Literary Fests And Book Fairs In Chennai

Like any other language, Tamil is a rich tongue whose literature is infused with works of great writers and poets. In fact, literature has been an integral part in shaping the culture of Chennai, the sea-side capital city of Tamil Nadu.The people of this city love celebrating this particular aspect of their culture. To this end, there are book fairs and literary fests in Chennai all the year round. Book lovers and literature addicts flock to these festivals from all over the country to indulge in their favourite activity. If you are looking to pamper the book worm in you during your stay in Chennai, we have got just the right list of fests and fairs for you!

Chennai Book Fair

 
Booksellers and Publishers Association of South India (BAPASI) organise Chennai Book Fair or Madras Book fair every year during the New Year-Pongal season. It lasts for about two weeks. The first Chennai Book Fair dates back to December 1977 when the BAPASI collaborated with the then major publishing houses in Chennai and set up 22 stalls. The fair has grown in size and popularity since then and is currently the largest and the most prominent book expo Chennai witnesses.

People buying books at a book fair with books in the centre and people walking on the side

The 2018 edition of the fair lasted for 13 days and hosted around 708 book stalls. It recorded a record-breaking 1.1 million visitors. The modern Chennai Book Fair is a representation of all that Literature represents, unity, harmony and peace and is a true paradise for book connoisseurs.

Books kept on a desk with light falling on it

Lit for Life

 
Lit for Life, Chennai is The Hindu’s annual literary festival held usually for three days during the months of January or February. True to its moniker, Lit for Life aims to bring together those who have dedicated a good part of their lives to literature and those who have a passion for literature. The book exhibition in Chennai was started as a part of celebration of the 20th anniversary of The Hindu 's Literary Review in 2010.

Cut to the present day, this literary fest sees crowds of celebrity writers of literature from different languages including the native tongue, Tamil. Leading writers, speakers, journalists and editors are invited and there are official book signings, workshops and book launches dotting the itinerary of the festival. The fest also has a separate section solely dedicated to Children’s literature, making the event a funfair for book lovers and literature addicts of all ages!

Queer LitFest, Chennai (QLF)

 
The history LGBTQIA+ community of India took a massive and victorious turn when Supreme Court passed a verdict repealing Section 377 in September 2018. Since then, the community has found various ways of celebrating themselves and their work. Queer LitFest was curated to shine more light on LGBTQIA+ writers, translators, authors and journalists in Tamil and in other languages. The fest hosts several discussions relevant in terms of politics, science and literature and their relationship with the LGBTQIA+ community. The fest is held between the months of June to September.

a close up image of Multiple stacks of colourful books

Chennai is a hub for literature mavens because of the fests and fairs held in the city. Hablis is a premium business hotel in the heart of Chennai where you can avail accommodations during your stay here. We offer exquisite rooms with modern facilities where you can rest blissfully after a long day of book surfing.

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