World Book Fair: Free entry draws unprecedented number of book lovers to Bharat Mandapam
The free entry at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 is proving to be a massive crowd-puller, drawing an unprecedented number of book lovers to Bharat Mandapam. From early morning, families, students, readers and young visitors streamed into the venue, turning the fair into a vibrant public celebration of books and ideas.
Among the biggest attractions was the Theme Pavilion on ‘Indian Military History: Valour and Wisdom @75’, where life-size replicas of Army tanks and the presence of uniformed military personnel across halls became instant selfie hotspots, captivating visitors across age groups and adding a powerful visual and experiential dimension to the fair.
Among the dignitaries that visited the Book Fair on Monday were General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces, RN Ravi, Governor of Tamil Nadu, Hema Malini, veteran actor and Lok Sabha MP, Smriti Irani, former Union Minister. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) visited and explored the Theme Pavilion dedicated to Indian Military History: Valour & Wisdom @75.
During his visit, he engaged with the Concept Wall, experienced the sections highlighting valour, wisdom and philosophy, and appreciated the striking Sculpture of Valour, which together reflect India’s rich military heritage, strategic thought, and timeless values.
At the Theme Pavilion, Irani reflected on leadership, public service and the journey from grassroots engagement to national responsibility. Senior BJP leader, former Union Minister and renowned orator Smriti Irani participated in a special session of the Bharat Literature Festival. She congratulated the organisers and described the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 as unprecedented.
Following this, Hema Malini was part of a second session on Krishna Bhakti-based poetry of Kavi Das Narayan. ‘Kavivar Das Narayan ke Krishna Bhakti Pad’ was attended by Arun Maheshwari and Vimlesh Kanti Verma, with Malini gracing the occasion as the chief guest. The actress remarked that this was not merely the release of a book but a celebration of devotional poetry and spiritual experience. She noted that the work carries forward a rich tradition whose roots can be traced to poets such as Surdas and Mirabai.
History, cultural memory, and poetry come alive at the International Events Corner. Kazakh professor and historian Dr Sattar F. Mazhitov shared his perspective on the blend of history and cultural memory in a panel discussion at the International Events Corner during the NDWBF 2026.
As the Central Asian nation marks 35 years of independence, Professor Mazhitov spoke about the multifaceted evolution of the state and how it has utilised its vast natural resources as a bedrock for stability. Another segment of the session explored the deep-rooted connections between Kazakhstan and India in the historical past. Mazhitov cited the example of Kazakh historian Mirza Muhammad Haidar Dughlat, buried in Srinagar, as a symbol of the cultural exchange that flowed across the two nations.
The session was followed by another perceptive discussion as poets from Spain and India took to the stage to celebrate linguistic diversity through Spanish, Basque, Catalan, Asturian, Bengali and Hindi voices. The themes of this poetic discussion mainly circled around women’s voices, their agency, and their idea of love.
Further, describing herself as a ‘Gulabi feminist,’ blending humour with powerful social messages, noted Hindi author Mamta Kalia urged women to write fearlessly about their rights, resistance and lived experiences. Kaliya was participating in a discussion, Naya Nari Vimarsh, organised at the Lekhak Manch that focused on a key theme from her works - the socially constructed idea that a woman’s physical purity is directly linked to her honour.
Kidz Express journeyed through worlds of stories, characters, and crafts on Day 3. More than 2,500 children enthusiastically participated in a diverse range of thoughtfully curated, fun-learning activities throughout the day. “Rang Do Duniya Saari,” reads a wall alive with doodles, colours, and laughter, where children (and adults!) joyfully poured their hearts into colouring life-size canvases.
In the evening, the Manganiyars, renowned hereditary folk musicians from Rajasthan’s Thar Desert known for their soulful ballads and rhythmic ensemble of traditional instruments, captivated audiences with their evocative desert songs and rich cultural heritage at the Amphitheatre.
