Dehradun Hosts Grand Opening of Doon Book Festival; 26 Regional Titles Released

The Doon Book Festival 2026, inaugurated in Dehradun by the Uttarakhand Chief Minister, highlights Garhwali and Kumaoni literature alongside broader cultural and educational programming. With over 300 stalls and free entry, the event promotes reading, supports publishing ecosystems, and features digital access to thousands of books through Rashtriya E-Pustakalaya.

The nine-day ‘Doon Book Festival’ was inaugurated in Dehradun by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in the presence of several eminent personalities, marking a significant cultural and literary event in the state. The festival brings together literature, art, and culture under one platform and is being seen as a major step toward promoting reading habits and regional languages.

Speaking at the inaugural समारोह, National Book Trust Chairman Prof. Milind Sudhakar Marathe described Uttarakhand as a confluence of Indian culture and valour. He emphasized the importance of reading, stating that books are essential for mental growth just as exercise is for the body. Highlighting the region’s intellectual legacy, he referred to great personalities like Ved Vyasa, Maharishi Kanva, Sunderlal Bahuguna, Sumitranandan Pant, and Bachendri Pal.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami termed the festival a unique confluence of literature, culture, and art. He said Uttarakhand, known as ‘Devbhoomi,’ has a rich literary heritage and recalled that the great poet Kalidasa composed Abhijnanashakuntalam in this region. He also mentioned noted writers such as Shailesh Matiyani, Lakshman Singh Bisht ‘Batohi,’ and Ruskin Bond, adding that books play a crucial role in preserving knowledge and enhancing critical thinking.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister distributed books among school children and encouraged people to develop the habit of reading and buying books to strengthen the culture of knowledge and support the publishing ecosystem. A major highlight of the event was the launch of 26 Garhwali and Kumaoni language books published by the National Book Trust.

These included notable Garhwali titles like Chauri-Chaura Jan Kranti ko Nayo Sabero and Ummeedai Kiran, as well as Kumaoni works such as Maati Myar Deshe ki and Gulaab ka Dagdu. Scholar Acharya Balkrishna highlighted the importance of books as a medium of authentic knowledge and said that such festivals serve as platforms for cultural and intellectual exchange.

He also stressed that original writings remain the most reliable source of true knowledge, even in the age of advancing technology and AI. National Book Trust Director Yuvraj Malik, in his vote of thanks, noted that this is the first time in 26 years since Uttarakhand’s formation that such a large-scale literary and cultural event is being organized. He expressed confidence that the festival would grow into one of the country’s leading book fairs.

Organized jointly by the National Book Trust under the Ministry of Education and the Government of Uttarakhand, the festival features over 300 stalls showcasing lakhs of books in multiple Indian languages and English. Entry to the festival has been kept free to ensure maximum public participation.

The festival will also host the ‘Doon Lit Fest,’ featuring prominent personalities including Nitin Seth, Kulpreet Yadav, Akhilendra Mishra, Acharya Prashant, Shubhanshu Shukla, and Lt. Gen. Satish Dua. Visitors can also enjoy storytelling sessions, workshops, quizzes, and cultural performances, along with musical events by artists like Pandavas, Narendra Singh Negi, and Vanshika Joshi.

Promoting digital reading, the festival also highlights the Rashtriya E-Pustakalaya, offering free access to thousands of books in over 22 Indian languages and English. The Doon Book Festival 2026 is being held at Parade Ground from April 4 to April 12, inviting readers, writers, and culture enthusiasts from across the country to be part of this vibrant literary celebration.