New Delhi World Book Fair 2026, Day 3 highlighted Indian military history, cultural discourse, poetry, women’s voices, children’s literature and folk music, drawing massive crowds and dignitaries.
Source: NBT
Free entry at the New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF) 2026 continued to draw massive crowds on Day 3 at Bharat Mandapam, as military history, literature and cultural discourse took centre stage. From early morning, families, students, readers and young visitors streamed into the venue, turning the fair into a vibrant public celebration of books and ideas.
One of the biggest attractions on Day 3 was the Theme Pavilion on ‘Indian Military History: Valour and Wisdom @75’. Life-size replicas of Army tanks and the presence of uniformed military personnel across halls emerged as instant selfie hotspots, captivating visitors across age groups and adding a powerful visual and experiential dimension to the Fair.
Advertisement
Among the dignitaries who visited the Book Fair were General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces; Shri R. N. Ravi, Hon’ble Governor of Tamil Nadu; Ms Hema Malini, veteran actor and Lok Sabha MP; and Ms Smriti Irani, former Union Minister.
Advertisement
General Anil Chauhan visited the Theme Pavilion dedicated to Indian Military History: Valour & Wisdom @75 and engaged with the Concept Wall. He experienced sections highlighting valour, wisdom and philosophy, and appreciated the striking Sculpture of Valour, which reflects India’s rich military heritage, strategic thought and timeless values.
At the Theme Pavilion, Ms Smriti Irani reflected on leadership, public service and the journey from grassroots engagement to national responsibility.
She also participated in a special session of the Bharat Literature Festival. Congratulating the organisers, Ms Irani described the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 as unprecedented. She noted that for the first time in the history of the Book Fair, philosophy and valour were being celebrated together, calling it a unique confluence of literature and technology.
Emphasising the enduring relevance of ideas, she said that while the modes of consuming content may have evolved, the power of literature remains unchanged.
Ms Hema Malini participated in a session centred on Krishna Bhakti-based poetry by Kavi Das Narayan. The book launch titled ‘Kavivar Das Narayan ke Krishna Bhakti Pad’ was attended by Shri Arun Maheshwari and Shri Vimlesh Kanti Verma, with Ms Malini gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest.
She remarked that the event was not merely the release of a book, but a celebration of devotional poetry and spiritual experience, adding that the work carries forward a rich tradition rooted in poets such as Surdas and Mirabai.
History and cultural memory came alive at the International Events Corner, where Kazakh historian and professor Dr. Sattar F. Mazhitov shared his perspective during a panel discussion.
As Kazakhstan marks 35 years of independence, Dr. Mazhitov spoke about the country’s evolution and how it has utilised its vast natural resources as a foundation for stability.
The discussion also explored historical ties between India and Kazakhstan. Dr. Mazhitov cited the example of historian Mirza Muhammad Haidar Dughlat, who is buried in Srinagar, as a symbol of deep-rooted cultural exchange between the two nations.
The session was followed by a poetic exchange featuring poets from Spain and India, celebrating linguistic diversity through Spanish, Basque, Catalan, Asturian, Bengali and Hindi voices. The discussion revolved around women’s voices, their agency and expressions of love.
At the Lekhak Manch, noted Hindi author Mamta Kalia described herself as a ‘gulabi feminist’ while urging women to write fearlessly about rights, resistance and lived experiences. The Naya Nari Vimarsh discussion focused on a key theme from her works—the socially constructed idea that links a woman’s physical purity to her honour.
Dr. Balwant Kaur, faculty at Delhi University, praised Ms Kalia’s literary journey and highlighted the evolution of her feminist thought.
Kidz Express took young visitors on a journey through imagination, stories and creativity on Day 3. More than 2,500 children enthusiastically participated in a wide range of fun-learning activities throughout the day.
A wall titled “Rang Do Duniya Saari” came alive with doodles, colours and laughter, as children and adults poured their creativity into colouring life-size canvases.
Author Ramendra Kumar launched his book Dev, a contemporary reinterpretation of the mythical character Ghatotkach from the Mahabharata. The launch was attended by Shri Kumar Vikram, Chief Editor & Joint Director, NBT-India, and Ms Kanchan Wanchoo Sharma, Deputy Director, NCCL, NBT India.
As part of the Training the Trainers Programme, Mr Vivek Kumar, teacher and Vedic Maths expert, conducted an interactive workshop attended by teachers, educators and parents.
In the evening, the Manganiyars—renowned hereditary folk musicians from Rajasthan’s Thar Desert—captivated audiences at the Amphitheatre with soulful desert ballads and rhythmic traditional instruments.
The New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 continues at Bharat Mandapam till January 18 with free entry, inviting readers, families, students and educators to explore global literature, engage with authors and ideas, and be part of India’s largest celebration of reading and knowledge.
Also Read: New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 returns with free entry, salutes India’s Armed Forces
Advertisement
