New Delhi World Book Fair 2026: Free Entry and Tribute to India’s Armed Forces

The 53rd edition of the New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF) 2026 will be held from January 10 to 18 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. For the first time, entry will be free for all visitors. The fair brings together over 1000 publishers and more than 600 events featuring writers, speakers, and cultural programs from across India and the world.

Free Entry for All Visitors

The National Book Trust (NBT), under the Ministry of Education, along with India Trade Promotion, is organizing the event. The decision to allow free entry aims to make books and reading more accessible to everyone, especially young people and students. NBT hopes to attract a larger audience, including Gen Z, to connect with the world of books.

Theme: Indian Military History

The fair’s main theme is “Indian Military History: Valour and Wisdom @75”, honoring 75 years of India’s independence and the contributions of the Indian Armed Forces. The Theme Pavilion, spread across 1,000 square meters, features over 500 books, exhibitions, posters, documentaries, and installations.

Visitors can learn about major wars and military operations, from Budgaon 1947 to Operation Sindoor, and attend over 100 theme-based events with defence experts, authors, and war veterans. Special exhibitions celebrate 150 years of Vande Mataram and the life of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Children’s Pavilion: Kidz Express

The Children’s Pavilion offers storytelling sessions, theatre, quizzes, art and craft activities, book designing workshops, and child-author interactions. The Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya (ReP) will provide over 6,000 free books through digital kiosks and QR codes, promoting inclusive access to reading.

Cultural Events and Performances

Evenings at the fair will include musical performances, poetry recitals, and cultural showcases. Artists such as Ricky Kej, Manganiyars, and bands from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force will perform.

International Participation

Over 35 countries are participating in NDWBF 2026, including Russia, Japan, Poland, France, Abu Dhabi, Iran, Kazakhstan, Hungary, and Chile. France will have a special pavilion as 2026 is the India–France Year of Innovation. Qatar is the guest of honour country, while Spain is the focus country.

Notable Speakers and Authors

The fair will host a large line-up of authors, speakers, and public figures, including Piyush Mishra, Smriti Irani, Hema Malini, Kailash Satyarthi, Rahul Bhattacharya, Ricky Kej, Jaya Kishori, Durjoy Dutta, Luke Coutinho, Deep Haldar, and Nitin Seth.