Pune: To encourage reading habits among young minds during the summer break and introduce them to history, art, literature, and culture in an engaging way, the Pune Children’s Book Fair will be held from May 22 to 25 at Ganesh Kala Krida Manch, Swargate.
This unique initiative is being jointly organised by the National Book Trust, Pune Book Festival, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), and Samvad Pune. Speaking at a recent press conference, Rajesh Pande, Trustee of the National Book Trust and Chief Organizer of the Pune Book Festival, shared that the fair is designed not only for children but also for parents and educators.
“The idea is to make reading enjoyable and help children improve their writing and comprehension abilities through exposure to diverse cultural activities. The event also aims to offer a creative platform that reflects children’s emotional worlds,” said Pande. The initiative is backed by PMC Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale, along with cultural officials Sunil Ballal and Rajesh Kamathe.
Key Attractions of the Pune Children’s Book Fair:
Extensive Marathi Children’s Book Display
Showcase of Popular Kids’ Magazine Covers
Poetry Sessions, Creative Writing Contests
Puppet Shows and Street Play Workshops
Magic Performances and Interactive DIY Workshops
Meet-the-Author Events
All events and activities are completely free of charge. The fair also includes a ‘Food Court’ and a special ‘Apale Angan’ zone where traditional Indian games like lagori, vitti-dandu, sagargote, and tyre races will be organised to connect children with cultural roots.
A highlight of the event will be a hands-on aeronautics workshop, where children can learn to build model airplanes and create science-based toys. Another engaging feature, ‘Mavla Khel’, will bring history to life through outdoor games inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha Empire.
The fair also includes a multilingual literature exhibition catering to parents and teachers, acknowledging their key role in nurturing children’s reading habits and intellectual growth.
Organisers are encouraging Pune families to scan the official QR code for free registration and actively participate in this enriching literary and cultural celebration.
