Ahmedabad Book Festival 2026: Stalls More Than Double to 700+, New Attractions Added

Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad International Book Festival 2026 will feature more than 700 book stalls, over twice the 325 stalls set up last year, as the nine-day event expands its offerings to promote reading, literature and creative expression. Organised jointly by the National Book Trust (NBT), India, and the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), the 12th edition of the festival will be held at the Sabarmati Riverfront Event Centre from October 24 to November 1, with free entry for visitors.

Open daily from 11 am to 10 pm, the festival will bring together authors, poets, publishers, artists, educators and readers through book launches, literary discussions, poetry recitals, musical performances, theatre, children’s activities and writing workshops. Organisers have planned more than 700 book stalls, while daily book launch sessions will offer visitors opportunities to discover new publications and authors.

The festival will be inaugurated in the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Delhi Lieutenant Governor Sardar Taranjit Singh Sandhu. The two dignitaries will release Sardar Teja Singh Samundri: Life and Legacy, a book on the life and contributions of freedom fighter Sardar Teja Singh Samundri. Written by Dr Piyar Singh, the book has been translated into Gujarati by Taru Meghani Kajaria.

Ahmedabad International Book Festival 2026: Key attractions

The festival will feature a main stage, a Children’s Pavilion and an Authors’ Corner in Dome 1, alongside the Gyan Ganga Writing Workshop and Vichar Manthan lecture series in Dome 2. The programmes are designed to appeal to readers across age groups, from schoolchildren exploring stories, science and art to aspiring writers and literature enthusiasts engaging with established authors.

The main stage will host daily evening programmes celebrating Gujarati literature, poetry, music and humour. Highlights include Kavita Unplugged on October 24, a literary exchange on October 25, Shabd Symphony: Kavya Sangeet on October 26, and poetry performances honouring celebrated Gujarati writers. Other programmes will include a musical presentation based on the literary classic Saraswatichandra, a Gujarati comedy session, discussions on the importance of literature and a ghazal evening featuring prominent poets.

The festival will conclude its main-stage programme on November 1 with The Power of Reading, focusing on the importance of books and the transformative role of reading in everyday life.

Children’s Pavilion to host workshops and creative activities

The Children’s Pavilion will offer age-specific activities for students in Classes 1 to 5, 6 to 8, and 9 to 12. The programme will include storytelling, drawing competitions, creative writing, book-cover design, theatre, traditional art, science workshops, yoga, quizzes and craft activities.

Students will also participate in sessions on artificial intelligence and reading habits, interact with authors and attend the Young Authors Meet. Activities organised in association with the National e-Library will introduce children to digital reading resources and encourage them to develop a regular reading habit.

Authors’ Corner to bring writers and literary experts together

The Authors’ Corner, scheduled to host sessions from October 25 to 31, will feature discussions on book creation, translation, Gujarati literature, ghazals, cinema and knowledge systems. Participating writers and experts will discuss the creative process behind books, the role of translation in making literature accessible and the evolution of Gujarati literary traditions.

Sessions will include discussions on the world of cinema, literary traditions and the history of Gujarati publishing. A dedicated programme will also focus on Gujarati ghazals, bringing together well-known poets and writers.

Gyan Ganga Writing Workshop for aspiring authors

The Gyan Ganga Writing Workshop in Dome 2 will provide guidance on different forms of writing, including creative writing, ghazals, short stories, film scripts, theatre, children’s literature, poetry, song writing and voice-overs.

Scheduled sessions will be led by writers and experts, including Dr Raees Maniar, Manilal Patel, Vipul Sharma, Harsh Shodhan, Parul Barot, Sanju Vala and Chirag Tripathi. A publishing industry documentation workshop on October 30 will also feature the launch of Akshar Ne Ajvalnara in Gujarati and English, documenting the history of Gujarati publishing.

Vichar Manthan to discuss history, education and contemporary issues

The Vichar Manthan lecture series will be held daily from 6.15 pm to 7.30 pm in Dome 2. The sessions will cover Indian sporting traditions, changes in higher education, collective consciousness, lesser-known chapters of Indian history, ancient India, social harmony, alternative politics, youth issues and women’s role in building a developed India.

Speakers will include Gujarat Vidyapith Vice-Chancellor Dr Harshad Patel, journalist and academic Vijay Manohar Tiwari, author Ami Ganatra, Prafulla Ketkar and other experts.

Indian handicrafts and art to add to the festival experience

Beyond books and literary programmes, the festival will feature art and cultural activities, including sculpture workshops by Art Gen, a startup exhibition by i-Hub and GUCET, and public art workshops by Abir Art. A food court will also be available for visitors.

Another major attraction will be CHHAAP @ SABARMATI, an initiative by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) showcasing India’s traditional handicrafts and handloom heritage. More than 100 artisans from across the country are expected to present their work under the theme Rooted in Heritage, Reimagined for Tomorrow.

Visitors will be able to explore and purchase handcrafted products directly from artisans, watch live craft demonstrations and participate in hands-on workshops. Masterclasses, expert panel discussions, artisan interactions and virtual reality-based experiences will also form part of the initiative, connecting traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design and technology.

With an expanded book-stall presence, daily book launches and a diverse programme spanning literature, education, performing arts, science and traditional crafts, the Ahmedabad International Book Festival 2026 aims to strengthen the city’s reading culture and offer a broader cultural experience to visitors. DeshGujarat