By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Book lovers have something to celebrate as the much-awaited Patna Book Fair is set to commence on Friday, 6 December, at Gandhi Maidan. Organised by the Centre for Readership Development (CRD), the fair will run until 17 December, featuring participation from renowned writers, poets, journalists, litterateurs, and film actors from across the country.
This year’s fair is dedicated to Padma Bhushan Sharda Sinha and Padma Shri Usha Kiran Khan, with several programmes revolving around their contributions. Visitors can explore a wide array of books covering literature, culture, women’s issues, and competitive examinations.
Attractions and New Features
The fair will feature two main stages hosting diverse programmes such as Katha Kahani (Children’s Stories), Cinema, Kissago (Storytelling), Kavitai (Poetry), Hariyali Rangotsav (Green Festival), Bas Bol Daal (Street Art), Jaano Jackson (Dance), Kala Muayan (Art), Jan Samvad (Public Dialogue), Career and Counselling, Nayi Kitab (New Books), Kalam (Writers), and Coffee House.
A special programme, Bachche Jaise Katha Kahani, is being organised in collaboration with UNICEF to inspire children to write stories. Dr Kumar Vimlendu, a celebrated storyteller, will conduct workshops to teach children storytelling techniques. Selected stories will later be published in a dedicated book.
This year, the fair will also pay homage to Patna’s localities by naming various gates, stages, and blocks after prominent areas.
Gate and Venue Names
- Entry Gates: Ashok Rajpath, Boring Road, Fraser Road
- Administrative Building: Rajendra Nagar
- Stages: Srikrishna Puri and Pataliputra Colony
- Other Zones: Kala Muayan as Kankarbagh, Cinema Unema as Bakarganj, Hariyali Rangotsav as Kurji
- Food Court & Blocks: Maruf Ganj, Khemnichak, Danapur, Kidwaipuri, Raja Bazar, Khagaul, Anisabad, Adalatganj
Highlights for New Writers
Special arrangements have been made to promote new writers, with a dedicated book exhibition at the Novelty and Company stall for a nominal registration fee of ₹101. However, authors must be present at the stall to showcase their work.
Influencers and Artists
The fair will also feature influencers like Anjali Singh, Saurav Anuraj, Barkha, Amitesh Sinha, Syed Saheb Ali, Anukul Tiwari, Dr Abhishek Tiwari, Vidushi, and Deepak Tiwari.
Poets and Storytellers
Several well-known poets and storytellers will grace the event, including Anil Vibhakar, Vinay Kumar, Kumar Mukul, Dhruv Gupta, Nikhil Anand, Natasha, Shahenshah Alam, Rajkishore Rajan, Rashmi, Gunjan, Suman Sinha, Chandrabind, and many more.
The Patna Book Fair promises to be a vibrant celebration of literature, culture, and creativity, catering to people of all ages and interests.
