Chief organiser of the festival Rajesh Pande addressed a news conference on Sunday and described this year’s edition as a significant milestone. “The book festival witnessed the highest footfall ever. It goes to show that reading continues to hold a strong place in people’s lives,” he said.Pande said three world records were set during the festival and registered with the Guinness World Records.Over 30,000 students from 400 schools took part in the Children’s Corner, while colleges also brought in youngsters to visit the festival. In fact, more than 60% visitors were young readers. Additionally, the event had around 1,200 authors, writers and poets participating. As many as 498 books were launched at 150 stalls and 122 eminent speakers interacted with visitors. A librarians’ conference was held with over 200 participants purchasing books extensively for their institutions.“Pune has emerged as a major market for books, with citizens coming from across the state to make purchases. The festival belongs not to the organisers, but to people. We had stalls with books in all languages, attracting readers from every linguistic background. A very large number of attendees came with their families and it is a positive sign,” said Pande.The next edition will be held from Dec 12 to 20 in 2026 at the Fergusson College grounds. The organisers are already planning to make it bigger and better. Information will be shared at appropriate intervals, Pande added.
