Gomti Book Festival 2026 Concludes with Record Footfall and Sales

National Book Trust, India in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh government and Lucknow University successfully organised the fifth edition of the Gomti Book Festival, at the campus of Lucknow University from September 12-20, 2026.

Yogi Adityanath, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh inaugurated the Fair. Speaking on the occasion, he remarked that books serve not only as a means of academic excellence but also as a way to advance knowledge. He also highlighted the “rich literary tradition of Lucknow and the contribution of writers to the Indian writing oeuvre.” The importance of access to digital libraries for students was also brought up during his speech.
In his address Prof. Milind Sudhakar Marathe, Chairman, NBT urged the young readers to move forward in the direction of a “developed reader” alongside the vision of a developed India.

The other dignitaries present on the occasion included Sandeep Singh, Basic Education State Minister (Independent Charge); Gulab Devi, State Minister for Secondary Education (Independent Charge) and Yogendra Upadhyay, Minister of State for Higher Education.

Yuvraj Malik, Director, NBT, underlined the need for libraries in every village, adding that the Trust is working towards this goal and inviting all present to come forward and read.

The Festival concluded on 20 September 2026, bringing together literature, culture, art and knowledge over a period of nine days. The Festival drew 4.5 lakh book lovers and visitors, recorded total book sales of Rs 2.75 crore, and featured more than 250 stalls and over 75 programmes on children’s literature and culture, with more than 240 speakers and performers taking part. More than 15,000 children participated in activities throughout the course of the Festival.