'Beyond conflict, new Kashmir reads': 3rd edition of Chinar Book Festival sees massive turnout

The third Chinar Book Festival was held from July 18 to July 26, 2026, at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar.

The festival attracted 57,000 to 100,000 visitors over nine days, with packed book stalls and enthusiastic participation.

National Book Trust director Yuvraj Malik noted that 70% of visitors were young women, reflecting the Valley's evolving reading culture.

Prominent attendees included astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, actor Rakesh Bedi, and filmmaker Imtiaz Ali.