About Books Fair
The Books Fair at the International Gita Mahotsav (IGM) is a major intellectual and spiritual attraction, transforming the area around the Brahma Sarovar into a vast repository of religious, philosophical, and cultural literature.
It is a crucial component of the festival, catering specifically to the intellectual curiosity and spiritual seeking of the lakhs of pilgrims and scholars who attend.
Key Features of the Books Fair
Literature Focus: The fair focuses heavily on spiritual and philosophical literature, with the Bhagavad Gita at its absolute core. Visitors can find:
The Bhagavad Gita in numerous languages (including foreign translations).
Various commentaries (bhashyas) on the Gita by different spiritual leaders and scholars.
Literature on the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, and the epic Mahabharata.
Books on devotional movements (bhakti), yoga, and Indian philosophy.
Major Publishers: The Books Fair attracts participation from India’s leading and most respected publishers of spiritual texts and regional literature. These often include:
The Geeta Press Gorakhpur, which is known for its affordable and authentic editions of Hindu scriptures.
The Ramakrishna Mission.
ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness).
Academic publishers specializing in Indology.
Educational Integration: The fair is situated close to the International Gita Seminar venue (Kurukshetra University) and the educational pavilions, ensuring that students, researchers, and participants in the academic events have immediate access to a wide range of relevant reference material.
Cultural and Regional Literature: Beyond the core spiritual texts, many stalls also display:
Books on the history and Tirthas (pilgrimage sites) of the 48 Kos region of Kurukshetra.
Literature from the IGM’s Partner State (e.g., Madhya Pradesh for 2025), showcasing their regional cultural history and literary heritage.
Books from the Department of Information and Public Relations of Haryana, promoting the state’s cultural identity.
Spiritual Atmosphere: The fair operates as a quiet, reflective space within the bustling Mahotsav, serving as a vital resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Indian spirituality and the practical wisdom of the Gita.
