Contrary to popular belief that reading habit is dwindling, the 36th edition of the Vijayawada Book Festival proved otherwise

kiranmai tutika | AMARAVATI

The Vijayawada Book Festival, which commenced on January 2 and will conclude on January 12, has once again reaffirmed the city’s enduring relationship with books and reading. Over the past ten days, the festival venue has turned into a lively cultural space, drawing thousands of visitors every day and swelling into a sea of readers during weekends. Hosted in Vijayawada, the annual event has attracted people across age groups, children discovering their first storybooks, students hunting for exam guides and contemporary fiction, professionals browsing bestsellers, and senior citizens revisiting classics and regional literature. The sheer diversity of visitors has given the festival a distinctive, inclusive character.

Walking through the rows of stalls, one finds an impressive range of books, from Telugu and English literature to history, politics, self-help, spirituality, science, and children’s illustrated titles. Many stalls are offering significant discounts, making the festival particularly attractive to avid readers. “I usually buy books online, but nothing compares to this experience,” said Ravi Teja, a software engineer. “You can browse freely, discover unexpected titles and talk to sellers who really understand books.”

Weekends have been especially vibrant, with families arriving together and spending hours at the venue. Children sit cross-legged on the floor, flipping through colourful picture books, while parents patiently browse nearby shelves. “This festival gives my children exposure to books beyond mobile phones. They look forward to it every year,” said homemaker Sunitha. Senior citizens, too, find comfort in the familiar ambience. “Book festivals were an important part of our lives earlier. Seeing such crowds today gives hope that reading culture is alive and growing,” said retired lecturer Narasimha Rao.

Organisers say footfall has steadily increased compared to previous editions, with evenings witnessing the highest turnout. Cultural programmes, author interactions and the overall festive atmosphere have added to the appeal. As the festival enters its final days, the Vijayawada Book Festival stands not merely as a marketplace for books, but as a reminder that reading remains a shared joy, one that continues to bring together a city, page by page.