The nine-day ‘Doon Book Festival’ was inaugurated today by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, in the presence of eminent dignitaries including distinguished scholar Acharya Balkrishna; Cabinet Minister Shri Khajan Das, Prof. Milind Sudhakar Marathe, Chairman, National Book Trust, India; Mayor of Dehradun Shri Saurabh Thapliyal; Vice-Chairman of Dev Bhoomi University, Shri Aman Bansal, and Shri Yuvraj Malik, Director, National Book Trust, India among others.
In his Welcome Address, Prof. Milind Sudhakar Marathe described Uttarakhand as a confluence of Indian culture and valour. He emphasised that just as physical exercise is essential for the body, reading books is vital for the mind. Referring to eminent personalities such as Ved Vyasa, Maharishi Kanva, Sunderlal Bahuguna, Sumitranandan Pant and Bachendri Pal, he highlighted the rich intellectual heritage of the region. He recited lines from the poem “Main Sabse Chhoti Hoon” by poet Sumitranandan Pant and spoke about his literary legacy.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami described the festival as a unique confluence of literature, culture, and art. Referring to Uttarakhand as a ‘Devbhoomi’ of knowledge and culture, he noted that the great poet Kalidasa composed Abhijnanashakuntalam in this land. He also recalled the contributions of renowned literary figures such as Shailesh Matiyani, Lakshman Singh Bisht ‘Batohi’ and Ruskin Bond, stating that books are not merely collections of words but serve as a medium to preserve knowledge across generations and enhance critical thinking.
On the occasion, the Hon’ble Chief Minister also distributed books to school children. He urged people to cultivate the habit of buying and reading books, as it not only enriches individuals but also strengthens publishers and the tradition of knowledge.
The Hon’ble Chief Minister along with the distinguished guests formally launched a collection of 26 Garhwali and Kumaoni language books published by the National Book Trust, India. The Garhwali titles released included Chauri-Chaura Jan Kranti ko Nayo Sabero, Nanna Haira Chakhula, Ummeedai Kiran, Gaira Sagara Ajooba, and Aadmi ar Chhail ar Hauri Kahani, among others. The Kumaoni titles launched included Maati Myar Deshe ki, Abhimaanai Haar, Badhanai Jaani Kaan, Khatu Shyamak Ansuni Kahani, and Gulaab ka Dagdu, among others.
Distinguished scholar Acharya Balkrishna spoke about the importance of books, stating that the festival is not merely a fair but a platform for the exchange of knowledge and culture. Commenting on modern technology and the rise of AI, he remarked that authentic knowledge can only be gained by reading original works by authors.
In his Vote Of Thanks, Shri Yuvraj Malik, Director, National Book Trust, India, noted that for the first time in 26 years since the state’s formation, an event which brings together literature, art, and culture is being organised in the spiritual hub of Uttarakhand. He expressed confidence that, in line with the roadmap outlined by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, the festival will evolve into one of the finest book fairs in the country and position Uttarakhand prominently on the global literary map.
Organised by the National Book Trust, India under the Ministry of Education, and the Government of Uttarakhand, the festival promises to be an immersive celebration of books, ideas and culture, bringing together readers, writers, artists and thinkers from across the country.
The festival will feature over 300 stalls showcasing lakhs of books in various Indian languages and English. Entry for the public has been kept entirely free to encourage reading habits and make literature accessible to everyone, he said.
A major highlight of the festival is the Doon Lit Fest, where renowned authors, filmmakers, thinkers and public figures like Nitin Seth, Kulpreet Yadav, Akhilendra Mishra, Acharya Prashant, Shubhanshu Shukla and Lt. Gen. Satish Dua among others will participate in a wide range of conversations. Beyond books, the Doon Book Festival 2026 will feature daily storytelling sessions, creative workshops, quizzes and competitions for children, alongside specialised training programmes for teachers. Evenings will come alive with cultural performances and musical concerts by renowned artists such as Pandavas, Narendra Singh Negi, ‘Colors of India’ and Vanshika Joshi, creating a festive atmosphere throughout. The festival will also promote digital reading through the Rashtriya-E-Pustakalaya, which offers thousands of books across more than 22 Indian languages and English for free.
As books, conversations and culture come together under one roof, the Doon Book Festival invites everyone to be part of this literary and cultural saga at Parade Ground from 4 to 12 April 2026.
