Turning Pages: Gomti Book Festival Returns to Lucknow University for Season Five

Transforming the historic campus into a vibrant literary hub, the ninth-edition Gomti Book Festival has officially opened its gates, drawing thousands of readers, scholars, and authors.

Bringing together a massive convergence of literature, culture, and public discourse, the fifth edition of the Gomti Book Festival officially commenced at Lucknow University. Running from September 12 through September 20, 2026, the nine-day open-air literary event was inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath as the chief guest. Organised collaboratively by the National Book Trust (NBT), the Uttar Pradesh government, and the host university, the festival features over 200 book stalls hosted by more than 120 national and regional publishers, offering an extensive repository of titles in Hindi, English, Urdu, Awadhi, and other Indian languages.

Evaluating Publishing Scale, Digital Integration, and Cultural Programming

Analyzing the operational scope of the 2026 festival highlights a deliberate effort to blend traditional print publishing with modern digital literacy initiatives. According to official planning briefs and statements released by the National Book Trust in September 2026, key highlights include:

• Extensive Multilingual Inventory: More than 120 publishers have set up roughly 250 stalls, spanning academic textbooks, competitive exam guides, poetry, children's literature, and regional translations.

• Specialized Literary Sessions: Daily panels feature prominent figures, including astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, folk singer Malini Awasthi, author Shantanu Gupta, and Padma Shri awardee Vidya Vindu Singh.

• Digital Library Integration: Visitors receive hands-on exposure to the Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya, India’s national digital repository providing free access to thousands of e-books across regional languages.

• Dedicated Children’s Pavilion: A structured schedule of storytelling workshops, puppet shows, and creative competitions engages younger audiences throughout the nine-day window.

Why It Matters

The practical implications of hosting a large-scale literary festival reinforce Lucknow’s standing as a historic center of education and cultural dialogue. For everyday citizens, students, and educators, the free-entry event provides direct access to diverse reading materials alongside special discounts on NBT publications. For local publishers and regional authors, the venue serves as a vital commercial and creative marketplace to connect with wider audiences.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Event Dates: September 12 to September 20, 2026.

• Venue: Lucknow University Ground, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

• Participant Scale: Over 120 publishers occupying roughly 250 stalls.

• Admission: Completely free of charge for all visitors daily from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

FAQ Section

What are the operational dates and timings for the Gomti Book Festival 2026?

The nine-day festival runs from September 12 to September 20, 2026, with daily operating hours from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Where is the festival being hosted in Lucknow?

The event is hosted on the campus grounds of Lucknow University.

Is there an entry fee to visit the book fair?

No, entry to the festival grounds, exhibition stalls, and cultural sessions is completely free for all visitors.

What languages and genres are represented at the stalls?

Publishers are showcasing books in Hindi, English, Urdu, Awadhi, and other Indian languages, covering fiction, non-fiction, children's literature, and academic texts.

Where can visitors access digital reading resources during the event?

Attendees can explore the Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya kiosk at the festival to access thousands of free e-books in multiple Indian languages.

Source: National Book Trust (NBT), Asian News International (ANI), The Times of India, Press Trust of India (PTI)