Srinagar hosts weeklong ‘Chinar Book Festival’

Our Correspondent

Srinagar, August 17

A weeklong event titled ‘Chinar Book Festival’ commenced on Saturday in Srinagar, officials said. A spokesperson said the event commenced 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.” The event began at SKICC, Srinagar.

Officials said this festival, 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 here, is expected to serve as a platform to explore diverse literary works, besides fostering a lifelong habit of reading among the younger generation,” he said.

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, said the spokesperson.

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.’ According to officials, these exhibitions aim to visually narrate the rich history of the region, offering visitors a deeper understanding of its legacy.

Officials also said 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.