Get ready, book lovers! Mysuru is set to host an incredible nine-day book exhibition and sale from September 22 to October 1 at the picturesque Scouts and Guides Grounds. This exciting event is a highlight of the annual Dasara festivities.
This grand literary showcase is a collaborative effort by the Department of Kannada and Culture, Mysuru, the esteemed Dasara Festival Committee, and the Kannada Book Authority, Bengaluru. Chairman Manasa of the Kannada Book Authority highlighted that the book fair is a cherished tradition of Mysuru Dasara, with this year’s edition promising even more special attractions and unique experiences for attendees.
The inauguration ceremony will be graced by Minister for Kannada and Culture Shivaraj S. Tangadagi, alongside Kannada Department Secretary M.V. Venkatesh and Director K.M. Gayatri. Book enthusiasts can explore the exhibition daily from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Expect more than just books! The fair is packed with engaging activities, including interactive ‘Selfie with Authors’ sessions, vibrant cultural programs, and insightful seminars. To champion new voices, recently published books will be unveiled each morning at 11 a.m. A significant moment will be the release of “Baduku Baraha,” a 350-page work by Shivanand on International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq, published by the Kannada Book Authority. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah himself will launch this book during the Dasara inaugural function at Chamundi Hill on September 22 at 10:30 a.m.
With an impressive collection of nearly 50,000 books spread across 90 diverse stalls, the event is a fantastic platform for both writers and publishers. To build excitement and reach readers across the city, a charming “book chariot” will traverse Mysuru from September 20. Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy is scheduled to flag off this literary parade at the Kuvempu statue on the Manasagangothri campus.
From September 23 to 30, visitors will have the unique chance to meet and chat with acclaimed writers like L.N. Mukundaraj, Vasudhendra, Sukanya Maruti, M. Krishnegowda, Aravind Malagatti, and T.V. Venkatachalashastri as part of the popular ‘Selfie with Authors’ initiative.
Beyond the pages, the Kuvempu stage will come alive daily at 4:30 p.m. with a rich tapestry of cultural programs and seminars. These events are proudly presented in collaboration with Karnataka’s prestigious academies of Music and Dance, Literature, Folklore, Yakshagana, theatre, Lalitkala, as well as the Santakavi Kanakadasa Study Centre and Yuvaraja’s College.
The diverse program includes a captivating panel discussion on “Baduku Baraha,” soulful bhavageete and poetry sessions, lively folk and theatre songs, engaging book readings, thought-provoking seminars on historical figures like Basavanna and Kanakadasa, and dynamic Yakshagana performances.
The fair will also spotlight new literary releases during daily sessions, featuring works from talented authors such as H. Nagaveni, Rahmat Tarikere, Purushottam Bilimale, Sannarama, Meti Mallikarjun, Narasimhamurthy Hoovinahalli, M.R. Manjunath, Ashok P. Mani, S. Sundar Kaliveer, Shreyas H.S., and many more.
The press conference, where these exciting details were announced, saw the presence of Book Fair convener V.N. Mallikarjunaswamy, University of Mysore Prasaranga director Nanjayya Honganur, administrative officer K.B. Kiran Singh, and other key committee members.