Pune Book Festival Returns in December with Theme ‘Joy of Reading’; Awards, Book Bus, and Digital Access Announced

Pune, 8th July 2025: The much-anticipated Pune Book Festival is set to make a grand return for its third edition from December 13 to 21 at Fergusson College, promising a vibrant celebration of literature under this year’s theme — ‘Joy of Reading.’

Speaking at a press conference, Yuvraj Malik, Director of the National Book Trust (NBT), shared details of the festival’s expanded offerings, including free digital access to 3,000 books, the introduction of a mobile book bus for outreach in rural areas around Pune, and special awards to recognize exceptional media coverage and photography that promote reading culture.

“This festival is not just about books — it’s about bringing reading into the mainstream consciousness. Our efforts this year are aimed at making literature accessible, engaging, and inclusive,” Malik said.

The nine-day literary extravaganza will include over 600 book stalls, workshops for students, the Pune Children’s Film Festival, and a wide array of cultural programs that blend storytelling with music, cinema, and regional arts. The focus will be on celebrating words, cultures, and community connections.

Rajesh Pande, BJP leader and chief organiser of the festival, highlighted the massive success of the previous edition, noting that it recorded over 1 million visitors, witnessed the launch of more than 100 new titles, and saw the sale of 2.5 million books with total transactions exceeding ₹40 crore. The event also set five world records, he said.

Reflecting on the festival’s growing impact, Pande wrote in a social media post:
“This is more than a literary event—it’s a cultural movement that reflects Pune’s deep-rooted intellectual tradition. Much like Ganeshotsav, the Pune Book Festival brings people together across generations through a shared love for books.”

He also acknowledged the collaborative spirit behind the festival, stating:
“The success of this event belongs to every reader, writer, publisher, and citizen of Pune. Each conversation, each book purchased, and every visit to the festival nurtures the literary soul of our society. Books are not merely pages — they carry dreams, ideas, and emotions.”

Looking ahead, Pande added:
“We’re building more than an annual event — we’re creating a lasting movement around the power of reading. We can’t wait to meet again next year with even greater energy and imagination.”

The Pune Book Festival 2025 aims to further elevate Pune’s reputation as a hub for literary and cultural excellence. With a growing footprint and an expanding lineup of events, the festival promises to once again be a landmark event for readers across Maharashtra and beyond.