About Pune Book Festival
About Mr. Rajesh Pande
Mr. Rajesh Pande is the visionary Founder of Pune Book Festival, India's largest book festival. With over two decades of expertise in fostering a love for literature, he has transformed the event into a world record-breaking celebration of reading and books.
Starting in 2021 with a humble vision, Mr. Pande's leadership has propelled the festival to new heights, attracting over 10 lakh visitors and generating ₹40+ crores in book sales. His unwavering commitment to promoting literature has played a pivotal role in positioning Pune as a leading literary hub in India.
Mr. Pande's vision extends beyond just organizing a festival - he aims to create a sustainable reading ecosystem that nurtures young talent, supports emerging authors, and bridges the gap between traditional and contemporary literature.
2023-2024 Achievements
🏆 World Record Achievement
Officially recognized as India's largest book festival with 10+ lakh visitors
💰 Economic Impact
Generated ₹40+ crores in book sales, supporting 600+ publishers and authors
🌍 Cultural Impact
Promoted literature in 25+ languages with 500+ author interactions
Our Mission
Pune Bal Pustak Jatra is dedicated to celebrating literature, promoting reading culture, and creating a platform where book lovers, authors, and literary enthusiasts can come together to share their passion for the written word.
Founded with the vision of making Pune a literary hub, our festival brings together diverse voices from the world of literature. We believe that books have the power to transform lives, bridge communities, and inspire positive change in society.
Through our annual festival, we aim to nurture young talent, support emerging authors, and provide a space for meaningful literary discourse that reflects the multicultural spirit of Pune. Our mission extends to creating a sustainable reading ecosystem for future generations.
What to Expect
Discover the diverse range of activities and experiences waiting for you at the festival
Author Talks & Panels
Engage with renowned authors, poets, and literary personalities in intimate conversations about their work, writing process, and literary insights. Our panel discussions cover diverse topics from contemporary literature to classical works.
Writing Workshops
Participate in hands-on workshops covering various aspects of creative writing, from poetry and short stories to novel writing and journalism. Learn from experienced writers and hone your craft.
Children's Events
Special programming for young readers including interactive storytelling sessions, puppet shows, art and craft activities, and age-appropriate workshops designed to foster a love for reading from an early age.
Book Stalls & Exhibitions
Browse through extensive collections from leading publishers, independent bookstores, and local vendors. Discover new releases, rare finds, and exclusive festival editions at special prices.
V-Blogs: Stories in Motion
Our innovative V-Blog (Video Blog) series brings literature to life through engaging video content. These short, compelling videos feature book reviews, author interviews, reading recommendations, and literary discussions.
V-Blogs serve as a bridge between traditional reading and modern digital consumption, making literature more accessible to younger audiences while maintaining the depth and richness of literary discourse.
What you'll find in our V-Blogs:
- 📖 Book Reviews: In-depth reviews of latest releases and classics
- 🎬 Author Spotlights: Exclusive interviews and conversations
- 📝 Reading Lists: Curated recommendations for different genres
- 🎭 Literary Performances: Poetry readings and dramatic interpretations
Our Values
The principles that guide our festival and community
Inclusivity
We celebrate literature in all languages and forms, welcoming voices from diverse backgrounds and ensuring accessibility for all community members.
Innovation
We embrace new formats and technologies like V-Blogs to make literature more engaging and accessible to modern audiences.
Community
We foster connections between readers, writers, and literary enthusiasts, building a strong and supportive literary community in Pune.
Festival Timeline
Our growth journey
📚 2024 - Expanding Horizons
V-Blogs & digital innovation
💻 2023 - Digital Integration
#MyBookMyStory campaign
Join Our Literary Community
Be part of Pune's most celebrated literary event. Connect with fellow book lovers, discover new authors, and celebrate the joy of reading.