Pune’s World Book Day 2026 to Celebrate ‘Literature in Action’ Across the City
pune : The 4th edition of Pune’s World Book Day goes beyond reading and writing—bringing alive the theme “Literature in Action.” Curated by Paalvia Foundation and Nukkad Cafe, in association with Villoo Poonawalla Foundation, the festival transforms literature into lived experiences, showcasing how words can inspire change, build communities, and create meaningful impact.
Unlike conventional literary events, this year’s edition curates experiences across diverse social spaces from 19th -26th April 2026 which includes Akshar Paaul – Smiling Library Initiative, Balgram SOS Children’s Villages, Purnkuti and Mahatma Phule Mandai. From orphanages and community libraries for underprivileged children to after-school centres for children of sex workers, the festival brings literature into real-life contexts where it can truly engage, connect, and make a difference.
The intention is to let literature, in every form, inspire children, especially from marginalised communities, create opportunities for individuals with disabilities, add value to social spaces and engage and move people at large.
“The experiences we create today may become the stories people tell tomorrow. Through this festival, we want people to see literature not just as words on a page, but as a force that shapes lives, perspectives, and communities,” Vaibhav Paliwal, Founder, Paalvia Foundation
Social Spaces as Literary Venues
Pune’s World Book Day 2026 stands out for its strong emphasis on inclusion and community engagement. By collaborating with diverse communities, the festival makes literature more accessible, participatory, and meaningful.
Key venues include:
Akshar Paaul – Smiling Library Initiative: Serving children of construction workers and underserved communities, the initiative runs 16 libraries reaching over 1,000 children—nurturing reading, creativity, and confidence. Experiences will be hosted at their Hadapsar and Warje centres.
Balgram SOS Children’s Villages: Supporting children without parental care for over four decades, Balgram focuses on holistic development. With 5 Children’s Villages and 27 Balsadan & hostels, it reaches over 1,000 children annually. Experiences will be held at their Yerwada centre.
Purnkuti: Working with women, children, transgender individuals, and marginalized communities, Purnkuti supports over 200 children through education and 4,000+ women through livelihood programs. Experiences will take place at their Raviwar Peth centre.
Mahatma Phule Mandai: Established in 1886, this iconic market has been at the heart of Pune’s daily life for nearly 140 years—serving as a living canvas of stories, people, and culture.
Experiences that Bring Literature Alive
The festival features a wide range of thoughtfully curated experiences, including:
- Kahani Bazaar – A guided visit to Mandai, encouraging participants to observe real-life moments and transform them into stories, poems, or art.
- Sensory Expression – A workshop led by a visually impaired facilitator, exploring writing beyond sight.
- She Spoke, The World Changed – A poetry recital celebrating women reformers and their lasting impact.
- Words That Moved the World – A performance of songs, speeches, and poems from significant moments in India’s past.
…and many more experiences designed to engage participants across ages and backgrounds.
Pune’s World Book Day 2026 invites citizens to experience literature not just as something to read—but as something to live, feel, and act upon.
Program Schedule
Pune’s World Book Day 2026
1) Mahatma Phule Mandai
Kahani Bazaar
An early morning was in Mandai to observe real-life moments and finding inspiration to draw, write, capture, or sing.
19th April, Sunday, 7-9 am, Mandai, Pune.
Hosted by Write Club Pune
Open for Everyone
2) Smiling Library, Warje
https://maps.app.goo.gl/vaY28qvFRt8GFTFcA
Kahaniyon ki Potli
A bundle of stories through puppets and books.
Children listen, read along, and experience the joy of stories unfolding in playful ways.
21st April, Tuesday, 11 am to 12 pm, Similing Library, Warje, Pune.
Storyteller: Kakoli Bagchi
Open for Everyone
3) Purnkuti, Raviwar Peth
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2mpGgCq6w5vPASJE6
She Spoke, The World Changed
Poetry that carried courage, resistance, and reform.
A recital of poems by women reformers, followed by reflections on their ideas and relevance today.
24th April, Friday, 2 – 4 pm, Purnkuti, Raviwar Peth, Pune.
