The 35th Vijayawada Book Festival is currently underway at the Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium on MG Road in Vijayawada. Organized by the Vijayawada Book Festival Society (VBFS), the festival runs from January 2 to 12, 2025, operating daily from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM. 
This year’s festival features 271 stalls, showcasing a diverse range of books from publishers across India. The event was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan, who emphasized the importance of literature and announced plans to lead a movement to establish libraries in rural areas. 
A highlight of the festival is the release of a biography of former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, published by the Sahitya Akademi. The festival also honors several literary and cultural icons, with venues named after notable figures such as Pidikiti Rama Koteswara Rao, founder of Sahiti Navjeevan Book Links, and Cherukuri Ramoji Rao, founder of the Eenadu Group. 
Throughout the eleven days, attendees can enjoy cultural programs, literary discussions, and interactive sessions like “My Favorite Book.” Student activities, including elocution competitions, storytelling, drawing, and origami making, are also part of the festival. Notable events include the late Narla Chiranjeevi Centenary Celebrations and a National Poets’ Conference on January 3, as well as a Book Lovers’ Walk on January 6, flagged off by Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand. 
Organizers expect over one million visitors this year and have enhanced parking facilities to accommodate the anticipated crowds. The festival aims to celebrate literature and creativity, offering a rich program that pays tribute to literary icons and promotes a love for reading among all age groups. 
For more details, you can visit the official website of the Vijayawada Book Festival Society.