Pune, 23rd December 2024: The Pune Book Festival, held from December 14 to 22 at Fergusson College grounds, has concluded with remarkable success, marking a fourfold increase in book sales compared to last year. Over 2.5 million books were sold, generating an impressive turnover of Rs 40 crore, according to festival organizers.
Organized by the National Book Trust (NBT), this year’s festival saw over 600 book stalls—more than double the 250 stalls at last year’s event, which had recorded sales of Rs 11 crore. The nine-day literary extravaganza attracted approximately one million visitors and hosted over 1,000 authors, solidifying Pune’s reputation as a hub for literary culture.
Festival organizer Rajesh Pande revealed at the closing ceremony that the event set four world records through book-related initiatives. More than 25 cultural programs, including a children’s film festival, workshops, competitions, and a range of literary activities, were held. Notably, over 100 books were launched, and the first-ever ‘Pune Lit Fest’ attracted prominent dignitaries from various fields.
“The Pune Book Festival is an invention of collective efforts. This initiative should now be transformed into a movement,” said Pande. He added that in collaboration with Savitribai Phule Pune University, a ‘Writer-Reader Dialogue’ initiative will be expanded, aiming to deepen the connection between authors and their audience.
Pande also emphasized the large turnout of young readers, challenging the misconception that today’s youth are disinterested in books. “The youth actively participated in the festival and bought books regularly. This proves that the belief that today’s youth do not read is false,” he said.
The festival, which featured more than 25 cultural programs and diverse activities, drew attendees not only from Pune but from across Maharashtra.
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