New Delhi, January 10 (NationPress) Today marks the launch of the New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF) 2026, the largest book fair globally, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. This event heralds a spectacular celebration of literature, ideas, and cultures.

The esteemed literary gathering will run until January 18, 2026, and, for the first time, entry is completely free for the public, encouraging increased participation and promoting a vibrant reading culture throughout the nation.

Hosted by the National Book Trust (NBT), India, under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, Government of India, this year’s fair promises an impressive global representation, featuring over 35 countries, more than 1,000 publishers, 3,000+ stalls, 600 literary and cultural events, and over 1,000 speakers, solidifying its status as one of the largest literary congregations worldwide.

The fair will be officially opened by the Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, at Bharat Mandapam.

The Ministry of Education announced on social media: “Hon’ble Union Minister for Education, Shri @dpradhanbjp, will inaugurate the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 tomorrow at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

This year’s Fair celebrates the theme ‘Indian Military History: Valour & Wisdom @ 75’, which emphasizes the key moments, contributions, and narratives of India’s defense forces. Qatar will serve as the Guest of Honour, while Spain has been designated as the Focus Country, enriching the event with diverse international perspectives.

The central theme, 'Indian Military History: Valour & Wisdom @ 75', pays homage to the bravery, strategic insight, and sacrifices of India’s armed forces, highlighting crucial historical milestones and narratives that have influenced the nation’s defense heritage.

With Qatar as the Guest of Honour and Spain as the Focus Country, the fair incorporates a global dimension that presents varied international literary and cultural viewpoints to Indian audiences.

On Friday, the Ministry of Education underscored the fair's essence in another post on social media, stating: “Join us for a celebration of stories, ideas, knowledge, and cultures from around the world at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026. From timeless classics to contemporary works, children's literature, translations, and engaging discussions, the fair unites publishers, authors, and readers on one dynamic platform.

Explore new realms, exchange ideas, and revel in the joy of reading at one of the largest literary events in the country.”

With its vast scale, open access, and rich thematic emphasis, the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 is poised to be a monumental occasion for readers, writers, publishers, and thinkers alike, reaffirming India’s status as a global center of literary and cultural exchange.