World Book Fair 2026 Begins at Bharat Mandapam; Check Dates, Entry Timings, Gates, Nearest Metro, Ticket & All

The 53rd edition of the New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF) has officially begun at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, marking one of the most anticipated cultural and literary events of the year in the national capital. The nine-day fair, which opened on Friday, January 10, will continue until January 18, 2026 and is expected to attract more than two million visitors from across India and abroad.

World Book Fair 2026 Starts: Check Dates, Timings, Venue, Entry Gate, Nearest Metro & More

The World Book Fair 2026 in New Delhi is being held over a period of nine days, from January 10 to January 18, 2026, giving visitors ample time to explore the expansive event. The fair is open to the public every day from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, allowing both daytime and evening visits.

It is hosted at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, across Halls 2 to 6, which have been specially arranged to accommodate publishers, exhibitions, cultural programs and interactive sessions. In a major boost for accessibility, entry to the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 is completely free for all visitors, making it easier for students, families and book lovers from across the country to attend without any ticket requirement.

How To Reach World Book Fair? Check Nearest Metro

For visitors planning to attend the World Book Fair 2026, reaching the venue is convenient and hassle-free. The Delhi Metro is the most efficient mode of transport, with the Supreme Court Metro Station on the Blue Line being the nearest stop. From Gate 10, free shuttle vans are available to ferry visitors directly to the entrance of Bharat Mandapam.

The event is organised by the National Book Trust (NBT) under the Ministry of Education, with the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) serving as co-organiser. Widely recognised as the world's largest business-to-consumer (B2C) book fair, NDWBF 2026 brings together over 1,000 publishers from more than 35 countries.

Visitors can explore a vast range of books across genres, languages and formats, along with access to more than 600 literary, educational and cultural events and interactions featuring over 1,000 speakers, including authors, scholars, artists and public figures.

New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 Theme

This year's theme, "Indian Military History: Valour and Wisdom @75," pays tribute to India's armed forces and their legacy of courage and sacrifice. A specially curated 1,000 square metre Theme Pavilion offers a 360-degree immersive experience, featuring books, visual installations and exhibits highlighting key moments in military history.

Visitors can view replicas of iconic defence assets such as the Arjun Tank, INS Vikrant and LCA Tejas, along with tributes to Param Vir Chakra awardees and sessions focusing on major military operations and strategic milestones.

Adding to its global appeal, Qatar has been named the Guest of Honour country, while Spain is the Focus Country for this edition. The fair also features strong international participation from countries including France, Japan, Russia and Poland, underlining its role as a major platform for global literary exchange.

New Delhi World Book Fair Evening Events

Every evening, visitors can enjoy folk dance performances, live music and special shows by the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force bands, in line with the military-themed focus of the event. Traditional folk artists as well as acclaimed musicians, including Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej, are scheduled to perform during the fair.