The New Year celebrations in hill stations -Manali, Shimla, Auli, Gulmarg, Munnar, Coorg, and Gangtok -and in popular temples of Ayodhya and Benaras for spirituality and picnics with dance and songs along dams and waterfalls across the country are festive wives.

Unlike these wives of millions of people, men, women and children were spotted walking, reading and buying books inside the Zila school ground in the capital city of Jharkhand on the eve of the new year 2026.

At the ongoing National Book Fair there, book stalls have emerged as a major attraction for readers and book lovers. Their presence is indicative of a surge in demand for books related to the state's history, culture, and tribal heritage, as well as mental health and self-development literature among the youth. 

The 10-day book fair is being jointly organised by Samay India and the Book Fair Committee at the Zila school ground,near the city centre - Albert Ekka Chowk.

More than 100 stalls have been set up at the fair, with participation from over 50 publishers. The book fair, which started on Jan 26 will continue until Jan 4 and will remain open daily from 11:00 am to 7:30 pm.

Chandra Bhushan, the Managing Trustee of the organiser -Samaya India, said, "Books focusing on the state's revolutionaries, indigenous communities, language, tourism, art, and cultural identity are witnessing strong sales.”

The stall put up by the Gorakhpur-based Gita Press carrying Hindu religious books has sold more than Rs 2 lakh worth books. 

Even the stall of Gideons International in India was carrying and distributing books on Christianity free of cost.The stall of the Jharkhand Tourism department was empty as there was no staff or any books. 

However, books dedicated to Jharkhand’s revolutionaries, 24 districts, tribes, Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), along with illustrated volumes on tradition, art, and culture, have emerged as key attractions.

Publishers reported specific interest in multi-volume works on the state's tribal history, freedom movements, regional identity, and tourism compendiums. 

Several stalls showcased popular works by noted authors, children’s storybooks, epics, biographies, and self-help titles, which recorded brisk sales. 

Another event worth noting was the inauguration of a book, Anokha Babdhan, authored by ex-banker turned writer Devesh. The JMM MP Mahua Maji launched it in presence of scores of people.

Chandra Bhushan, said, “Readers are increasingly showing curiosity about the socio-cultural roots, history, and identity, reflecting a renewed interest in understanding the state beyond textbooks.

Arti Kumari, a customer, said, “I am glad to see so many books on history and culture in one place. At the same time, mental health and self-help books are helping young people like us find guidance and balance in everyday life.”