Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad International Book Festival 2025, held from 13 to 23 November at the Sabarmati Riverfront Event Centre, has set a new benchmark in popularity this year. Associated with the “Vanche Gujarat 2.0” campaign, the 11-day festival witnessed a footfall of over 8.21 lakh visitors, making it the most visited book festival not only in Gujarat but also at the national level, according to organizers.

The festival was inaugurated on 13 November. The ceremony commenced with a collective rendition of Vande Mataram and a pledge promoting Swadeshi values. Several books were launched on the occasion, including “Barrister Mr Patel” dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Organised across an expansive 1 lakh sq. ft. area by the Amdavad Municipal Corporation, the National Book Trust of India, and the Ministry of Education, the festival featured participation from more than 300 publishers. Three dedicated zones were designed for every age group, offering a continuous lineup of activities such as children’s literature sessions, creative workshops, poetry readings, author interactions, and a film festival, all of which drew significant public interest.

Workshops for children, storytelling sessions, art and craft activities, and the dedicated Children’s Film Festival emerged as major attractions. As part of the School Board’s centenary celebrations, thousands of students participated in various competitions and were honoured with awards to encourage their creativity.

The “Gyaan Ganga” workshops for youth played a key role in the festival’s remarkable success. Creative sessions on poetry writing, theatre, film scripting, and book design, along with multiple book launch events, brought together students, writers, and creators on a common platform.

The presence of international speakers added a global dimension to the event. Scholars from Chile, Spain, England, and South Africa conducted special sessions on subjects related to Indian literature and culture. Additionally, daily cultural performances on the main stage kept the festival vibrant and engaging.

The festival received widespread appreciation for its well-planned arrangements and amenities. The clean campus environment, spacious food court, dedicated startup zone, unique stamp exhibition featuring VR gaming, and reader-friendly ambience encouraged families to spend extended hours at the venue. Owing to the meticulous efforts of the organisers, the Ahmedabad International Book Festival 2025 has earned its reputation as a true “Mahakumbh of Knowledge.”