World Book Fair 2025: Dates, How To Buy Tickets, Timings, Nearest Metro and Other Details You Need To Know

The New Delhi World Book Fair 2025 is set to delight book lovers from February 1 to 9 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., this event brings together publishers, authors, and readers from around the globe. 

Organised by the National Book Trust, India, under the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the India Trade Promotion Organisation, the fair promises a rich literary experience.

Attendees can look forward to a variety of attractions, including the Children's Pavilion, featuring storytelling sessions and workshops to foster young readers' interests. 

For convenient access, tickets will be available at select Delhi Metro stations. In this article, you'll find all the essential details to plan your visit, from ticket information to event highlights.

Additionally, in light of the upcoming Delhi Elections on 5 February 2025, the NDWBF 2025 will remain closed to facilitate broader participation in this significant democratic event.

This decision aims to ensure that visitors, staff, and partners can fulfill their civic responsibilities without any inconvenience.

The fair will resume as scheduled from 6 to 9 February, and attendees will be welcomed back soon.

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When and Where is the World Book Fair 2025?

The New Delhi World Book Fair 2025 is scheduled to take place from February 1 to February 9, 2025. 

The event will be held at the Bharat Mandapam, specifically in the newly constructed Halls 2-6 (Ground Floor) at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India. The fair will operate daily from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

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What’s the Theme of the World Book Fair 2025?

The theme for the New Delhi World Book Fair 2025 is "Republic@75," which commemorates the 75th anniversary of India as a Republic. 

This theme reflects a celebration of the nation's journey in terms of nation-building, freedom, equality, and governance since its establishment in 1950. 

The fair aims to highlight important ideals such as social justice and fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and expression, which are enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

The event will also feature discussions under this theme that focus on India's republican framework and its implications for contemporary society. 

The slogan associated with this theme is “Hum Bharat ke log” or “We, the People of India,” emphasising the collective aspirations of the Indian populace.

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Special Attractions at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2025

Source: Travel and Leisure Asia

The New Delhi World Book Fair 2025 will feature a variety of attractions designed to engage book lovers, authors, and industry professionals. Here are the main highlights:

• Children's Pavilion: A dedicated space for young readers, offering storytelling sessions, workshops, and interactive activities led by renowned authors and educators. This pavilion aims to foster a love for reading among children.
• Authors' Corner: Known as "Lekhak Manch," this area will host dialogues, panel discussions, and book launches, providing a platform for both established and emerging authors to connect with their audience.
• International Participation: The fair will showcase international exhibitors and authors, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and discussions on global literary trends. Special international pavilions will allow attendees to explore foreign literature.
• Book Launches and Thematic Exhibitions: Numerous book launches will take place throughout the fair, alongside thematic exhibitions that highlight significant literary works and trends.
• Workshops and Panel Discussions: A range of sessions will be available, including writers' workshops and discussions on various topics related to writing, publishing, and literature. These sessions will feature insights from industry professionals.
• YUVA Corner: This section will spotlight young authors selected through a national mentoring scheme, allowing attendees to discover new voices in Indian literature.
• New Delhi Rights Table: Rights Exchange Forum: Scheduled for February 3-4, this forum will facilitate discussions on rights and licensing within the publishing industry.
• Cultural Programs: The fair will also include various cultural activities that celebrate India’s literary heritage and promote multilingualism in literature.
• CEOSpeak: International Publishing Conference: A B2B conference for CEOs and senior executives in the publishing industry will take place, allowing participants to share insights and discuss trends in the global book trade. Attendance is by invitation only.

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How to Get Tickets for the World Book Fair 2025

To obtain tickets for the New Delhi World Book Fair 2025, follow these steps:

Ticket Availability

• Online Purchase: Tickets can be bought online starting from January 26, 2025. Visit the official website of the National Book Trust of India at nbtindia.gov.in and navigate to the "NDWBF 2025 entry ticket" section.
• Offline Purchase: Tickets are also available at select Delhi metro stations and at the venue (Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan) during the event.

Ticket Prices

• Adults: ₹20
• Children: ₹10
• Free Entry: School students and senior citizens can enter for free.

Steps to Book Online

1. Go to nbtindia.gov.in.
2. Click on the “NDWBF 2025 entry ticket” option.
3. Select your preferred visit date.
4. Specify the number of tickets.
5. Proceed to payment and complete the transaction.
6. Download your ticket, which will include a QR code for entry.

