Rourkela Pustak Mahotsav–2026, the mega book festival of the region, will be organised from 3rd to 12th February, 2026 at Bhanja Bhavan, Sector-5, Rourkela. The festival is being organised by Bhanja Cultural Trust in association with SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP).
The 10-day literary extravaganza aims to promote reading habits and celebrate literature, culture and creative expression among people of all age groups. The festival will feature as many as 114 stalls, with participation from leading publishers and booksellers from across the country. Besides reputed publishing houses from Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, prominent publishers from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Raipur, Pune and other major cities will also take part in the event, offering a rich and diverse collection of books.
Mr. Alok Verma, Director In-Charge, RSP will formally inaugurate Rourkela Pustak Mahotsav–2026 on 3rd February, 2026 at 6.30 PM. Eminent writer, theatre director and playwright Sri Lalatendu Rath will be felicitated with the ‘Rourkela Pustak Mahotsav Samman’ in the concluding evening of the festival. The Book Festival will remain open from 3 PM to 9 PM on weekdays and 1:00 PM to 9 PM on Sundays.
In addition to book exhibitions and sales, the festival will host a wide range of literary and cultural activities. These include book launches, literary workshops, poem recitations and interactive sessions with writers every evening. Cultural programmes featuring classical and semi-classical music, classical and folk dance performances, will add colour to the festival. Special competitions for children will be organised during the festival to encourage creativity and reading habits among young minds. Attractive prizes will be awarded to the winners. Spot quiz competition will be added attraction every evening and the winners will receive awards.
With no entry fee, Rourkela Pustak Mahotsav–2026 is expected to attract book lovers, students, writers and cultural enthusiasts from Rourkela and nearby regions, making it a vibrant celebration of literature and culture.
