Pune: Mayor Manjusha Nagpure on Monday announced that the Pune Children’s Book Fair 2026 will be held from April 30 to May 4 at the Ganesh Kala Krida Manch in Swargate.“The Pune Children’s Book Fair is not merely a book exhibition, it is a festival that promotes holistic development of children. Such initiatives are essential to foster a love for reading and creativity among youngsters. The fair offers a unique opportunity for joy-based learning,” she told reporters at a press conference.The Pune Municipal Corporation, the Pune Pustak Mahotsav organisation and other groups are together organising the event. Organisers said the fair aims to be an enjoyable learning experience through storytelling and poetry sessions, science talks, AI guidance and play activities. The sessions will include puppet shows and interaction with popular cartoon characters like Chintu. Sessions like AI Your Study Buddy will promote the use of AI in education. Apart from segments on the Indian Constitution, science topics will be conducted. An aeromodelling show will be held to create awareness about the Indian Air Force. A seminar titled How to Reduce Children’s Screen Time will provide practical guidance for parents.The closing ceremony will feature traditional Sambal drumming, Gondhal songs and other cultural performances.One of the organisers, Rajesh Pande, said, “This year, the fair will feature approximately 100 book stalls with a primary focus on children’s literature. There will be a constant flow of literary and cultural programmes through the day, alongside rural and adventure games.”