Event Details

• Dates: February 1 to February 9, 2025
• Timings: Daily from 11 AM to 8 PM
• Venue: Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi

Additional Information

For a smooth experience, it is advisable to book tickets in advance to avoid long queues at the venue or metro stations

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Nearest Metro Stations and Travel Tips for Visitors

For visitors attending the New Delhi World Book Fair 2025, here are the nearest metro stations and travel tips:

1. Nearest Metro Station

Supreme Court Metro Station: This is the closest metro station to Pragati Maidan, where the World Book Fair will be held. It is located on the Blue Line of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.

2. Travel Tips

• Entry Gates: Visitors can enter through Gate 10, with additional access available at Gates 4 and 6. Wheelchair facilities are provided at Gates 4 and 8 for individuals with disabilities.
• Metro Access: The Supreme Court station is well-connected, making it convenient for attendees travelling from various parts of Delhi.
• Public Transport: Besides the metro, buses and other public transport options are available to reach Pragati Maidan.
• Ticket Purchase: Tickets can be bought online or at various metro stations. It's advisable to purchase tickets in advance to avoid queues.
• Timing: The fair will run from February 1 to February 9, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM each day.

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Which Metro Station is Closest to the World Book Fair Venue?

The closest metro station to the venue of the New Delhi World Book Fair 2025, which is located at Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan, is the Supreme Court Metro Station.

This station is on the Blue Line of the Delhi Metro and provides convenient access for visitors. Attendees can enter the fair through Gate 10, which is near this metro station.

How to Get to Pragati Maidan From the Nearest Metro Station?

To get to Pragati Maidan from the nearest metro station, Supreme Court Metro Station, follow these steps:

• Exit the Metro Station: After arriving at the Supreme Court (Pragati Maidan) Metro Station, exit through any of the gates (Gate 1 for Supreme Court, Gate 2 for ITO, or Gate 3 towards IITF Gate No. 10).
• Walk to Pragati Maidan: The fair venue is approximately a 5-10 minute walk from the station. Follow the signs directing you towards Pragati Maidan or use a navigation app for precise directions.

Additional Tips:

• Ensure you check the metro timings; the first train operates around 6:05 AM, and the last train runs until approximately 11:53 PM.
• If you're coming from other parts of Delhi, you can also access Pragati Maidan via Indraprastha Metro Station, which is about 0.57 km away, or ITO Metro Station, which is approximately 1.47 km away.

 What Are the Best Times to Visit the World Book Fair to Avoid Crowds?

To avoid crowds at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2025, consider the following best times to visit:

• Weekdays: Attending on weekdays, especially from February 1 to February 9, is highly recommended. Crowds tend to be significantly lighter during these days compared to weekends, allowing for a more relaxed browsing experience.
• Early Hours: Arriving early in the day when the fair opens at 10:30 AM can help you avoid the rush. This time allows you to explore the stalls while they are still organised and stocked with a variety of books.
• Avoiding Peak Days: Sundays are often the busiest days at book fairs, so if possible, plan your visit for other days of the week. Many visitors report that it becomes challenging to navigate through the stalls on Sundays due to the high footfall.

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What is the Significance of the "Festival of Festivals" Initiative at the World Book Fair 2025?

Source: Bharat Express

The "Festival of Festivals" initiative at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2025 holds significant importance as it serves as a vibrant platform for various literary festivals across India. 

Started in 2024, this initiative brings together a mix of literary and cultural expressions. It provides a platform for various festivals to showcase their unique literary activities as part of the larger World Book Fair.

Key Significance:

• Cultural Exchange: The Festival of Festivals facilitates interaction among over 100 speakers from various literary backgrounds, encouraging discourse on books, literature, technology, and humanity. This exchange enriches the literary community by incorporating diverse perspectives and ideas.
• Expanded Programming: This year, the initiative will feature more than 100 sessions, covering topics such as contemporary poetry, history, and the impact of artificial intelligence. This broad range of discussions aims to engage attendees with current literary trends and issues.
• Promotion of Local Festivals: By providing a platform for local literary festivals to participate, the initiative enhances their visibility and outreach. It allows these festivals to connect with a larger audience at one of the world's most visited book fairs.
• Focus on Republic Ideals: Under the overarching theme of "Republic@75," discussions during the festival will emphasise India's republican framework and ideals such as equality, social justice, and freedom of speech. This focus aligns with the fair's celebration of India's 75 years as a republic.
• Inclusivity and Diversity: The initiative promotes inclusivity by showcasing literature from various languages and cultures, reflecting India's rich diversity. It also encourages participation from both national and international authors and publishers.

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