The Andaman & Nicobar Book Fair 2026 at ITF Ground, Sri Vijaya Puram, attracted enthusiastic participation with interactive children’s activities and an engaging literary session. Organized by the National Book Trust, India, with support from the Department of Art and Culture, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, the fair offered a dynamic mix of learning, creativity, and discussion for visitors of all ages.
The Children’s Corner welcomed over 200 participants from local schools, transforming the space into a hub of imagination and creativity. The morning began with a storytelling session titled “Aao Sune Kahani,” where children listened to the tale of Babban, the Barber. Singing along with the storyteller, the young audience actively engaged with the narrative, making the session interactive and memorable.
Following the storytelling, the Round the Riddle session combined music, movement, and problem-solving. Children solved riddles while participating in an energetic doodle activity, filling a large drawing sheet with colorful, imaginative illustrations. All participants received books published by the National Book Trust, India, encouraging them to continue cultivating reading habits.
In the third session, children explored artistic expression by designing bookmarks in collaboration with Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya. This exercise allowed participants to integrate creativity with literary engagement. Outstanding entries were recognized with prizes and goodies from Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya, motivating young artists to continue exploring their talents.
Students also visited bookstalls with teachers and parents, browsing a wide range of titles and authors while enjoying the festive atmosphere of the fair. The event offered ample opportunities for exploration and discovery, strengthening interest in reading and literary culture.
The fair also featured a literary session by acclaimed author Kulpreet Yadav, who spoke about Rao Tula Ram and his book The Battle of Narnaul in an in-conversation session with Gaurav Choudhury. The discussion, themed “Islands of Memory: How Places Shape Stories, Identity and Imagination,” explored how historical events and locations influence narratives and identity. Yadav combined storytelling with research insights, highlighting lesser-known chapters of India’s resistance history and the legacy of Rao Tula Ram. He also shared his experiences as an actor, illustrating how performance and literature intersect to enrich storytelling.
The literary session offered attendees a multidimensional perspective, blending history, narrative technique, and personal experience, leaving the audience informed, inspired, and engaged with India’s historical narratives.
Through vibrant children’s sessions and the literary discussion, the Andaman & Nicobar Book Fair 2026 reinforced its mission to promote reading, creativity, and cultural awareness. The event continues to provide a platform for learning, artistic expression, and literary engagement for readers of all ages.
Visitors are encouraged to participate in ongoing activities at ITF Ground, Sri Vijaya Puram. Children’s programs include Creative Writing Fun with Team NCCL for classes 1 to 5, an Origami Workshop with Shivani for classes 6 to 8, and a Slogan Writing Competition with Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya for classes 9 to 12.
The Andaman & Nicobar Book Fair 2026 continues to nurture reading habits, artistic expression, and cultural engagement, offering an inclusive and vibrant platform for literature and creativity.
