Book Lovers Brave Rain for National Book Fair in Lucknow

Book lovers flock to Lucknow's National Book Fair, exploring diverse literature, Awadhi culture, and special offers, with cultural events enhancing the experience.

on Oct 01, 2024

Despite the rainy weather, book enthusiasts flocked to the National Book Fair in Lucknow at Balrampur Gardens, celebrating 21 years of literary passion. The fair, which runs until October 6, saw increased attendance on Sunday as locals seized the opportunity to explore diverse offerings after days of rain. Manoj Chandel, the book fair's convenor, noted that “the first two days were little slow due to rains, but the book lovers did turn up as they know books fly off the shelves.” Law student Neelansha Choudhary shared that attending the fair has become a cherished family ritual for her, making it an annual event to stock up on books with irresistible offers.

Various stalls featured an impressive array of literature, particularly those focused on Awadhi culture, food, and history, which proved popular among attendees. Sanjay Arya from Shubhi Publications highlighted their collection of over 20 books on Awadh, noting their consistent popularity at festivals. Aspiring medical student Reena Amaan appreciated the diverse selection available, including competitive examination resources alongside fiction and magazines. Real estate entrepreneur Qambar Husain praised the fair's extensive collection, stating he found rare books that were not even available online, and he enjoyed the variety of food stalls, which enhanced the experience.

The fair is also hosting cultural events, including author meet-and-greets, open mics, and discussions, contributing to an engaging atmosphere for visitors. Representatives from publishing houses, like Atul Maheshwari of Vani Prakashan, noted a surge in sales of Shayari books, especially among younger audiences influenced by social media. Classic Hindi literature and English fiction remained popular, with the fair continuing to celebrate timeless works. This year’s event introduces a “pay for the box, not for the books” initiative, allowing attendees to choose between different box sizes to fill with as many books as they desire, further promoting the joy of reading across genres.