Ahmedabad International Book Festival 2026 Kicks Off with Grand Opening
CM Bhupendra Patel opens the Ahmedabad International Book Festival 2026. Explore books, authors, and the legacy of Teja Singh Samundri.
The city of Ahmedabad has transformed into a literary haven as Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel officially inaugurated the Ahmedabad International Book Festival 2026 on Saturday. Held at the scenic Sabarmati Riverfront Event Centre, this nine-day celebration of words and wisdom began on October 24 and will welcome book lovers until November 1.
Organized by the National Book Trust (NBT) in collaboration with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, this event marks the third edition since the city's book fair achieved international status in 2024.
A Massive Leap in Scale
The festival has seen an unprecedented surge in participation this year. Milind Marathe, Chairman of the National Book Trust, revealed that the scale of the event has grown significantly. According to Marathe, the number of participating publishers and the total count of stalls have nearly doubled compared to the previous year, reflecting a growing appetite for reading and literary exploration in the region.
“We are organising this book festival with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation for the third time. You may recall that this year, nearly twice as many publishers and stalls have come here compared to last year…” said Milind Marathe.
Honoring the Unsung Heroes
Beyond the vast collection of books, the 2026 edition is dedicated to bringing forgotten chapters of history back into the public consciousness. A key highlight of this year's festival is the focus on Teja Singh Samundri, a distinguished freedom fighter and social reformer from Punjab.
Marathe emphasized that while Samundri was a great martyr and a pivotal social reformer, there is relatively little awareness about his life among the general public. The festival aims to bridge this gap, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn about his contributions to India's independence and social progress.
What to Expect at the Festival
The event is designed to be an inclusive experience for all age groups, offering a wide variety of subjects under one roof. To ensure a diverse experience, the festival is divided into three primary attractions:
- The Authors’ Corner: A space where readers can engage directly with writers and dive deeper into the creative process behind their favorite literary works.
- The Cultural Stage: A hub for artistic expression, featuring various cultural performances that complement the literary theme.
- The Children’s Pavilion: A specially curated section designed to ignite a love for reading in younger generations through engaging activities and child-friendly content.
Whether you are a hardcore bibliophile, a student, or someone looking for a cultural getaway, the Ahmedabad International Book Festival 2026 promises a rich intellectual experience. The gates remain open to the public until November 1.