Lucknow: The religious literature section at Gomti Book Festival is attracting readers seeking a wider understanding of faith traditions through books that explain ideas, histories and practices, alongside familiar scriptures. While copies of Ramayan, Mahabharat, Gita, Quran, Bible and Guru Granth Sahib remain available, many visitors are turning to commentaries, philosophical works, biographies and introductory texts to explore religion beyond devotional reading.Rohit Das, a publication owner at the festival, said the shift is most visible among readers interested in context and interpretation. “The trend is particularly visible among readers who want to understand religious traditions beyond devotional reading. Books on Hindu philosophy, the Upanishads, Puranas, mythology and interpretations of the Bhagvad Gita are finding space alongside the primary texts,” he said.In the Islamic section, visitors are browsing titles on Seerah, the life of Prophet Muhammad, Hadith, Tafsir and Islamic history. Christian shelves include Bible commentaries, study guides and books that examine the life and teachings of Jesus.“I bought a book, ‘Seerah,’ along with a Quran translation. I have read the Quran but I wanted to know more about the historical context and the life of Prophet Muhammad,” said Mohammad Arif, a visitor at the festival.The Sikh collection features books on Sikh philosophy and history, biographies of the Sikh Gurus and interpretative works on Guru Granth Sahib. Buddhist offerings introduce readers to the teachings of Buddha through texts such as Dhammapada and Jataka stories. Jain literature highlights topics including ahimsa, ethics, philosophy and Jain history, while books on Zoroastrianism cover Avesta, Gathas and Parsi traditions.“I wanted something beyond the usual religious texts. Books explaining the background and philosophy help me understand why certain traditions and practices developed,” said Raayla Sharma, another visitor. Karmanya Singh said he purchased a book on Sikh history to learn how the faith evolved over time.Among newer titles drawing attention is “Happy Hanuman,” a devotional art-therapy book based on Hanuman Chalisa that combines illustrations, colouring and activities with its 43 chaupais.“I bought Happy Hanuman for my daughter. She enjoys colouring and I thought the book would be a simple way for her to become familiar with the Hanuman Chalisa,” said Arohi Shukla.‘Gomti a living and dynamic ecosystem’“Gomti’s land must be returned to Gomti to protect its natural character,” said river expert Prof Venkatesh Dutta at a special session on the river’s health, history and future at the fifth Gomti Book Festival at Lucknow University on Friday. The session, titled “I Am Your Gomti”, was organised on World Water Monitoring Day. “Gomti should not be viewed only as a stream of water but as a living and dynamic ecosystem. The river needs its natural flow, banks and catchment area to remain healthy. If we want to restore Gomti, we have to protect the land that belongs to the river,” said Dutta. Blue Drop Foundation president Meenu Khare spoke about Gomti’s changing relationship with the city. “Gomti was once deeply connected with the lives of people. Fish, birds, trees, plants, fields and other forms of life were part of its ecosystem. As the city expanded, this relationship gradually weakened,” she said.
