The Odisha State Book Fair 2025 has once again transformed Bhubaneswar into a bustling haven of stories, culture, and creativity. Moreover, held from December 6 to 17 at the Unit-3 Exhibition Ground, this 12-day fair attracts lakhs of readers who come not only to buy books but to immerse themselves in Odisha’s literary heritage.
This year, the fair feels bigger, brighter, and more inclusive, with 550+ stalls, 250+ publishers, multiple pavilions, live events, and thousands of readers thronging the lanes. Additionally, I spent an entire Saturday here with my kid, exploring stalls from Pen in Publication, Oxford Book House, and Barsha Publication, and honestly, I left with more bags than I had planned!
In this complete guide, you’ll get everything you need, latest highlights, stalls overview, participating publishers, visitor vibes, timings, schedule, my personal experience, and why you must attend. Furthermore, this guide is structured to help every reader.
To make your search easier, I’ve also added answers to the top People Also Ask questions about the State Book Fair Odisha. Besides, you’ll find the essentials arranged in a user-friendly flow.
Additionally, the layout ensures better clarity for readers. Meanwhile, it also supports smooth navigation. Likewise, every detail is included to help you plan better. Finally, this guide sets the tone for your perfect fair visit.Table of Contents
What This Blog Covers - A Friendly, Detailed Guide for Readers & Families
The Buzz Around the Odisha State Book Fair 2025 - Latest News and Exciting Highlights
The Odisha State Book Fair 2025 opened with great energy as Hon’ble Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the event and encouraged everyone to “gift books, not flowers.” The turnout increased by nearly 20% compared to 2024, supported by improved digital ticketing, QR-based maps, and new author-interaction sessions.
Eco-Friendly & Inclusive Efforts
- Several publishers introduced books printed on recycled paper
- Digital catalogs replaced bulky brochures
- A special Braille Pavilion supports visually impaired readers
Cultural Showcases That Add Charm
- The “Barputras Pavilion” celebrates Odia literary icons such as Fakir Mohan Senapati, Gangadhar Meher, and Radhanath Ray
- Rare manuscripts and historical writings are available for visitors
- More than 2 lakh visitors are expected this year, supporting tourism and local businesses
Stalls Galore - A 550-Stall Wonderland for Every Kind of Reader
This section takes you through the core of the fair: its vibrant stalls. Spread across nearly 10 acres, the event features close to 550 stalls, each offering a distinct slice of the literary world. The layout is thoughtfully planned, ensuring smooth movement and a pleasant browsing experience.
Odia Literature Takes Center Stage
- Odia classics
- Contemporary novels
- Poetry collections
- Translated world literature
- Children’s Odia storybooks
- Publishers such as Barsha Publication, Friends Publishers, and Pen in Publication offer well-curated selections
English Books for Every Mood
- Penguin Classics
- HarperCollins titles
- International bestsellers
- India-centric non-fiction
- Fantasy and YA novels
Oxford Book House hosts an extensive English section filled with global fiction, biography, self-help, and more.
Kids’ Favourite Corners
- Illustrated books
- Activity-based learning
- Comics
- Colouring kits
- Live storytelling
These lively zones were a big hit—my son especially enjoyed them.
Food Courts & Cultural Zones
- Chhena Poda
- Pakhala
- Bara-ghuguni
- Fresh fruit juices
Publishers Taking Part - A Strong Line-up of Global & Local Literary Heroes
Major Participants Include:
- Oxford Book House – 10 stalls with English bestsellers
- Barsha Publication – 5 stalls of modern Odia fiction
- Pen in Publication – Historic and cultural Odia titles
- HarperCollins, Penguin, Rupa – International literature
- 6 international publishers – Euro classics, world philosophy
Visitor Experience & Crowd Vibes - Warm, Lively, and Family-Friendly
What Makes the Vibe Special
- Friendly stall owners
- Relaxed crowd movement
- Live Odissi music
- Storytelling corners
- Weekend poetry recitals
- Readers chatting like old friends
Schedule & Daily Events - What Happens When?
Daily Activities:
- 11 AM – Author meet
- 3 PM – Kids’ workshops
- 6 PM – Book launches
- 4 PM – Poetry recitals
- 7 PM – Odissi performances
- Dec 10 – Fakir Mohan Literature Day
- Dec 15 – Children’s Day special events
- Dec 17 – Grand closing with fireworks
My Visit to the 7th Odisha State Book Fair- A Heartfelt Experience
Last weekend, I took my son and headed straight to the fair on a warm, sunny Saturday. The moment I entered, a wave of excitement, the smell of fresh print, and the hum of happy voices welcomed me. I picked up some Odia story books, novels and some informative books on Indian heritage and ancient civilisation.
We also enjoyed Chhena Poda for ₹50, sitting under a canopy and discussing our finds.
Honestly, the joy on my son’s face was priceless.People Also Ask – Answers to Common Questions
1. What is the Odisha State Book Fair?
2. Where is the Odisha State Book Fair held?
3. What are the timings for the Odisha State Book Fair 2025?
4. How many stalls are there in the Odisha State Book Fair 2025?
5. What makes the 2025 Book Fair special?
Why You Must Visit - Beyond Books, It’s Culture & Community
- A celebration of Odisha’s literary identity
- A platform for new writers
- A family outing spot
- A learning space for children
- A cultural powerhouse
Conclusion
The Odisha State Book Fair 2025 truly stands out with its vast stalls, diverse publishers, vibrant events, and heart-warming crowd. My personal experience, buying books, exploring with my child, savouring Odia snacks, made the day unforgettable.
If you cherish stories, creativity, culture, or simply a wholesome outing, this fair must be on your December bucket list.
