events for discussing books throughout the year. There could be contests on writing while holding discussions with prominent writers at different levels of education.
The role played by AI and digital tech has now taken over human life significantly and although artificial intelligence and digital technology have become an important part of our lives, they cannot replace the depth and experience that comes from reading books. Reading teaches one the art of patience which enhances your ability to understand anything. This, in turn, helps you develop better thinking skills and ultimately leads to development of creative minds within the society.
The Chinar Book Festival is therefore much more than a book fair. It is a celebration of knowledge, culture and learning. It supports writers, encourages students, promotes regional languages and strengthens Kashmir’s literary identity. The real success of the festival will not be measured only by the number of books sold or visitors who attend, but by the number of people it inspires to read, think and learn.
A strong reading culture is the foundation of a strong society. If such initiatives continue with the support of government institutions, educational organisations and the public, the Chinar Book Festival can become an even bigger platform for literature and knowledge in Jammu and Kashmir. It can help create a generation of readers, writers and thinkers who will contribute positively to the future of society.
The writer is a social activist, and nursing student. He writes on social issues, culture, and public concerns “with the aim of raising awareness and inspiring positive change”.
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