The winter sun, the aroma of fresh ink and Chhena Poda, and rows of colourful stalls have set the stage for the 7th Odisha State Book Festival 2025.
Bigger, Greener, More Inclusive
This year’s edition is the largest yet, with 550+ stalls and 250+ publishers. For the first time, six international publishers are showcasing European classics and world philosophy. The fair has also gone eco-friendly with recycled paper, digital catalogues, and zero-plastic brochures. A Braille Pavilion for visually-impaired readers and QR-code maps for easy navigation add to the inclusivity.
Honouring Odisha’s Heritage
The festival pays tribute to Odisha’s cultural icons. The main gate is named after freedom fighter Maa Ramadevi, the inner gate honours saint-poet Bhima Bhoi, and the main stage is dedicated to Jnanpith awardee Ramakanta Rath. Two theme pavilions spotlight Odisha’s women freedom fighters and commemorate Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary, while the “Baraputras Pavilion” showcases rare manuscripts of Fakir Mohan, Gangadhar Meher, and Radhanath Ray.
Literary Stars and Cultural Events
The fair features daily author interactions, poetry nights, Odissi performances, and storytelling for children, making it a complete cultural experience.
Food, Coffee & Selfies
Beyond books, the fair offers a lively mix of food and fun. The Slurp Zone serves Pakhala, Chhena Poda, Bara-Ghuguni, momos, and fruit juices, while the Coffee Corner has become the adda for readers and writers. Selfie points across the venue ensure the festival is as Instagram-ready as it is literary.
Hot Picks on the Shelves
Among the bestsellers are The Sun Temple of Konark by Adyasha Das, Olatpur by Biraja Routray, A Jar of Pebbles by Krishna Mohan Tata, and Ali Itihasa by Golak Bihari Singh. Spiritual, motivational, and children’s books are drawing enthusiastic crowds.
Timings and Special Days
The fair is open from 2 PM to 10 PM daily (weekends from 10 AM), with free entry for all. Key highlights include Fakir Mohan Literature Day on Dec 10, a Children’s Day carnival on Dec 15, and a grand closing with fireworks on Dec 17.
For Bhubaneswar, the book fair is more than an event—it is a festival of stories, culture, and community, where generations rediscover the joy of reading and strangers become friends over poetry and coffee.
