Patna: The Gandhi Maidan in Patna is all set to come alive with books, authors, and art as the Centre for Readership Development (CRD) prepares to organise a 15-day-long book fair from 5 to 16 December. The theme for this year’s fair is “Wellness a Way of Life.” The chairman of the fair and well-known writer Ratneshwar shared the details during a press conference at Bankipur Club on Sunday. He said the fair would be a huge gathering of readers, writers, and artists from across India and abroad.
The book fair will feature more than 200 publishers from all over the country, including popular names like Prabhat Prakashan, Rajkamal Prakashan, Vani, Gyanpeeth, and Upkar. Over 300 programmes will be held during the event, ranging from book discussions and poetry sessions to plays and film screenings. Well-known writers such as Neelotpal Mrinal, Sanjeev Paliwal, journalist Anant Vijay, and critic Jai Prakash Pandey will be among the main attractions. The fair will also showcase a special book titled “Main,” which is expected to draw a lot of attention. A special event called “Granth Uday” will be organised around it.
Visitors will be able to enjoy many interesting programmes such as “Teri Meri Prem Kahani,” “Mushaira,” “Kavi Sammelan,” “Health Samvad,” “Cinema-Unema,” “Art Gallery,” and “Yuva Swar.” The Patna Literary Festival will also take part in the event, hosting a national Mushaira where famous poets like Munawar Rana, Himanshi Babra, Sajjad Jhanjhat, Prerna Pratap, and Sawan Shukla will perform. The fair will also see the presentation of the Shashi Bhushan Dwivedi Award to honour outstanding literary work.
The organisers have made sure that the fair offers something for everyone. Dr Vikas Shankar said that leading doctors and health experts will take part in the event to discuss various health issues related to the heart, skin, bones, nutrition, and diabetes. Theatre expert Kumar Ravikant announced that daily film screenings will be held as part of the Cinema-Unema Film Festival, featuring both short and feature films. An art exhibition, managed by Manish Kumar, will display paintings and sculptures made by Padma Shri-winning artists from Bihar.
Adding more colour to the fair, daily street plays and poetry recitals will take place, giving young artists and poets a platform to perform. A special programme, “Teri Meri Prem Kahani,” will see Dr Kumar Vimalendu narrate some of the world’s most famous love stories. A school festival will also be organised by Dr Moni Tripathi, where school children will perform songs, dances, and dramas. In another event, scholars and journalists will hold open discussions on various topics in “Gyan Aur Gurukul” and “Samvad with the Editor.”
With its mix of books, art, health talks, and cultural performances, the Patna Book Fair promises to be a joyful and inspiring event for all ages. For book lovers, it will be a perfect place to explore new ideas, meet their favourite authors, and celebrate the world of reading.
