Gomti Book Festival 2025: More Visitors, More Stories, More Books Sold

The fourth edition of the Gomti Book Festival, held from September 20 to 28 at the University of Lucknow, witnessed a spectacular turnout with over 3.5 lakh visitors, marking a significant leap in public engagement with literature. Organised by the National Book Trust (NBT) in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh government and the University of Lucknow, the festival not only saw a surge of book lovers but also reported a remarkable 30 percent increase in book sales compared to the previous year.

 

Key Takeaways from the Festival

 

Over 225 national and international publishers showcased their titles—a sharp rise from 175 stalls last year—offering readers a rich and diverse range of genres. The most sought-after categories included self-help and spiritual books, fiction novels, children's literature, nation-building titles, and non-fiction focused on India. Additionally, exam-preparation materials and Hindi literature enjoyed robust demand, reflecting the varied interests of attendees.

 

The event featured more than 100 literary, cultural, and children’s activities, with over 200 authors, artists, and experts participating. Special features included a Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya digital corner, granting access to thousands of free e-books and audiobooks, bridging traditional and digital reading experiences.

 

Organisers emphasised that the festival aims to foster a reading culture aligned with national initiatives like the “Make India Read” campaign and the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020. Besides thriving book sales, the event celebrated sustainability and creativity through workshops, storytelling, quizzes, and vibrant cultural performances, including a musical finale by the band Parashara.

 

This edition of the Gomti Book Festival reaffirmed its status as one of India’s leading literary gatherings, inspiring a community-wide embrace of knowledge, arts, and culture.

 

Sources: National Book Trust, The Hans India, PTI News, The Statesman