Chilika Book Fair 2026: First Edition to Be Held in Balugaon from April 24Five-day event near Chilika Lake to feature publishers, book stalls and cultural activities
The first edition of the Chilika Book Fair is set to be held in Balugaon town of Odisha from April 24 to April 28, 2026. The event will take place at Balugaon College, located near Chilika Lake, and aims to promote reading and literary engagement in the region.
Key Announcements / Highlights
- Chilika Book Fair to run for five days from April 24–28
- Venue: Balugaon College in Khordha district
- Around 80 stalls expected from publishers across Odisha
- Participation confirmed by Cuttack and Bhubaneswar Publishers’ Association
- Food stalls and visitor facilities to be arranged on-site
- Inauguration scheduled by Deputy CM Prabhati Parida and Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan
Official Statement
According to officials involved in the preparations, the fair is intended to create a space where readers, students and publishers can interact and engage with books across genres. Organisers said the event is designed to encourage literary interest while offering a platform for publishers to reach new audiences.
Context / Background
Book fairs have traditionally been concentrated in larger urban centres such as Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. The Chilika Book Fair marks an effort to expand such cultural initiatives to smaller towns and semi-urban regions.
Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, is a major tourist destination. Hosting the fair near the lake is expected to increase visitor turnout and combine tourism with cultural activity.
Public Impact
The event is expected to benefit students, local readers and educational institutions by improving access to a wide range of books.
For publishers, the fair provides an opportunity to connect with new readership in southern Odisha. Local businesses, including food vendors and transport services, may also see increased activity during the five-day event.
With its inaugural edition, the Chilika Book Fair aims to establish itself as a recurring cultural event in Odisha. If successful, it could pave the way for similar literary initiatives in smaller towns, broadening access to books and promoting reading culture beyond major cities.
Inputs & Images: Hindusthan Samachar
Edited by: Pushkarini Annabathula
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Last Updated on: Thursday, April 16, 2026 4:09 pm by Pushkarini Annabathula | Published by: Pushkarini Annabathula on Thursday, April 16, 2026 4:09 pm | News Categories: Latest
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