Storyteller: Priya Mohite and Asawari Doshi
Exclusively for Purnkuti beneficiaries and by invitation only
Kahani, Kahani ki Tarah
Stories told, and stories read the way they are meant to be.
An engaging storytelling session for children, followed by a read-aloud where they learn how to read a story, making it lively.
24th April, Friday, 5:45 – 7:45 pm, Purnkuti, Raviwar Peth, Pune.
Storyteller: Priya Mohite and Asawari Doshi
Exclusively for Purnkuti beneficiaries and by invitation only
4) Smiling Library, Hadapsar
https://maps.app.goo.gl/bgq71CLY42Nu8rzm9?g_st=awb
Kahani Bhi, Khel Bhi
A playful mix of storytelling, puppet tales, book reading, and hands-on craft.
From stories to making, children engage, explore, and create through every step.
25th April, Saturday, 4 – 7 pm, Similing Library, Hadapdar, Pune.
Storyteller: Kakoli Bagchi
Open for Everyone
5) Balgram SOS Children’s Village, Yerwada
https://maps.app.goo.gl/gUCgTjKucPYYhgtG8
Kahaniyon ka Brahmand
Look beyond the earth and into a universe full of stories.
A telescope-led stargazing experience, followed by conversations on the science, stories, and literary imagination of the sky.
25th April, Saturday, 6 – 9 pm, Balgram SOS Children’s Village, Yerwada, Pune.
Hosted by Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astro-Physics (ICUAA)
Open for Everyone (limited seats only)
Khilono ki Kahani
From simple materials to moving toys, each creation has a story.
Children build toys from scratch while exploring the basic science behind how they move and work.
26th April, Sunday, 3 – 5 pm, Balgram SOS Children’s Village, Yerwada, Pune.
Hosted by Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astro-Physics (ICUAA)
Exclusively for children residing at Balgram SOS Children’s Village and by invitation only
Pages of the Self
A quiet space to turn inward and begin to heal.
Through guided art therapy, participants reflect, explore emotions, and express themselves—moving towards a more whole version of who they are.
26th April, Sunday, 3 – 5 pm, Balgram SOS Children’s Village, Yerwada, Pune.
Facilitator- Dr. Gayatri Shinde
Open for Everyone (limited seats only)
Sensory Expression
An experience beyond sight, guided by a visually impaired facilitator.
Participants explore objects and the world without sight, expressing what they sense—opening new perspectives for writing and expression.
26th April, Sunday, 3 – 5 pm, Balgram SOS Children’s Village, Yerwada, Pune.
Facilitator- Zainab Chinikamwala
Open for Everyone (limited seats only)
Bazaar Se Kahani
Observation expressed.
Participants who visited Mandai for Kahani Bazaar share their writings inspired by real-life moments experienced there.
26th April, Sunday, 3 – 4 pm, Balgram SOS Children’s Village, Yerwada, Pune.
Hosted by Write Club Pune
Open for Everyone
Voices, As They Are
Expression in its most honest and authentic form.
A performance by disabled artists and selected poets, sharing their writing and creative expressions as they are.
26th April, Sunday, 4 – 5 pm, Balgram SOS Children’s Village, Yerwada, Pune.
Open for Everyone
Little Nature Writers
Exploring nature, one observation at a time.
Children walk in nature, observe, and express their thoughts through creative writing.
26th April, Sunday, 5 – 6 pm, Balgram SOS Children’s Village, Yerwada, Pune.
Facilitator: Kinjal Sethia
Exclusively for children residing at Balgram SOS Children’s Village
The Big Reveal
Celebrating stories and the voices behind them.
Winners of the competition are announced, followed by the unveiling of the anthology book cover.
26th April, Sunday, 5 – 6 pm, Balgram SOS Children’s Village, Yerwada, Pune.
Open for Everyone
Words That Moved The World
Words that once shaped history and continue to inspire.
A performance of songs, speeches and poems from significant moments in India’s past.
26th April, Sunday, 6 – 7:30 pm, Balgram SOS Children’s Village, Yerwada, Pune.
Artist: Dr. Salil Latay and Sonali Rasal
Open for Everyone