Pune will host a five-day Children’s Book Fair from April 30 to May 4 at Ganesh Kala Krida Rangmanch, offering a mix of books, cultural activities, and interactive sessions for young readers. The initiative is aimed at nurturing reading habits among children during the summer vacation.
The fair is being jointly organized by the National Book Trust, Pune Book Festival, Pune Municipal Corporation, Samvad Pune, and Samarth Yuva Foundation. Organizers said the event will feature over 100 stalls dedicated to children’s literature, all of which have already been fully booked.
Speaking at a press conference, chief organizer Rajesh Pande said last year’s edition had around 75 stalls and attracted nearly 55,000 to 60,000 children. He added that this year’s expanded format reflects growing interest, with more participation expected from both children and parents.
Alongside book exhibitions, the fair will include a wide range of activities such as performances based on children’s Geet Ramayan, exhibitions of magazine covers, writing competitions, poetry sessions, puppet shows, street play workshops, and interactive sessions with authors. Popular characters like Chintu will also be part of the engagement activities.
Additional attractions include theatre workshops, magic shows, training sessions, rural and adventure games, and a food festival, making the event a comprehensive cultural experience. Entry to the fair will be free for students and parents, encouraging maximum participation.