From thought-provoking discussions to shelves stacked with new reads at the best offers, another book festival is underway in the city; this time at Lucknow University.
Kicked off on Saturday, September 20, the 4th Gomti Book Festival will continue until September 28. If you’re someone who loves reading and missed the National Book Fair that ended last week, this is another chance to stock your shelves with those wish-listed titles. Ready to know what’s in store?
Over 225 stalls await!
Book lovers are in for a treat at the festival, which features over 225 stalls from more than 1,000 publishers, including industry giants like Penguin, Rupa, and Simon & Schuster. Outlining the vision behind the event, Coordinator Akash Manna Greenwold shared, “Our goal is to contribute to building a knowledge society through the ‘Make India Read’ mission, in alignment with the objectives of NEP 2020”.
Adding to the appeal, visitors can avail a 10% discount on purchases by simply registering on the Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya app. The online platform is a national digital library that also provides free access to over 3,000 e-books in various Indian languages.
“A bit expensive” but “Love the vibe”
The visitor experience at the Gomti Book Festival has been varied. While one stall owner mentioned, “We expect more visitors by the end of the week as the crowd is currently slow”, the excitement is palpable.
LU student Shubhi felt the books were “kind of expensive”, but for Akash, the experience was all about shopping, “I’m buying a lot of books this time, I’ve got my list ready!”
For others like Pallavi, it’s the vibe that stands out, “I love the signing corner here!” With its mix of books, performances, and cultural events, the festival offers a week where stories truly come to life.
The Gomti Book Festival’s cultural calendar
The experience extends far beyond the bookstalls. The festival curates a rich cultural program for the entire family, featuring author talks, panel discussions, and book launches. As for the performances, the event schedule is equally exciting, with a line-up that spans classical music, dance, poetry, plays, and more:
Event Line-up:
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September 23:
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6:00 – 6:30 PM: Musical & Dance Performance by Lucknow University Students
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6:30 – 7:00 PM: Kathak Performance by Aishani Pathak
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7:00 – 7:30 PM: Poetry Recital by Dr. Krishna Singh – “Aayo Re Suraaj”
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7:30 – 8:00 PM: Music & Dance Performance by MUIT Lucknow
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September 24:
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6:00 – 7:00 PM: Kavi Sammelan
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7:00 – 8:00 PM: Music & Dance Performance by LU Students
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September 25:
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6:00 – 8:00 PM: Karna Gatha Play by Bhartendu Natya Akademi
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September 26:
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4:00 – 6:00 PM: Urdu Mushaira
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6:00 – 8:00 PM: Mixed Performances by Birju Maharaja Kathak Sansthan
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September 27:
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5:00 – 6:00 PM: Dastangoi by Himanshu Bajpai & Pragya Sharma – Devi Ahilyabai Ki Daastan
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6:00 – 8:00 PM: Qawwali by Nizami Bandhu
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September 28:
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6:00 – 8:00 PM: Performance by Parashar Band
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Moreover, a dedicated children’s pavilion is also part of the Gomti Book Festival, ensuring younger visitors are entertained with theatre, workshops, puppet shows, and more.
When: September 20-28 | 11 AM- 8 PM
Where: Lucknow University
Entry Free
