On its fifth day, the Chinar Book Festival 2025 brought SKICC in Srinagar to life with curiosity and shared excitement. School children flipped through pages in reading corners, professionals lingered in thoughtful discussions, and families paused together at performances, each finding something personal to hold on to in the day’s events. From ancient queens of Kashmir to cinematic creators, and from the melodies of folk singers to the expressive strokes of young artists, the festival brought together people who inspire and traditions that endure.
At the Authors’ Corner, an evocative session titled Queens of Kashmir spotlighted the female rulers chronicled in Kalhana’s Rajatarangini. In conversation with Mr. Subhash Chander, esteemed scholars and writers Dr. Sudhakar Adeeb, Mr. Gangaram Raji, Ms. Chandrakanta, and Dr. Sunita explored how these historic women defied the odds and led with wisdom and resilience. The discussion highlighted the timeless relevance of their leadership in the socio-political legacy of the Valley.
In a dynamic panel moderated by Manoj Sheri, filmmakers and artists Kapil Mattoo, Ayash Arif, Gul Reyaz, and Mushtaq Ali discussed the art of storytelling across mediums—writing, cinema, and acting. They shared creative insights, behind-the-scenes journeys, and advice for aspiring young talents. The session highlighted the ever-evolving landscape of storytelling and the power of local voices in contemporary media.
A significant cultural moment unfolded at the Gojri Translation Workshop, where Hon’ble Member of Parliament from Rajouri–Anantnag, Mian Altaf Ahmad, engaged with participating translators, NBT officials, and linguistic experts. Organised by the National Book Trust, Ministry of Education, the workshop focuses on translating children’s books from the Rashtriya Bal Pustakalya (RBP) series into Gojri, marking the first initiative of its kind. The MP praised the effort as a vital step in preserving linguistic heritage and ensuring cultural inclusivity in education.
The audience-favourite children’s corner began with a lively session on the Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya, showing children how to download free books with a Quiz session. Kids enjoyed goodies, and quiz winners proudly took home prizes. The adorable mascot Cheetah grooved with children and posed for plenty of selfies! This was followed by Canvas-e-Khayal, a painting competition where young artists brought the given themes to life with their creativity. The day ended with a session on The Art of Emotional Intelligence by Bhaskar Indrakanti, which kept children engaged with fun games and even more prizes!
The evening once again came alive with gleaming smiles, applause echoing through the air, and eyes wide with awe as audiences soaked in the magic of artistic performances. The rhythmic grace of the Folk Ensemble painted the stage with traditional Kashmiri colours, followed by the stirring, dramatic expressions of the Firdous Dramatic Club. Ustad Md. Yaqub Sheikh & Group brought classical depth to the evening, while the Heemal Band lit up the night with their youthful energy and fusion sounds. Solo performances by Rashida and Zahida Tarannum captured the hearts of the audience with their melodious voices, making the finale of the day a true celebration of Kashmir’s artistic richness.
As the Chinar Book Festival progresses, Day 6 looks forward to more impactful conversations, soulful music, and meaningful literary exchange at SKICC, Srinagar. We warmly invite the citizens of Jammu & Kashmir to join this celebration of books, stories, and languages—continuing till 10th August 2025 at SKICC.
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