Bhubaneswar: The 7th Odisha State Book Festival recently concluded as a monumental tribute to the enduring power of the written word, marking a significant milestone in the state’s cultural history.
Orchestrated under the visionary leadership of Shri Bijaya Ketan Upadhyay, Secretary of Odia Language, Literature and Culture, the twelve-day event transformed the festival grounds into a sanctuary for bibliophiles and scholars alike. Shri Upadhyay, an author at heart, infused the proceedings with a genuine passion for literature that resonated throughout the venue.
The festival commenced on December 6 with an inauguration by Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, whose personal affinity for books set an inspiring tone for the event. Minister Odia Language, Literature and Culture, Shri Surjyabanshi Suraj graced the occasion.
For nearly two weeks, the festival served as a vibrant crossroads of intellectual exchange, culminating on December 17 with a valedictory ceremony graced by the Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, Shrimati Surama Padhi.
The physical layout of the festival paid homage to Odisha’s rich heritage, with the main stage named Kabi Ramakant Rath Manch and the inner stage titled Baji Raut Manch. Visitors entered through the Ma’ Ramadevi and Santhakabi Bhimbhoi entrances, reinforcing the connection between contemporary literacy and historical legacy.
Beyond its ceremonial grace, the festival achieved unprecedented success in fostering a literary economy. With 550 stalls representing over 200 publishers, the event recorded a staggering business turnover of Rs. 6.5 crore. The literary output was equally impressive, as various publishing houses utilized the platform to release more than 100 new titles.
A unique highlight of this edition was the inclusion of two specialized theme pavilions. These spaces offered immersive journeys into the biography of Odisha’s prominent women freedom fighters and celebrated the legacy of the Iron Man of India through the Sardar@150 exhibit.
By attracting the largest footfall in its history, the Odisha State Book Festival has proven that the appetite for literature remains robust in a digital age. It stood not merely as a marketplace, but as a grand literary effort to preserve and promote the Odia language while embracing broader historical narratives.
As the curtains fell on the 7th edition, the festival left behind a legacy of renewed interest in reading, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of Odisha’s cultural identity.