Pune Book Festival 2025 Kicks Off at Fergusson College Grounds with 900 Stalls and Free Entry
By Akita Chettri
Shivajinagar, 15th December 2025: The Pune Book Festival, currently underway at the Fergusson College Grounds from December 13 to 21, is the city’s largest and most eagerly awaited literary event. Known for its vibrant and imaginative décor celebrating books in multiple languages, the festival has drawn readers of all ages. Entry is free, and visitors can avail a flat 10 per cent discount on all books.
Organised under the aegis of the National Book Trust (NBT), India, the festival aims to promote reading and strengthen India’s literary culture. This year’s edition features a dedicated children’s corner offering storytelling sessions and interactive activities, alongside spaces curated for adult readers and book discussions. A large central stage hosts daily cultural performances, while expansive tents house books from hundreds of publishing houses across the country.
The 2025 festival has nearly 900 stalls, of which around 800 are devoted exclusively to books in various Indian languages. Several stalls focus on educational toys and interactive learning tools. The food court, popularly known as the “khao-galli”, offers a wide range of cuisines. A photography booth presents visual narratives of Pune, capturing moments ranging from the grandeur of Ganapati celebrations to portraits of everyday life.
Visitors interested in spirituality can also explore a stall featuring Sadhguru’s free meditation app, Miracles of Mind. In addition, the play Chanakya is being staged at Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir in Shivajinagar, with free entry scheduled for Tuesday, December 16, from 5.30 pm onwards.
Cultural performances remain a major attraction this year, with a diverse line-up of artists and genres. The schedule includes Parashara Band on December 13, Thaikkudam Bridge on December 14, Nirantar and Folk Lok on December 15, Kirtavani and Talotsav on December 16, Rashtra Aradhana by Shahir Yogesh on December 17, Rutubarva on December 18, Tuka Mhane and Punyashlok on December 19, and a performance by Grammy Award-winning musician Ricky Kej on December 20.
Over the years, the Pune Book Festival has earned several recognitions from the Guinness Book of World Records. These include the creation of the largest book word, where “Bharat” was formed using 7,500 books on December 15, 2023; the largest book sculpture, a 9.94-metre replica of the Indian Constitution’s cover made entirely of books on December 20, 2024; and the largest display of posters, featuring 1,678 posters of tribal words on December 12, 2025, surpassing a previous record held in the United States.
As the Pune Book Festival 2025 progresses towards its conclusion, it stands out as a vibrant celebration of literacy, culture and community engagement. Visitors say the event has grown larger and more inclusive, especially benefiting the city’s large student population. With its record-setting achievements, diverse literary offerings, engaging children’s spaces and high-profile performances, the festival once again reinforces Pune’s reputation as a leading literary hub under the stewardship of the National Book Trust.
