Ahmedabad International Book Festival 2026 at Sabarmati Riverfront from Oct 24

Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad International Book Festival 2026 will offer visitors much more than a celebration of books, with an extensive line-up of programmes showcasing Gujarati literature, poetry, ghazals, humour, folk theatre, devotional music and patriotic songs.

Scheduled to be held at the Sabarmati Riverfront Event Centre from October 24 to November 1, the nine-day festival will bring together renowned poets, literary figures, musicians, ghazal artists and performers for a series of themed programmes. According to the festival schedule, the main stage will host special performances every evening, celebrating the diverse colours of Gujarati literature and culture.

The festival will open on October 24 with Poetry Unplugged, dedicated to renowned Gujarati poet Niranjan Bhagat on the occasion of his birth centenary. Bhagat was a distinguished poet, critic and translator who received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1999. The gathering will feature poets including Krishna Dave, Madhav Ramanuj, Tushar Shukla, Sanju Vala and Vinod Joshi. The programme will also include Mukesh Joshi, Tejas Dave, Parul Barot and Hardwar Goswami. The session will honour Bhagat’s literary legacy and his contribution to Gujarati literature.

On October 25, the programme titled Riverfront Retreat will bring together Jay Thadeshwar, Dr Nimit Oza, Dr Prashant Bhimani and Dhvanit Thaker for a conversation on books, ideas and Ahmedabad’s distinctive identity. Designed as a platform for exchanging thoughts and experiences, the programme draws inspiration from the flow of the riverfront, encouraging meaningful dialogue around literature and the city.

On October 26, Shabd Symphony will present a musical tribute to the memorable compositions of late music composer Gaurang Vyas. The performance will feature Prahar Vora, Gargi Vora, Sampada Vora and Megh Mehta, accompanied by live music. Poet Tushar Shukla will speak about Vyas’s contribution to the world of music, while Tushar Joshi will host the programme.

Gujarati folk humour will take centre stage on October 27 with Jitharo Bhabho, a folk-comedy play presented by the Tulsipatra Foundation. Inspired by folk tales from Saurashtra, the production will combine satire, tradition and storytelling. The performance is dedicated to Chandravadan Mehta on the occasion of his birth centenary.

On October 28, renowned performers Osman Mir and Aamir Mir will present Bhajan Clubbing, offering traditional devotional songs in a contemporary, high-energy format. Blending folk music with folk-rock influences, the programme aims to connect audiences across generations with devotional music through a fresh musical experience.

Humour and satire will take the spotlight on October 29 with Hasya Rang, a programme celebrating Gujarati humour and its rich literary tradition. Inspired by the legacy of humourist Vinod Bhatt, the event will feature Bhagyesh Jha, Shahbuddin Rathod and Sukhdev Dhamelia. Through light-hearted anecdotes, sharp observations and humorous presentations, the performers will entertain audiences while highlighting the distinctive appeal of Gujarati humour.

The October 30 programme, Sahitya Mane Game Chhe (I Love Literature), will explore the role of literature in everyday life, the personal journey of reading and the books that shape individuals and their perspectives. Purushottam Rupala, Vasant Gadhvi, Arvind Barot and Ram Mori will participate in the discussion. The programme will focus on personal experiences with literature, favourite words and the enduring influence of books on readers’ lives.

A special evening of Gazal Unplugged, dedicated to Gujarati ghazals, is scheduled for October 31. The gathering will feature an array of prominent ghazal writers, including Harsh Brahmbhatt, Rajendra Shukla, Rajesh Vyas ‘Miskin’, Anil Chavda, Bhavesh Bhatt, Madhu Patel, Chandresh Makwana, Kunal Shah, Shaunak Joshi, Love Sinha, Madhav Aastik, Anant Rathod and Manish Pathak. Through ghazals, couplets and emotionally resonant compositions, the programme will showcase the diversity and richness of Gujarati ghazal literature.

The festival will conclude on November 1 with Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, a musical presentation celebrating patriotism and national pride. Dr Raees Maniar, Vishwanath Batunge, Swarrit Kelkar and Vibhavari Yadav will participate in the programme. Featuring songs that evoke the spirit of India’s freedom struggle, sacrifice and national pride, the performance will bring the nine-day festival to a musical close.

The Ahmedabad International Book Festival will remain open to visitors daily from 11 am to 10 pm between October 24 and November 1. Most of the special programmes scheduled on the main stage will take place between 7.30 pm and 10 pm, while Riverfront Retreat on October 25 is scheduled from 7 pm to 10 pm. The festival aims to offer book lovers and literature enthusiasts an opportunity to experience reading alongside music, art, humour and the cultural richness of Gujarat.

In addition to its evening programmes, the festival will host a range of creative activities for literature enthusiasts, aspiring writers and children. Writing workshops will be conducted daily from 2 pm to 5 pm at Dome 2, providing participants with an opportunity to develop their writing skills. The Children’s Pavilion, at Dome 1, will operate daily from 10 am to 1 pm, encouraging children to explore reading and creativity through engaging activities. An Authors’ Corner will also be organised at Dome 1 every day from 3 pm to 6 pm, offering visitors and literature enthusiasts an opportunity to interact with authors and engage in conversations about books and writing.

With its blend of literary discussions, poetry, music, theatre, humour and interactive activities, the Ahmedabad International Book Festival 2026 is set to create a vibrant cultural platform for readers, writers, children and art enthusiasts, bringing the written word and live performances together over nine days at the Sabarmati Riverfront Event Centre. DeshGujarat