Pune vs Nagpur: Which City Will Host the Bigger Book Festival?

Pune, 9th December 2024: The upcoming Pune Book Festival, to be held from December 14 to 22 at Fergusson College, is set to outshine previous editions and aims to become a globally recognized event, said former Higher and Technical Education Minister and Kothrud MLA Chandrakant Patil on Sunday. Speaking during a planning meeting for the festival, Patil likened its cultural significance to Pune’s iconic Ganeshotsav and emphasized its potential to be a global literary attraction.

“Pune is a hub for writing, reading, contemplation, and research. Like Ganeshotsav, this book festival will soon be renowned worldwide. Cities across Maharashtra are eager to replicate it,” Patil said, adding that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has proposed organizing a similar event in Nagpur. “However, it is up to us to decide whether Pune’s festival remains unparalleled,” he remarked.

The Pune Book Festival is organized by the National Book Trust (NBT) and is expected to be four times larger than last year, setting a new benchmark in book exhibitions. Patil also shared plans to procure books for mobile libraries in Kothrud and community libraries during the festival.

Actor and writer Praveen Tarde highlighted the event’s cultural resonance with Pune’s heritage, describing it as “a literary Kumbh Mela that reconnects Punekars with their identity as avid literature lovers.” He urged citizens to immerse themselves in the festival and celebrate Pune’s legacy of literary appreciation.

Rajesh Pande, another key organizer, described the event as a community-driven celebration of books and reading. “This festival is a celebration of Pune’s vibrant literary culture. We call on everyone to participate and strengthen this reading movement,” he said.

Bageshree Manthalkar provided updates on the planning and financial arrangements for the festival. The event will feature stalls, exhibitions, and literary activities aimed at fostering a deeper connection with literature among attendees.

The Pune Book Festival promises to be a landmark cultural event, inviting book lovers from across the country to celebrate Pune’s rich literary tradition.