Vision 2047 Takes Centre Stage at Fifth Prayagraj Book Fair from December 18

Prayagraj: The cultural and literary heartbeat of Prayagraj is set to grow stronger as the fifth edition of the Prayagraj Book Fair opens its doors on December 18, promising an expansive celebration of books, ideas and dialogue under the theme “Vision 2047: Developed India – Developed State.” The 11-day fair will be hosted at the Educational Hub—The Palms Resort – Royal Garden, Katra, and will run until December 28 with free entry for all visitors.

Over the years, the Prayagraj Book Fair has evolved into a landmark event on the city’s cultural calendar, reflecting its deep-rooted legacy as a centre of learning, literature and intellectual exchange. This year’s edition aims to go beyond book sales, positioning itself as a platform to discuss the future of knowledge, education and literacy as India moves towards the centenary of its Independence.

Addressing the media, fair convener Manoj Singh Chandel said the event is being jointly organised by ForceOne Books and Bookwala, with participation from leading publishers, distributors and literary organisations from across the country. “The fair has grown steadily in scale and stature, and this year we are expanding both literary and cultural programming to engage readers of all ages,” he noted.

Co-convener Manish Garg highlighted the impressive lineup of publishers, including Rajkamal Prakashan, Lokbharti Prakashan, Vani Prakashan, Rajpal & Sons, Bharatiya Gyanpeeth, Sasta Sahitya Mandal, Publications Division (Government of India), Samyak Prakashan, Hind Yugm, Divyansh Prakashan, Shilpayan, Garg Brothers, among many others. Renowned institutions such as Ramakrishna Math, Kolkata, Kabir Gyan Prakashan Kendra, Giridih, and several emerging independent publishers will also showcase their collections.

Children and young readers will find special attractions this year, with Navneet Prakashan and the iconic Amar Chitra Katha presenting a rich range of children’s literature, illustrated stories and educational books designed to spark curiosity and imagination.

Fair director Aakarsh Chandel explained that the theme “Vision 2047” aligns the fair with national aspirations of inclusive growth and knowledge accessibility. “Our goal is to promote reading, literacy and lifelong learning as foundational pillars of a developed society,” he said. The fair will be inaugurated on December 18 at 5 pm by Justice Siddharth Nandan of the Allahabad High Court.

Beyond book stalls, the fair will host an engaging schedule of book launches, author interactions, poetry recitals, literary seminars, storytelling sessions and creative workshops for children. Continuing a popular initiative, local authors will once again be provided free stalls, enabling them to interact directly with readers and showcase regional voices.

Visitors can also expect a minimum 10% discount on all books, making the fair especially attractive for students and young aspirants. Competitive exam preparation material, career guidance books and motivational literature will form a major draw.

Adding a social dimension, organisations such as Rakt Sankalp and Raktarpan will conduct blood donation awareness campaigns, while Rotary Prayagraj Platinum will host programmes focused on education, health and social service. Adequate and secure parking arrangements have been made to ensure a comfortable experience for visitors.

The organisers have extended an open invitation to literature lovers, students, researchers, parents and families from Prayagraj and neighbouring regions to participate in what they describe as a festival of knowledge, literature and culture—one that honours tradition while looking firmly towards the future.