Chinar Book Festival culminates with massive turnout at SKICC

Srinagar, Aug 10: The scenic back lawns of the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) on the banks of Dal Lake came alive on Sunday as thousands thronged the final day of the 2025 Chinar Book Festival, marking the grand conclusion of the nine-day literary and cultural extravaganza.On Sunday, heavy footfall was recorded from early morning, with long queues forming at popular stalls. Traffic jams were witnessed on Boulevard Road as vehicles made their way towards SKICC, with police and volunteers regulating the flow.Mohammad Yaseen from Chanapora, Srinagar, said that despite the congestion, visitors hailed the arrangements made by the organisers. “From parking facilities to seating and refreshments, everything was well-managed. It felt like a festival in the true sense,” he said.Yaseen said that the blend of books and cultural performances like folk songs, Bhand Pather, and mushaira gave the event a unique identity. It was not just about reading, but also about experiencing Kashmir’s soul,” he said.For many, the event was a rare chance to access diverse literature and meet authors face-to-face. “I bought books in Kashmiri, Urdu, and English, including some rare titles I could never find in local shops,” said Aquib Nabi Rather from Pattan, Baramulla.Children’s activities, including storytelling, creative writing and illustration workshops, saw huge participation.  “The children’s section was amazing. My kids enjoyed the storytelling sessions, and we also discovered bilingual books in Hindi and Urdu that are perfect for them,” said Gowhar Ahmad Wani, a resident of Ganderbal district. Traffic jams were witnessed on Boulevard Road for much of the afternoon and evening as book lovers poured into the venue.Mansoor Ahmad from Khimyar, Pattan, who attended the first and final days of the fest, said the festival was a cultural lifeline.“In Kashmir, such events are rare, and when they happen, they must be cherished. The Sharda script exhibition was my highlight; it connected us to a forgotten chapter of our history. I also bought a few Urdu and Kashmiri books for my brother. This wasn’t just a book fair, it was a bridge between generations and languages,” he said.Waseem Ahmad, a BvSc, told Rising Kashmir that as a veterinary science student, his ‘world’ usually revolves around medicine, surgery and caring for animals, but stepping into this festival felt like stepping into an entirely new universe.“I found books that not only deepen my understanding of science but also open doors to history, culture, and art areas I rarely get to explore in my academic life. The diversity of topics, from world literature to advanced research, proves that knowledge has no boundaries,” he said.Organised by the National Book Trust, India in collaboration with the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL) and the Srinagar district administration, the event was hailed by visitors as one of the most successful cultural gatherings in recent memory.The 2025 edition of the festival featured more than 200 publishers from across India, offering books in English, Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri, Dogri, Gojri, and other Indian languages.Special attractions included the Rajtarangini Samvad sessions, a first-ever Gojri translation workshop, creative writing and calligraphy classes, and the Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya digital library showcase.