In January 2026, the New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF) has made history by transforming into an entirely open-access festival.1 Running from January 10 to January 18, 2026, the 53rd edition of the fair has moved to the state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam (Pragati Maidan), shedding its entry fees for the first time to invite a new generation of digital-native readers.2+1
This year’s fair is not just about books on shelves; it is a high-tech, immersive tribute to national heritage and global diplomacy.3
2026 Fair Essentials
- Dates: January 10 – 18, 20264
- Venue:5 Halls 2–6, Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi6+1
- Timings: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM7
- Entry: Free for all visitors (a historic first aimed at engaging Gen Z).8
- Guest of Honour: Qatar9
- Focus Country: Spain10
The Theme: “Indian Military History”
The 2026 theme, “Indian Military History: Valour & Wisdom @75,” honors 75 years of India’s armed forces.11 The Theme Pavilion has become the fair’s biggest draw, featuring:
- Life-Sized Replicas: Massive models of the Arjun Tank, INS Vikrant, and LCA Tejas are on display.12
- Immersive Learning: A 1,000 sq. metre space showcasing 500+ books on strategy and war, alongside tributes to the 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees.13
- Expert Talks: Over 100 sessions featuring war veterans like Gen V.K. Singh and Lt.14 Gen. Satish Dua, discussing operations from the 1947 Budgaon battle to recent strategic milestones.
Digital & Global Highlights
1. The Digital Leap: Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya15
The National Book Trust has bridged the gap between physical and digital reading. Digital kiosks throughout the fair provide instant, free access to over 6,000 e-books, allowing visitors to download entire libraries via QR codes.16
2. International Presence
With over 35 participating countries, the International Pavilion is buzzing with activity:17
- France: A dedicated pavilion marks the India-France Year of Innovation.18
- New Delhi Rights Table: Held on Jan 12–13, this B2B forum saw 85+ publishers negotiating translation rights, solidifying India’s role as a global publishing hub.19
3. Kidz Express (Children’s Pavilion)20
A 750 sq. metre dedicated zone for young readers, featuring storytelling, Vedic Maths workshops, and “Child Author” interactions.21
Cultural Evenings
The fair transitions into a festival every evening with performances by:
- Three-time Grammy winner Ricky Kej.22
- Official bands from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.23
- Sufi and folk artists, including the Manganiyars of Rajasthan.24
Pro-Tips for Visitors
- Transport: The nearest metro is Supreme Court Station (Blue Line).25 Use Gate 10 of Bharat Mandapam for a free shuttle service to the halls.26+1
- Author Sightings: Keep an eye out at the “Authors’ Corner” for speakers like Piyush Mishra, Durjoy Datta, and Smriti Irani, who are scheduled for various book launches this week.27
“The New Delhi World Book Fair is no longer a trade event; it is a people’s movement. By making it free, we have turned the page on accessibility.” — Yuvraj Malik, Director, National Book Trust28