Basit Zargar/Srinagar

The picturesque lawns of SKICC on the banks of Dal Lake turned into a literary paradise on Saturday as the Chinar Book Festival 2025 began with great enthusiasm. Inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the Nine-day festival is being hailed as a major step towards promoting reading habits, creativity, and knowledge among students and youth in Jammu and Kashmir.

School children, teachers, academicians, writers, and publishers from across the Valley and the outside participated in the inaugural function. 

LG Manoj Sinha and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan walking past a book stall

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said that books are the foundation of a civilized and progressive society. “A book is not just paper and ink—it is a companion, a teacher, and a guide. We must reconnect with reading, especially in this digital age, and inspire our children to fall in love with books,” he said.

Dharmendra Pradhan, chief guest of the function, lauded the festival as a significant platform to promote intellectual growth and cultural exchange. “We want to see every child in Jammu and Kashmir empowered with knowledge. Reading builds the capacity to think critically, imagine freely, and act responsibly,” he said.

Students participating in cultural programm on the occasion

The Education Minister also emphasized the Centre’s commitment to strengthening school libraries and digital education infrastructure across the Union Territory. He encouraged schools to organise regular reading events and literary workshops to make books more accessible and appealing.

More than 100 stalls have been set up at the festival, showcasing a variety of books in English, Hindi, Urdu, and Kashmiri, covering genres like fiction, poetry, history, science, children’s literature, and regional folklore. National and local publishers, NGOs, and education-focused organizations are actively participating.

Scene from insuguration ceremony of Chinar festival

Children from various districts, many of whom were visiting a book festival for the first time, showed immense curiosity and excitement. “I bought storybooks in Urdu and science kits. This is the best day of my summer holidays,” said Irfan Ahmad, a Class 7 student from Pulwama.

Workshops on storytelling, poetry writing, and creative expression were also held on the first day, with young participants enthusiastically engaging with local authors and educators. A Kashmiri poetry recital and a traditional bookbinding demonstration drew particular attention from both students and tourists.

School children attending the inaugural programme

Educators at the event highlighted the need to revive the habit of reading in homes and schools. “We need to create more spaces like this where students can explore literature freely. It also helps build confidence and vocabulary,” said Tahira Jan, a teacher from Ganderbal.

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The Chinar Book Festival will continue for nine days, with a host of literary and cultural events scheduled. Organisers said the overwhelming response from students and educators reflects a growing hunger for learning, and they hope to make it an annual celebration of books in Kashmir.