Thousands Flock to Coimbatore’s 10th Book Festival

When you step onto the sprawling grounds of the CODISSIA Trade Fair Complex this weekend, you’re greeted by a sea of book lovers – young, old, casual browsers and die‑hard bibliophiles alike. It’s the 10th Coimbatore Book Festival, and the buzz feels almost palpable, as if every row of stalls is whispering a new story.

The numbers are impressive: more than 400 colour‑drenched stalls, each representing a different publisher, and upwards of 200 publishing houses have set up shop. From the familiar scent of fresh paper to the unmistakable hum of enthusiastic chatter, the atmosphere is a delightful mash‑up of Tamil classics, English best‑sellers and a sprinkling of titles from abroad.

Readers are hunting for everything from Agatha Christie’s timeless mysteries to Sarah J. Maas’s sweeping fantasy sagas. A particularly lively corner has a growing crowd around the latest sensation – the “Fourth Wing” series – where teens trade theories and favourite characters while clutching their fresh copies.

But it isn’t just about adult fiction. The children’s aisle is a veritable wonderland, littered with colourful picture books, interactive colouring pads and educational stories designed to spark curiosity. Parents, you’ll notice, linger a little longer here, perhaps because the space feels like a safe playground where learning and fun coexist.

Beyond the shelves, the festival has turned into a social hub. Impromptu readings pop up near the coffee kiosks, and you’ll often hear the soft murmur of a group discussing the nuances of regional literature or debating the merits of a newly released non‑fiction work on climate change.

Organisers have kept the doors open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., giving families ample time to swing by after school or work. And for those who can’t make it today, the event runs until July 26, promising more chances to soak up the literary vibes.

All in all, the Coimbatore Book Festival feels less like a market and more like a celebration of words – a reminder that, even in a digital age, the simple pleasure of flipping through a physical page still holds a magic all its own.