Ahmedabad International Book Festival To Feature Poetry, Ghazals, Comedy And Music From October 24
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Ahmedabad will host a nine-day celebration of literature, music and Gujarati culture from October 24 to November 1, 2026, at the Sabarmati Riverfront Event Centre, with poetry, ghazals, folk theatre, comedy, devotional music and patriotic songs.
The Ahmedabad International Book Festival will bring together poets, writers, musicians and performers, offering visitors a programme that extends beyond books to celebrate Gujarat’s literary and cultural traditions.
Niranjan Bhagat’s Birth Centenary To Mark Opening Day
The festival will open on October 24 with a poets’ gathering dedicated to renowned Gujarati poet, critic and translator Niranjan Bhagat on his birth centenary. The gathering will feature Krishna Dave, Madhav Ramanuj, Tushar Shukla, Sanju Vala, Vinod Joshi, Mukesh Joshi, Tejas Dave, Parul Barot and Hardwar Goswami, among others.
Bhagat received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1999. The session will pay tribute to his contribution to Gujarati literature.
On October 25, the ‘Riverfront Retreat’ programme will bring together Jay Thadeshwar, Dr Nimit Oza, Dr Prashant Bhimani and Dhvanit Thaker for a discussion on books, ideas and Ahmedabad’s distinctive identity. Scheduled from 7 pm to 10 pm, the session will explore the relationship between literature, the city and personal experiences.
Musical Tribute, Folk Theatre And Devotional Songs
Music will take centre stage on October 26 with ‘Shabd Symphony’, a tribute to the memorable compositions of late music composer Gaurang Vyas. Prahar Vora, Gargi Vora, Sampada Vora and Megh Mehta will perform, while poet Tushar Shukla will discuss Vyas’s contribution to music. Tushar Joshi will host the programme.
On October 27, the Tulsi Patra Foundation will present ‘Jithro Bhabho’, a Gujarati folk comedy inspired by Saurashtra’s folk tales. The production will blend traditional storytelling, humour and satire, and will be dedicated to mark the birth centenary of Chandravadan Mehta.
Devotional music will take a contemporary turn on October 28 with ‘Bhajan Clubbing’. Osmaan Mir and Aamir Mir will perform traditional bhajans in an energetic style combining folk music and folk rock.
Gujarati Humour And Ghazals Take The Stage
1. October 29 – ‘Hasya Rang’: Bhagyesh Jha, Shahbuddin Rathod and Sukhdev Dhamelia will entertain audiences with humorous anecdotes, light-hearted stories and sharp observations, celebrating Gujarati humour.
2. October 30 – ‘Sahitya Mane Game Chhe’: Purushottam Rupala, Vasant Gadhvi, Arvind Barot and Ram Mori will discuss the role of literature in everyday life, their reading journeys and books that have shaped them.
3. October 29 – ‘Hasya Rang’: Bhagyesh Jha, Shahbuddin Rathod and Sukhdev Dhamelia will entertain audiences with humorous anecdotes, light-hearted stories and sharp observations, celebrating Gujarati humour.
The poets will present their compositions, giving audiences an opportunity to experience the emotional depth and varied expressions of Gujarati ghazals and couplets.
The festival will conclude on November 1 with ‘Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani’, a patriotic music programme featuring Dr Raees Maniar, Vishwanath Batunge, Swarit Kelkar and Vibhavari Yadav. The performances will celebrate India’s freedom struggle, sacrifice and national pride.
Writing Workshops And Children’s Pavilion
Alongside the main-stage performances, the festival will offer activities for aspiring writers, children and literature enthusiasts.
Writing workshops will be held daily in Dome 2 from 2 pm to 5 pm, giving participants an opportunity to develop their writing skills.
The Children’s Pavilion in Dome 1 will operate from 10 am to 1 pm daily, with activities aimed at encouraging reading and creativity among young visitors.
The same dome will host the ‘Authors’ Corner’ from 3 pm to 6 pm each day, allowing readers to interact directly with writers.
Festival Timings And Evening Programmes
The festival will run daily from 11 am to 10 pm. Most of the special programmes on the main stage are scheduled between 7.30 pm and 10 pm.
The ‘Riverfront Retreat’ on October 25 will begin earlier, at 7 pm, and continue until 10 pm.
With its mix of literary discussions, poetry, comedy, theatre and music, the Ahmedabad International Book Festival will offer visitors nine days of programmes celebrating Gujarati literature and culture alongside the wider world of books.
