Festival Guide
4–15 December 2026 • Gandhi Maidan, Patna
At a glance
2026 Programme Preview
More than books. A celebration of ideas, creativity and Bihar.
PBF 2026 brings together authors, poets, students, artists, thinkers and performers for an exciting mix of conversations, competitions, poetry, theatre, music, cinema, art, workshops, wellness and much more.
Come for the books. Stay for the experiences. Celebrate Bihar with us.
हुनर (Hunar)
Talent competitions, quizzes, and creative expression sessions for school students
Coordinator: Moni Tripathiचिट्ठियाँ (Chitthiyan)
Youth-centric creative writing and presentation event focused on the art of love letters
Coordinator: Dr. Vimlendu Singhयूथ वाइस (Youth Voice)
Open dialogue and debates for college students on contemporary social, educational, and cultural themes
Coordinator: Dr. Kumar Varunस्वास्थ्य संवाद (Swasthya Samvad )
Health and wellness talk series featuring specialist doctors and health consultations
Coordinator: Dr. Vikas Shankarकाव्य-कथा (Kavya-Katha)
Poetry and short story readings, critical appreciation, and literary honors
Coordinator: Jay Prakashस्कूल उत्सव (School Utsav)
Stage performances, musical acts, and cultural presentations by school teams
Coordinator: Moni Tripathi / Sarita Mishraअपने मन का (Apne Man Ka)
Open platform for youth presenting original poetry, satire, stand-up, and storytelling
Coordinator: Utkarshयुवा स्वर – Open Stage (Yuva Swar)
Musical, vocal, and dance performances by young regional artists
Coordinator: Utkarsh Anandजन संवाद (Jan Samvad)
Public panel discussions and civil society forums on pertinent public issues
Coordinator: Jay Prakashकोचिंग मास्टर (Coaching Master)
Academic orientation, competitive exam counseling, and study strategies by reputed coaching institutes
Coordinator: Moni Tripathi / Rekha Bharti Mishraज्ञान-रोजगार (Gyan-Rozgar)
Higher education counseling, career path guidance, and skill development orientation
Coordinator: Rekha Bharti Mishraसिनेमा उनेमा (Cinema Unema)
Film screenings, discussions on regional/national cinema, filmmaker interactions, and felicitations
Coordinator: Ravikantकला दीर्घा (Kala Deergha)
Dedicated fine arts and photography exhibition gallery
Coordinator: Manish Kumarनुक्कड़ के रंग (Nukkad Ke Rang)
Social awareness street plays (Nukkad Natak) and team awards
Coordinator: Ravikantसुर संगीत (Sur Sangeet)
Musical evenings showcasing regional folk, Sufi, and devotional music (subject to sponsorships/funding)
Coordinator: Program Committeeस्वाद बिहार (Swad Bihar)
Culinary pavilion celebrating traditional flavors and authentic cuisines of Bihar
Coordinator: Program Committeeकिताब के शब्द उच्चरित हुए (Kitab Ke Shabd Uccharit Hue)
Dramatic and expressive vocal readings of celebrated literary texts
Coordinator: Utkarsh Anandलोकार्पण (Lokarpan)
Official book launch stage and interaction with authors
Coordinator: Jay Prakashकॉफ़ी हाउस (Coffee House)
Informal literary adda and intellectual salon for writers, journalists, and readers
Coordinator: Jay Prakashकवि सम्मेलन – मुशायरा (Kavi Sammelan & Mushaira)
Grand evening poetry gatherings with prominent poets and shayars
Coordinator: Chandanसंपादक से संवाद (Sampadak Se Samvad)
Direct interaction between readers, aspiring writers, and senior editors/journalists
Coordinator: Dr. Kumar Varunबिहार रस (Bihar Ras)
Celebrating Bihar’s folk heritage, artistic traditions, and cultural roots
Coordinator: Program Committeeजुम्बा / योग (Zumba & Yoga)
Morning public health, wellness, and fitness sessions
Coordinator: Event Facilitators
Literary experiences
- Meet the Author and book launches
- Apne Man Ki — youth poetry, satire and storytelling
- Coffee House
- Journalism and public affairs forums
Cultivating readers for life
- Reading corners and children’s reading zone
- Mera Prem Patra storytelling sessions
- Free book distribution
- School outreach programme
Empowering young minds
- Hunar inter-school competitions
- School Utsav and debates
- Career and job counselling
- Yuva Swar
Music, poetry and performance
- Mushaira and Kavi Sammelan
- Sur Sangeet
- Nukkad ke Rang and stage performance
- Swad Bihar
Art, film and exhibitions
- Art Gallery and painting programmes
- Cinema Utsav film festival
- Artist interactions
- Visual heritage and cultural exhibitions
Community well-being
- Swasthya Samvad and health camps
- Eye and dental care
- Blood donation
- Environmental awareness and book donation drives
Fair Gates and Stages
2025 at a Glance
A selection from 300+ literary, cultural, educational and community programmes presented during the 2025 fair.
Nukkad Natak · Aao Aao Natak Dekho
Street plays and theatre activity created a high-energy public-performance space and brought social themes directly into the fair environment.
Cinema Uneema
A dedicated cinema strand for films, documentaries and conversations — one of the programmes repeatedly identified as a 2025 attraction.
National Mushaira & Kavi Sammelan
Poets, shayars and literary voices gathered for evenings of recitation and audience engagement.
Gyan Aur Gurukul · Jan Samvad
Public conversations, reflective dialogue and educational engagement continued the fair’s knowledge-sharing tradition.
School Utsav · Yuva Swar · EPIC Show
Student-facing competitions, presentations and youth participation strengthened the fair’s intergenerational character. Public reporting noted that the EPIC Show engaged more than 2,200 students.
Teri Meri Prem Kahani · Swasthya Samvad
Alongside literary events, themed conversations and wellness-oriented programming broadened the fair’s appeal.
Madhav Art Gallery · Bihar Ki Pehchan
Visual culture, illustration and exhibition spaces added a strong arts layer to the 2025 edition.
Sampadak se Samvad · Kitab ke Shabd Uchcharit Hue
Editor dialogues, readings and author-centred sessions kept books and ideas at the heart of the experience.
