You ask what heaven is like?
If you ask a book lover, it would be to be surrounded by books of various genres. From fiction and poetry to academic texts and self-help guides and have those rare collectables and first edition books that we always wanted. And, this is what we are experiencing at this Book Fair in Delhi.
Inaugurated by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, the New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF) is one of the premier platforms celebrating the power of literature. This year, the fair is held from February 1 to 9, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. It offers an enriching experience for bibliophiles, authors, publishers, and literary enthusiasts.
The theme of the fair this year is “Republic@75”, the NDWBF 2025 commemorates 75 years of India’s journey as a republic. The fair is organized by the National Book Trust (NBT) in collaboration with the India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO), serving as the platform for not just buying books but for engaging in a celebration of ideas, culture, and creativity.
For those, who are not aware of the fair in Delhi and might think it’s just another random book fair, let me enlighten you that this is not just any typical book fair but a multi-dimensional event that offers something for everyone.
It gives roof to prominent publishers, writers, and important figures, not only from India but also exhibitors and participants from over 50 countries, including France, Germany Japan and Russia. It is an event where stalls from international publishers, embassies and cultural institutions are held to showcase global literature, promoting cross-cultural understanding and collaboration. It is an important event for the cultural, global, political and literary aspects.
That is why everything is meticulously planned and designed by the best in India. Even the ‘Theme Pavilion’ of the fair is designed by the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, that showcases India’s 75-year journey as a republic through books, creative installations, and graphics. But still after so many important dignitaries, the NDWBF is for everyone regardless of age and interest.
Families and Children
The fair has a children’s pavilion and family-friendly activities ensuring an engaging experience for visitors of all ages. The Children’s Pavilion hosts interactive storytelling sessions, workshops, and contests. This section is to keep kids entertained while learning the joys of reading by featuring prominent authors, illustrators, and educators. This is a great learning experience for the young minds.
There’s even an access to a plethora of educational resources and academic books on various fields of study. Parents and even teachers can explore new methods and materials to make learning for children more engaging.
Access a wealth of educational resources and academic books that cater to various fields of study. Teachers can explore new methods and materials to make learning more engaging.
Aspiring Writers and Authors
This fair is a great career opportunity for aspiring writers in India. Professionals, writers, and publishers are attending this fair, which features all the important big figures of the writing world. It serves as a chance to connect with the experts and learn from the best in the industry, attend workshops, and gain insights into the publishing process.
There are spaces like Book Talk and Lekhak Manch that buzz with book launches, dialogues, and panel discussions. These areas provide readers with opportunities to interact with their favourite authors, and for writers to present their works to a diverse audience.
Moreover, the YUVA section for emerging youth writer shines in the spotlight at this book fair. YUVA – Prime Minister’s Scheme for Mentoring Young Authors – hosts discussions, readings, and interactions with the 75 young authors mentored under the scheme, showcasing India’s next generation of literary talent.
The NDWBF also features sessions and exhibitions on digital publishing, audiobooks, and e-books to keep pace with technological advancements. Thus, aspiring authors and publishers are understanding how technology is reshaping the reading experience.
Publishers and Professionals
There is a two-day business-to-business (B2B) event, the New Delhi Rights Table, taking place on February 3rd and 4th. It offers publishers a chance to negotiate translation rights and discuss collaborations.
This fair provides an amazing opportunity for big collaborations and networking for industry leaders. While publishers are finding fresh talent at the fair, international individuals are networking to collaborate with prominent Indian publishers and form valuable partnerships.
Cultural Extravaganza
As expected from an event where other countries are coming to promote and display their cultural understanding, it is a shock if India does not show its diverse traditions.
The NDWBF 2025 is hosting a variety of cultural events such as folk performances, classical music concerts, and stage adaptations of famous books. Schools and cultural groups are also participating, showing their creative talents through plays, storytelling, and dance performances.
Visitors are getting mesmerized by these cultural performances and the thought-provoking exhibitions and literary sessions revolving around Indian history. The fair is creating an all-around atmosphere of literature uniting with performing arts.
Many are excited about Valentine’s week, but we book lovers are excited about the New Delhi World Book Fair 2025. It is not just a fair for us, but a festival of knowledge, culture and books. Even the introverted book souls who are always behind the books are socializing here with like- minded people who share the same interests and maybe their favorite authors. Whether someone wants to know more about the Indian literary heritage or find the latest global arrivals, this book fair is for everyone and an opportunity that is too great (and affordable) to be missed.
So, let’s clear our busy schedules, and select our outfits because we are meeting again at the New Delhi World Book Fair!
