Vijayawada Book Festival: A Landmark Cultural Event in Andhra Pradesh, India, Set to Attract Thousands of Literary Enthusiasts and Boost Local Tourism

Published on December 14, 2025

The 36th Vijayawada Book Festival is set to be a landmark event in the cultural calendar of Andhra Pradesh, drawing literary enthusiasts from across the country and beyond. Scheduled to be held from January 2 to January 12, 2025, at the Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation (IGMC) Stadium in Vijayawada, this prestigious festival promises to offer a unique blend of cultural, literary, and educational experiences. With over 300 to 350 stalls expected, this year’s festival will be the largest yet, featuring a diverse collection of books, publishers, and authors.

In addition to its literary significance, the Vijayawada Book Festival plays an important role in promoting tourism and cultural exchange, attracting visitors to the region and showcasing Andhra Pradesh’s cultural vibrancy. This event, which celebrates the power of literature, also underscores the state’s commitment to enriching its tourism sector by highlighting local heritage, history, and art.

A Growing Cultural Event: The Rise of Vijayawada Book Festival

The Vijayawada Book Festival has evolved from a local celebration into one of India’s premier literary events. Over the past 36 years, the festival has become an integral part of Vijayawada’s cultural landscape and a key event for literary tourism in Andhra Pradesh. The festival is organized by the Vijayawada Book Festival Society (VBFS), a group dedicated to promoting literature, reading culture, and educational exchange in the region.

One of the unique aspects of the festival is its accessibility; it remains one of the few major literary festivals in India that offers free entry to visitors, making it inclusive and open to all, from students and scholars to casual book lovers. This ethos of inclusion is in line with the festival’s broader goals of promoting literature and cultural dialogue at a grassroots level.

In 2025, the festival’s scope will expand significantly, with the number of participating stalls increasing by more than 30% compared to previous years. Around 300 to 350 book stalls will showcase books from leading publishers across India, as well as 21 new publishers making their debut at the event. This growth in the festival’s scale indicates a rising interest in Indian literature and the festival’s ability to foster greater literary engagement.

Festival Highlights and Literary Focus

The Vijayawada Book Festival offers a unique opportunity to explore India’s literary diversity. The festival will feature a wide array of literary discussions, seminars, and workshops, covering a broad spectrum of topics related to regional literature, children’s literature, contemporary issues, and translation literature. One of the key themes this year is the celebration of Rayalaseema, north Andhra, coastal Andhra, and Telangana literature, showcasing the region’s rich literary traditions and history.

As part of the festival, a book lovers’ padayatra (march) will be organized on January 5, starting from PB Siddhartha Arts and Science College and concluding at the IGMC Stadium. This march will bring together thousands of book lovers, writers, poets, and literary personalities from across India, underscoring the festival’s significance as a national cultural gathering. The event will foster a sense of community among literary enthusiasts and help to generate tourism interest by involving both local residents and tourists.

In addition to the literary discussions, the festival will pay special homage to Vadlamudi Vimala Devi, the founder member of the Vijayawada Book Festival Society, by naming the main festival premises after her. Similarly, the main dais will be dedicated to Dr. B.V. Pattabhiram, an eminent writer, and the children’s activities section will be named in honor of Jayant Narlekar, highlighting the festival’s commitment to honoring literary figures who have contributed significantly to India’s cultural fabric.

Impact on Tourism: Vijayawada as a Cultural Hub

While the Vijayawada Book Festival has always been an important cultural event for the city, its impact on tourism cannot be understated. Vijayawada, a city known for its historical significance, is increasingly becoming a cultural hub, with events like this festival driving tourism growth. The festival not only attracts visitors from across the state but also draws tourists from other parts of India and abroad, eager to experience the festival’s literary offerings.

In the context of tourism development, the Vijayawada Book Festival plays a pivotal role by showcasing the city’s vibrant culture and rich heritage. By bringing together writers, publishers, scholars, and literary enthusiasts, the festival offers an unparalleled opportunity for cultural exchange, making it a must-visit for those interested in exploring Andhra Pradesh’s cultural legacy.

The festival’s location at the IGMC Stadium, a prominent landmark in Vijayawada, further enhances its accessibility for visitors. As tourists flood the city to attend the festival, they also take the time to explore other local attractions, such as the Kanaka Durga Temple, Prakasam Barrage, and Undavalli Caves. The increase in footfall during the festival period gives a substantial boost to the local economy, benefiting hotels, restaurants, transportation services, and other tourism-related businesses.

By promoting literary tourism, the festival also contributes to the broader goal of sustainable tourism. Rather than focusing solely on mass tourism, the festival offers an authentic experience that highlights the importance of cultural and intellectual exchange. This approach not only supports the local economy but also promotes a deeper connection between visitors and the region’s cultural heritage.

A Tribute to Literary Legacy and Local Heroes

This year’s festival will also include special dedications, including the centenary celebrations of Mandali Venkata Krishna Rao, an important figure in the region’s literary history. The festival will also honor Kolluri, a permanent member of the Vijayawada Book Festival Society, underscoring the event’s role in celebrating local literary heroes and preserving their legacy for future generations.

These dedications highlight the festival’s deep connection to the literary community and its commitment to preserving the memory of those who have shaped the cultural landscape of Andhra Pradesh. The inclusion of such tributes reinforces the festival’s role as a platform not only for contemporary literary expression but also for honoring the region’s rich literary traditions.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the Vijayawada Book Festival

The 36th Vijayawada Book Festival marks a turning point in the event’s history, with an expanded scope and a more ambitious vision for the future. As the festival continues to grow in scale and significance, it is expected to become one of the foremost literary events in India, attracting a wider audience and increasing the tourism potential of Vijayawada and Andhra Pradesh.

In future years, the festival aims to expand its offerings, incorporating more international participation and exploring new formats for engagement, such as virtual events and online book sales. By embracing technology and adapting to changing trends in the literary world, the Vijayawada Book Festival can continue to evolve as a premier event for literature enthusiasts and tourists alike.

Conclusion: A Cultural Landmark for Andhra Pradesh and India

The Vijayawada Book Festival is more than just a literary event—it is a celebration of India’s cultural heritage, a platform for literary exchange, and a catalyst for tourism growth in Andhra Pradesh. With its expansion in 2025, the festival is set to attract thousands of visitors, offering a unique blend of cultural immersion, intellectual engagement, and regional pride. By continuing to highlight regional literature and offering an inclusive, free-entry experience, the festival will solidify its place as one of India’s premier literary tourism events.

As the festival draws closer, tourists and literary enthusiasts alike are gearing up to witness the best of Indian literature at one of the most eagerly awaited cultural events of the year. The Vijayawada Book Festival is poised to make a lasting impact on both cultural tourism and the broader literary landscape in India.