Ahmedabad is set to welcome book lovers, students, writers and culture enthusiasts as the Ahmedabad International Book Festival 2026 begins on October 24 at the Sabarmati Riverfront. The nine-day event will continue until November 1, bringing together literature, poetry, music, theatre, workshops and cultural performances.
The festival aims to encourage reading and celebrate Gujarat’s rich literary and cultural heritage through activities for visitors of different age groups.
Ahmedabad International Book Festival 2026: Key Details
- Event: Ahmedabad International Book Festival 2026
- Dates: October 24 to November 1, 2026
- Venue: Sabarmati Riverfront Event Centre, Ahmedabad
- Daily timings: 11 AM to 10 PM, as reported
- Main-stage programmes: Generally scheduled from 7:30 PM to 10 PM
Visitors should check the latest official event updates before travelling, as timings and programme details may change.
Major Attractions at Ahmedabad Book Festival 2026
The festival will feature a variety of programmes celebrating Gujarati literature, poetry, music, humour and performing arts.
October 24: Poetry Unplugged
The festival will open with Poetry Unplugged, a special programme honouring Gujarati poet Niranjan Bhagat on his birth centenary. The evening will celebrate his contribution to Gujarati poetry, criticism and translation.
October 25: Riverfront Retreat
This programme will bring together Jay Thadeshwar, Dr Nimit Oza, Dr Prashant Bhimani and Dhvanit Thaker for a discussion about books, ideas and Ahmedabad’s identity.
October 26: Shabd Symphony
Music lovers can look forward to Shabd Symphony, a tribute to the compositions of late music composer Gaurang Vyas, featuring live performances and musical presentations.
October 27: Jitharo Bhabho
Gujarati folk humour will take centre stage through Jitharo Bhabho, a folk-comedy play inspired by the stories and traditions of Saurashtra.
October 28: Bhajan Clubbing
Osman Mir and Aamir Mir will present Bhajan Clubbing, combining traditional devotional music with contemporary musical influences.
October 29: Hasya Rang
The programme will celebrate Gujarati humour and satire, featuring Bhagyesh Jha, Shahbuddin Rathod and Sukhdev Dhamelia.
October 30: Sahitya Mane Game Chhe
This session will explore the importance of literature in everyday life, with discussions about books, reading habits and the role of words in shaping experiences.
October 31: Gazal Unplugged
The festival will host a special evening dedicated to Gujarati ghazals, featuring several established and contemporary ghazal writers.
November 1: Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani
The festival will conclude with a musical presentation celebrating patriotism, India’s freedom struggle and national pride.
Workshops, Children’s Activities and Author Interactions
Beyond the main-stage performances, the festival will offer activities for aspiring writers, young readers and families.
- Writing workshops: Scheduled daily from 2 PM to 5 PM at Dome 2.
- Children’s Pavilion: Planned daily from 10 AM to 1 PM at Dome 1, with activities encouraging reading and creativity.
- Authors’ Corner: Scheduled daily from 3 PM to 6 PM at Dome 1, offering opportunities to interact with authors and discuss books.
These activities are designed to make the festival more than a conventional book fair by bringing readers, writers and cultural performers together.
Why Ahmedabad International Book Festival 2026 Is Worth Visiting
The event offers an opportunity for families, students and literature enthusiasts to explore books while experiencing Gujarati poetry, theatre, devotional music and humour. Its combination of literary discussions and cultural programmes also provides a platform for younger audiences to connect with regional literature and traditional art forms.
With nine days of activities planned at the Sabarmati Riverfront, the festival is expected to be a notable cultural event in Ahmedabad’s October–November calendar.
Visitors should confirm the latest schedule and venue information through official announcements before making travel plans.
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