The World Book Fair in New Delhi began on a vibrant note on January 10, with organisers announcing free entry for all visitors, a decision expected to draw record-breaking crowds. Hosted at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, the much-anticipated literary event is organised by the National Book Trust (NBT) in collaboration with the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO). The fair will run for nine days, concluding on January 18, and is projected to welcome millions of visitors, including students, educators, publishers, authors, and book lovers from across the country.
This year’s edition features participation from over 1,000 publishers representing India and several international markets. Thousands of stalls showcase books in multiple languages, covering genres such as fiction, non-fiction, academic texts, children’s literature, self-help, and digital publishing. The fair continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the largest consumer-oriented book fairs in the world.
The 2026 theme focuses on celebrating India’s historical and cultural legacy, with specially curated exhibitions and discussions designed to educate and inspire readers. A packed schedule of author interactions, panel discussions, book launches, poetry readings, and storytelling sessions adds to the fair’s dynamic atmosphere. Dedicated zones for children and young readers are expected to be major crowd-pullers.
Organisers say the decision to remove the entry fee aims to promote inclusive access to books and reading culture, especially among young readers and economically weaker sections. With free entry, extensive programming, and diverse literary offerings, the World Book Fair is set to become a major cultural highlight in the national capital, reinforcing Delhi’s position as a hub for literature and learning news as reported.
