Chinar Book Festival Returns to Dal Lake in August 2025

Chinar Book Festival 2025 returns to Dal Lake with a vibrant celebration of literature, culture, and community from August 2–10 at SKICC, Srinagar.

on Jul 23, 2025

Chinar Book Festival Returns to Dal Lake in August 2025

Chinar Book Festival 2025: A Festival of Words, Culture, and Community on the Shores of Dal Lake

Having broken all past records last year, the much-loved Chinar Book Festival is set to return in August 2025 — with the enchantment of stories, thoughts, and sounds from all parts of the nation. Against the stunning beauty of Dal Lake at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), the festival will take place between August 2 and 10, and will be more than an event — it will be a celebration of literary ethos, community ties, and cultural heritage.

For the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir, the festival has now become a beacon of intellectual awakening and artistic expression. It attracted thousands last year — from renowned writers and ardent poets to inquisitive schoolchildren and new readers — all under one roof, bound together by a common passion for books and stories. The festival became a landmark moment for the Valley, providing a rare ground where conversations were uninhibited and creativity blossomed.

This year's iteration, "Literature in the Age of Transformation," will consider the changing world of storytelling in our post-pandemic, digital age. While technology transforms the way we write, publish, and read literature, the festival will provide a space for discussion, contemplation, and collaboration.

Guests enjoyed a lively potpourri of events — from author signings and book launches to poetry readings, panel discussions, storytelling, and hands-on workshops. There is something for every writer and artist, whether five or fifty-five. Children enjoyed writing workshops and activities, while enthusiasts of local languages can look forward to strong voices in Kashmiri, Urdu, Dogri, and other native languages.

Booksellers and publishers from all over the country will be a part of the festival, with stalls full of stories yet to be found — from genres to languages, and age ranges. Renowned authors at the national level will share the platform with Indian literary treasures, weaving a tapestry of thought that is a reflection of India's diversity and richness of reading culture.

Organizers of the festival have expressed warm thanks to the media for being a key factor in the success of last year's event. "We were so deeply touched by the impromptu support — particularly from journalists, radio and TV people, and online content creators," an organizer said. "Their support gave the festival the attention it was worthy of and made it an actual feast of literary dynamism. We are hoping to get the same kind of enthusiasm this year as well."

Chinar Book Festival 2025 is more than about books — it's about people. It's about gathering to celebrate what we are, where we are from, and those stories that define us. And along the shores of Dal Lake this August, those stories will again be the center of attention.