Celebrating India's Multilingual Legacy at 2025's Top Book Fairs

Introduction

India is home to hundreds of languages – Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Marathi, Urdu, Malayalam, Assamese, and many more each carrying its own stories, traditions, and voices. This linguistic richness is what shapes India’s literary identity, making it one of the most diverse reading cultures in the world. Book fairs, both national and international, play a vital role in celebrating this multilingual legacy. They bring together writers, translators, publishers, and readers from different corners of the country, creating spaces where literature in every language can be heard, shared, and celebrated. As we step into 2025, these book fairs continue to highlight how India’s many languages together form one vibrant literary soul.

India’s Multilingual Spirit and its Literary Landscape

India’s literary landscape has always reflected its cultural diversity. Each region has its own voice — from the folk tales of Rajasthan and the devotional verses of Tamil Nadu to the modern short stories of Bengal and the Urdu ghazals of Delhi. These languages are more than just means of communication; they carry histories, emotions, and ways of seeing the world. Over the years, book fairs have become a celebration of this unity in diversity, providing a common ground for regional writers and publishers to showcase their work. By promoting translations and cross-language dialogues, these fairs not only preserve India’s linguistic heritage but also make it accessible to a wider audience, ensuring that no language or story is left unheard.

Major Book Fairs in 2025

1. New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF)

The New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF) stands as one of the most significant literary events in Asia, serving as a reflection of India’s multilingual and multicultural spirit. Organised by the National Book Trust (NBT) and held at Pragati Maidan, the fair brings together thousands of publishers, authors, and readers from India and abroad. Each edition of the NDWBF celebrates a unique theme often focusing on language, culture, or social awareness and 2025 continues this tradition by highlighting India’s regional literatures and translation culture. Stalls dedicated to Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Assamese, Bengali, and several tribal languages show how literature flourishes beyond the mainstream. The fair not only promotes reading but also strengthens the bond between languages, encouraging readers to explore diverse voices from different corners of the country. By doing so, NDWBF stands as a true testament to India’s evolving yet deeply rooted literary identity.

For more information visit: https://www.nbtindia.gov.in/ndwbf2025/

2. Kolkata International Book Fair

The Kolkata International Book Fair, popularly known as the Boi Mela, is one of the largest and most beloved cultural events in India. Held every year at the Central Park Mela Ground in Salt Lake, the fair is not just a marketplace for books but a festival that celebrates Bengal’s deep-rooted literary spirit. The air is filled with conversations in Bengali, English, Hindi, and several regional dialects, symbolising Kolkata’s long-standing relationship with reading and intellectual exchange. In 2025, the fair continues to honour this multilingual legacy by giving equal space to regional publishers, translation works, and emerging authors from across India. What makes the Boi Mela truly special is its accessibility it brings literature to the streets, allowing people from every background to engage with stories that reflect their language and culture. Through its warmth and inclusivity, the Kolkata Book Fair stands as a living example of how literature unites India’s many voices under one sky.

For more information visit: https://www.kolkatabookfair.net/

3. Chennai International Book Fair (CIBF)

The Chennai International Book Fair (CIBF) has quickly emerged as a major event that connects Tamil literature with the global literary world. Organised by the Tamil Nadu government in collaboration with the Booksellers and Publishers Association of South India (BAPASI), the fair celebrates the depth and diversity of Indian languages while opening new avenues for international exchange. The 2025 edition focuses on promoting translations and cross-cultural dialogue, highlighting how Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, and Kannada literatures continue to evolve alongside English and global writing. With participation from international publishers and cultural organisations, the fair reflects the spirit of a truly multilingual India-one that values its linguistic heritage while embracing global readership. Through its blend of tradition and modernity, the CIBF stands as a symbol of how language can unite cultures and carry regional stories across borders.

For more information visit: https://chennaiinternationalbookfair.com/

4. Hyderabad Book Fair

The Hyderabad Book Fair is one of South India’s most celebrated literary gatherings, reflecting the city’s long-standing love for language and learning. Organised by the Hyderabad Book Fair Society, the event brings together a vast collection of books in Telugu, Urdu, Hindi, and English, along with works from several regional and international publishers. The fair’s strength lies in its inclusivity-it welcomes readers from all linguistic and cultural backgrounds, encouraging them to explore the beauty of diverse literatures. The 2025 edition continues this tradition by emphasizing the importance of reading in one’s mother tongue while also promoting translations that bridge regional and global audiences. With vibrant stalls, book launches, and interactive discussions, the Hyderabad Book Fair stands as a true celebration of India’s multilingual spirit where every language finds its voice and every reader finds a story to cherish.

For more information visit: https://www.hyderabadbookfair.com/

5. Bangalore Book Fair

The Bangalore Book Fair has become one of Karnataka’s most awaited literary events, bringing together readers, writers, and publishers from across India. Organised by the Bangalore Book Sellers and Publishers Association, the fair is known for its inclusive atmosphere and wide linguistic representation. From Kannada classics and modern English fiction to works in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi, the fair mirrors the multilingual identity of the city itself. Bangalore’s cosmopolitan spirit makes it a space where regional and global voices coexist harmoniously. The 2025 edition continues to highlight regional literature through dedicated sections for Kannada authors and local publishers while also promoting translations that allow stories to travel across linguistic boundaries. Through its energetic participation and diverse collection, the Bangalore Book Fair beautifully showcases how language diversity continues to define and enrich India’s literary scene.

India’s Multilingual Presence at International Book Fairs

India’s rich linguistic and literary traditions have found recognition far beyond its borders. In recent years, international book fairs such as the Frankfurt Book Fair, London Book Fair, and Sharjah International Book Fair have become platforms where Indian publishers and authors proudly present the country’s multilingual heritage to global readers. At these events, books translated from Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, and Malayalam often draw international attention, proving that Indian literature extends well beyond English. The Frankfurt Book Fair, one of the world’s largest publishing events, has regularly featured India as a key participant, encouraging collaborations in translation and publishing. Similarly, the London Book Fair provides space for regional voices to reach a global audience, while the Sharjah International Book Fair highlights South Asian literature, showcasing works that represent the cultural depth of the Indian subcontinent. Through these fairs, India continues to share its diverse stories with the world reaffirming that its literary identity is both deeply local and proudly global.

Conclusion

India’s literary journey has always been guided by the power of its languages each offering a distinct lens through which people understand their world. From the bustling stalls of Delhi and Kolkata to the vibrant gatherings in Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore, every book fair stands as a reminder of the country’s linguistic and cultural unity. The presence of Indian literature at international book fairs further strengthens this bond, proving that India’s multilingual legacy resonates far beyond its borders. As 2025’s fairs continue to celebrate both regional and global voices, they remind us that language is not merely a tool for communication, but a bridge that connects histories, emotions, and communities. In celebrating its many tongues, India celebrates itself a nation whose stories speak in a thousand beautiful ways.