World Book Fair brings readers, writers and stories together in one place, writes SAKSHI PRIYA
Rows of books stretch endlessly, their covers catching the light as people pause, pick them up and turn the first few pages. Young readers sit cross-legged in corners, lost in the worlds unfolding before them. An elderly man flips through the preface of a historical novel, nodding thoughtfully. In another section, a group of students debates over which thriller to buy, while a child tugs at a parent’s sleeve, eager to reach the storytelling session. Everywhere, people are drawn to the stories waiting to be discovered.
The sight of people, young and old, browsing through shelves, flipping through pages and immersing themselves in words speaks to the timeless pull of books. Some stand before entire sections, searching for their next great read, while others pause to savour the introduction of a newly discovered title. It’s a quiet, intimate moment, just a reader and a book, curiosity and discovery meeting between the pages.
The New Delhi World Book Fair 2025, held at Bharat Mandapam, brings together readers, writers and publishers from across the world. This year, the fair is part of Republic@75, marking India’s literary and cultural journey.
With over 2,000 publishers from 50+ countries, the fair offers a vast collection of books. Russia, the focus nation, showcases over 1,500 titles, presenting its rich literary heritage. From Tolstoy’s classics to contemporary works, Russian literature takes centre stage, offering perspectives that span generations.
Literature for All
Each section of the fair has something for every kind of reader. The poetry section draws those who find meaning in verse, while the academic section offers books on philosophy, history and science. Fiction lovers explore stories of mystery, adventure and drama, while non-fiction provides deep insights into human experiences. The Power of the Subconscious Mind attract those looking for personal growth. From Book to Screen section highlights stories that have made their way into cinema, sparking conversations on adaptations. Business books guide readers through leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Independent publishers and niche bookstores
Add another layer to the fair, bringing hidden literary gems to readers who seek something beyond the mainstream. Poetry collections, thought-provoking essays, graphic novels, and rare first editions, there’s something for everyone. These are the books
that don’t always make it to bestseller lists but hold stories waiting to be found by the right reader. In a world driven by trends, these hidden literary gems remind us of the joy of exploring beyond the expected.
More Than Just Books
The fair is also a place where writers and readers connect. Authors share their creative journeys through panel discussions and book signings, offering insights and encouragement. For aspiring writers, these sessions provide motivation and a glimpse into the process of storytelling. The Authors Lounge creates a welcoming space where conversations flow between those who write and those who love to read.
The Festival of Festivals brings together literary events from across India, including the Brahmaputra Literature Festival, Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival and Prabhat Prakashan, showcasing the many voices that shape Indian literature. Meanwhile, the Kidz Kingdom ensures young visitors have a space to explore storytelling, crafts, and performances that introduce them to the joy of reading.
Stories That Stay With Us
Running until February 9, the New Delhi World Book Fair 2025 is a place where stories find their readers. Some books will be carried home, their pages turned late into the night. Others will remain on the shelves, waiting for the right person to find them. But every visitor will leave with something, a thought, a conversation or a memory, because books are not just objects, they are journeys that stay with us long after we turn the last page.
