Srinagar, Jul 18: The opening day of the third edition of the Chinar Book Festival witnessed enthusiastic participation from children, students and visitors, with creative activities, storytelling sessions and cultural performances setting the tone for the nine-day literary celebration at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) on Saturday.
The Children’s Corner remained a major attraction as young participants showcased their creativity in a drawing competition themed “Sare Jahan Se Accha – India’s Journey from ISRO to ISS.” The competition encouraged children to depict India’s achievements in space exploration through art.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, a storytelling session titled “Tales Under the Chinar” featured a puppet show by Ambreen Rasool, who enthralled young audiences with the story of two Kashmiri friends, Hangul and Haput, blending entertainment with local folklore.
The inaugural day’s events concluded with a vibrant cultural programme comprising a traditional Rouf dance, a theatrical performance by the Yomburzal Youth Club and a musical performance by noted singer Waheed Jeelani, whose soulful rendition drew appreciation from the audience.
National Book Trust (NBT) Chairman Prof Milind Sudhakar Marathe said the Chinar Book Festival embodies the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by promoting learning beyond classrooms and fostering a lifelong love for books and knowledge.
Appreciating the efforts of the district administration in combating drug abuse, Marathe urged young people to adopt the message, “Say No to Drugs, Yes to Books,” and cultivate reading as a daily habit.
Director, National Book Trust, India, Yuvraj Malik thanked the District Administration Srinagar, the School Education Department, the Higher Education Department, partner organisations and the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their support in organising the festival.
Describing the Chinar Book Festival as a “brand ambassador” of Kashmir’s literary and cultural heritage, Malik said the event has played a significant role in promoting literary tourism in the valley. He added that the festival is increasingly attracting international visitors, including foreign tourists and members of the Indian diaspora.
Chief Convenor of the festival, Dr Amit Wanchoo, invited people from Srinagar and other districts of Jammu and Kashmir to participate in the nine-day celebration of books, ideas and culture. He encouraged families, students and readers to attend the literary discussions, workshops, cultural performances and interactive sessions featuring eminent writers, scholars, artists, innovators and thinkers from across the country and Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chinar Book Festival will continue until July 26, offering free entry to visitors. Organisers said the coming days will feature literary discussions, book launches, cultural performances, workshops and interactive sessions aimed at readers of all age groups, providing opportunities to engage with authors, artists and publishers while celebrating the joy of reading.
