The Ahmedabad International Book Festival 2026 will feature more than 700 book stalls, more than double the 325 stalls set up last year. The nine-day event will be held at the Sabarmati Riverfront Event Centre from October 24 to November 1, offering free entry to visitors.
Organised jointly by the National Book Trust (NBT), India, and the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), the 12th edition of the festival will bring together authors, poets, publishers, artists, educators and book lovers through book launches, literary discussions, poetry recitals, musical performances, theatre, children’s activities and writing workshops.
The festival will remain open daily from 11 am to 10 pm, with book launches scheduled throughout the event to introduce visitors to new publications and authors.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Delhi Lieutenant Governor Sardar Taranjit Singh Sandhu will attend the inauguration. They will also release Sardar Teja Singh Samundri: Life and Legacy, a book on the life and contributions of the freedom fighter. Written by Dr Piyar Singh, the book has been translated into Gujarati by Taru Meghani Kajaria.
Ahmedabad International Book Festival 2026: Key Attractions
The festival will feature a main stage, a Children’s Pavilion and an Authors’ Corner in Dome 1. Dome 2 will host the Gyan Ganga Writing Workshop and the Vichar Manthan lecture series.
The programmes will cater to visitors of all age groups, including schoolchildren, aspiring writers and literature enthusiasts.
The main stage will host daily evening programmes celebrating Gujarati literature, poetry, music and humour. Highlights include Kavita Unplugged on October 24, a literary exchange on October 25 and Shabd Symphony: Kavya Sangeet on October 26.
Other events will include poetry performances honouring renowned Gujarati writers, a musical presentation based on the literary classic Saraswatichandra, Gujarati comedy, discussions on the importance of literature and a ghazal evening featuring prominent poets.
The main-stage programme will conclude on November 1 with The Power of Reading, highlighting the importance of books and the role of reading in everyday life.
Children’s Pavilion to Offer Workshops and Creative Activities
The Children’s Pavilion will organise activities for students in Classes 1 to 5, 6 to 8, and 9 to 12. The programme will include storytelling, drawing competitions, creative writing, book-cover design, theatre, traditional art, science workshops, yoga, quizzes and craft activities.
Students will also participate in sessions on artificial intelligence and reading habits, interact with authors and attend the Young Authors Meet.
Activities organised in association with the National e-Library will introduce children to digital reading resources and encourage them to develop regular reading habits.
Authors’ Corner to Host Writers and Literary Experts
The Authors’ Corner will host sessions from October 25 to 31, focusing on book creation, translation, Gujarati literature, ghazals, cinema and knowledge systems.
Writers and experts will discuss the creative process behind books, the importance of translation in making literature accessible to wider audiences and the evolution of Gujarati literary traditions.
The programme will also feature discussions on cinema, the history of Gujarati publishing and a special session on Gujarati ghazals featuring well-known poets and writers.
Writing Workshop for Aspiring Authors
The Gyan Ganga Writing Workshop in Dome 2 will offer guidance on various forms of writing, including creative writing, ghazals, short stories, film scripts, theatre, children’s literature, poetry, songwriting and voice-overs.
The sessions will be conducted by writers and experts, including Dr Raees Maniar, Manilal Patel, Vipul Sharma, Harsh Shodhan, Parul Barot, Sanju Vala and Chirag Tripathi.
A workshop on documenting the publishing industry will be held on October 30. The event will also feature the launch of Akshar Ne Ajvalnara in Gujarati and English, documenting the history of Gujarati publishing.
Vichar Manthan to Discuss History, Education and Social Issues
The Vichar Manthan lecture series will be held daily from 6.15 pm to 7.30 pm in Dome 2. Discussions will cover Indian sporting traditions, changes in higher education, collective consciousness, lesser-known chapters of Indian history, ancient India, social harmony, alternative politics, youth-related issues and women’s role in building a developed India.
Speakers will include Gujarat Vidyapith Vice-Chancellor Dr Harshad Patel, journalist and academic Vijay Manohar Tiwari, author Ami Ganatra, Prafulla Ketkar and other experts.
Handicrafts and Art to Add to the Festival Experience
Apart from books and literary programmes, the festival will offer several art and cultural activities. These will include sculpture workshops by Art Gen, a startup exhibition by i-Hub and GUCET, and public art workshops by Abir Art. A food court will also be available for visitors.
Another major attraction will be CHHAAP @ SABARMATI, an initiative by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) showcasing India’s traditional handicrafts and handloom heritage.
More than 100 artisans from across the country are expected to participate under the theme Rooted in Heritage, Reimagined for Tomorrow.
Visitors will be able to explore and purchase handcrafted products directly from artisans, watch live craft demonstrations and participate in hands-on workshops. The initiative will also feature masterclasses, expert panel discussions, interactions with artisans and virtual reality-based experiences, connecting traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design and technology.
With more than 700 book stalls, daily book launches and a wide range of activities spanning literature, education, performing arts, science and traditional crafts, the Ahmedabad International Book Festival 2026 aims to promote reading and provide visitors with a diverse cultural experience.