The 7th Odisha State Book Festival, organized under the aegis of the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture, is currently underway in Bhubaneswar’s Unit-3 Exhibition Ground from December 6 to 17. With just two days remaining, the festival has already witnessed large crowds and significant book sales, totaling nearly ₹5 crore as of December 15. The event underscores the growing interest of readers in books and the commitment to fostering a vibrant literary culture in the state.
Festival Showcases Diverse Literary Works
The festival features a wide range of books catering to readers of all ages. Citizens are exploring publications from various authors and publishers, reflecting the public’s continued love for books despite the rise of digital media. Young readers, in particular, have been flocking to the stalls, showing keen interest in academic and literary works.
Odisha Legislative Assembly Library Participates
Members of the Odisha Legislative Assembly Library Sub-Committee visited the festival to select books for the library. The delegation, led by Chairperson and MLA Akash Das Nayak, included members Jayadev Mallik, Aravind Mahapatra, Vidyadhar Majhi, senior research officers Pradeep Kumar Kullu, Jaykrishna Pradhan, Deputy Director Byomajit Mahanti, and Assistant Director Bishnupriya Mallik.
Special emphasis was placed on books highlighting the lives of Odisha’s male and female freedom fighters, which have been selected to be added to the Legislative Assembly Library collection. The total value of the books chosen is approximately ₹7 lakh.
Academic and Student Engagement
College and university students have actively participated in the festival, particularly in academic sections. Students pursuing Diploma, +2 Science, and B.Tech courses are purchasing textbooks and other study materials in Odia. Publishers emphasized that textbooks in the mother tongue help students better understand subjects, in line with the National Education Policy 2020, which promotes education in the mother tongue.
Growing Interest in Translated Literature
There has also been a noticeable rise in readers’ interest in translated literature. The Translation Literature Council Trust has made over 100 translated books available, covering various regional and foreign languages, which have been widely appreciated by visitors.
Festival Scale and Public Experience
This year, the book festival has set up 550 stalls with participation from more than 200 publishers and book sellers. Visitors not only purchase books but also enjoy local cultural experiences, including Koraput coffee and delicious meals prepared from millet-based ingredients, which have been particularly popular among attendees.
The festival continues to serve as a vibrant platform to promote Odia literature, academic resources, and cultural engagement, drawing readers from across the state and fostering a love for books among students and the general public alike.