The 41st CRD Patna Book Fair 2025 at Gandhi Maidan was inaugurated on 5 December 2025 by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, not Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, following a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony. Both leaders received invitations, and Samrat Choudhary attended the event alongside dignitaries like Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary.
Gandhi Maidan was fully decorated with yellow lights and final touches by over 100 artists from Kolkata, including hammering and construction sounds in the lead-up. The fair runs from 5 December 2025 to 16 December 2025, featuring 200 stalls from national and regional publishers, named gates after ancient sages (Agastya, Vishwamitra, Charak), and themed zones like Vyas Manch and Kashyap Manch.
Bihar Book Fair 2025
The Patna Book Fair, also known as Patna Pustak Mela, is an annual event organized by the Centre for Readership Development (CRD), an NGO promoting readership through book fairs, libraries, and cultural initiatives since 1985. The first edition organized in 1985 at Gandhi Maidan in Patna; the 20th was in November 2013, with the 41st organizing from 5 December 2025 to 16 December 2025, at the same site.
From 1999-2002, it shifted temporarily to Patliputra Colony grounds due to scheduling conflicts. The fair exhibits books, printed materials, stationery, printing services, CDs, and multimedia from over 200 national and international publishers, covering 2.5 lakh square feet in past editions with up to 1,000 stalls. The 2025 edition features 300+ programs on literature, health, art, music, and more, drawing over 100,000 visitors in the first weekend.
41st CRD Patna Book Fair 2025 Details
| Organizer | Centre for Readership Development (CRD) NGO |
| Dates | 5 December 2025 to 16 December 2025 |
| Venue | Gandhi Maidan, Patna |
| Inauguration | 5 December 2025 by CM Nitish Kumar |
| Theme | Wellness – A Way of Life |
| Stalls | 200+ from national/international publishers (books, stationery, multimedia) |
| Programs | 300+ daily: literature discussions, health dialogues, mushaira, kavi sammelan, street plays, music, youth events |
| Entry | Free for schoolchildren in uniform/college students (weekdays) |
Rs 15 crore Book is the Key Attraction
Main is the world’s most expensive book, priced at Rs 15 crore, authored by spiritual writer Ratneshwar and unveiled at the 41st CRD Patna Book Fair on 6 December 6 2025. Available in Hindi and English, the book details Ratneshwar’s claimed spiritual journey to “Brahmaloka” and reveals “param gyan” (supreme knowledge) from his awakening; only three copies exist globally.
Ratneshwar positions it as a modern scripture under tight security at Gandhi Maidan, where selfies are allowed but sales are off-site. One copy will go to the Bihar Museum post-fair (16 December 2025); a “Granth Uday” interactive session on 7 December 2025 amplified crowds. It has driven attendance over 100,000 in the first weekend, highlighting efforts to boost youth interest in literature.
Demand for books based on different genres of writing
Demand trends at recent Patna Book Fairs favor practical and educational categories, with Hindi literature leading sales consistently. At the National Book Trust (NBT) stall in the 41st CRD Patna Book Fair 2025, strong demand exists for books on Rashtrakavi Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, the Indian Constitution, and judiciary topics, reflecting interest in literature, politics, and law.
Birendra Prasad, a stall operator, offers special discounts on books, plus lifetime discounts for readers becoming members by paying Rs 100. NBT features diverse genres including science, philosophy, technology, children’s books, and journalism titles like Arun Kumar Bhagat’s four-book collection Journalism: Creative Writing and the Writing Process, which is selling well amid varying writing styles showcased across stalls.
Broader Demand- Top Genres and Trends
The 41st CRD Patna Book Fair 2025 showcases broad demand across literature, politics, science, philosophy, technology, children’s books, competitive exams, and spiritual/wellness titles, driven by discounts, cultural programs, and Bihar-specific interests. Hindi literature dominates demand, followed by competitive exam books, with surges in Bihar-specific and educational titles amid discounts and events.
| Genre | Key Trends |
|---|---|
| Hindi Literature | Classics like Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, Munshi Premchand, Phanishwarnath Renu’s Maila Anchal (often sold out) |
| Competitive Exams | Preparation materials for students; preferred over digital formats |
| Constitution & Judiciary | High demand at NBT stall; reflects politics/law interest |
| Kaithi Script & Maps | Boost from government land surveys using historical records |
| Journalism | Arun Kumar Bhagat’s Journalism: Creative Writing and the Writing Process (4-book set) selling well at NBT |
Entry and Ticket price
Entry to the 41st CRD Patna Book Fair 2025 at Gandhi Maidan is free for all visitors, including schoolchildren in uniform and college students specifically on weekdays. General admission requires no tickets or fees, with entry via Ramgulam Chowk and Gate 10; no paid stalls or premium access reported.
This open policy supports high footfall, exceeding 100,000 in the first weekend despite no charges. Lifetime membership discounts on books (via Rs 100 fee at select stalls like NBT) enhance value, but entry remains free to promote readership. Organizers focus on accessibility amid 200+ stalls and 300+ programs.
FAQ’s
What are the dates and venue?
5 December 2025 to 16 December 2025, at Gandhi Maidan, Patna (entry via Ramgulam Chowk and Gate 10).
Is entry free?
Yes, free for all visitors; schoolchildren in uniform and college students get free entry on weekdays.
What are the main attractions?
World’s most expensive book Main by Ratneshwar (Rs 15 crore); 200+ stalls with books/stationery; 300+ daily programs like mushaira, health dialogues, street plays.
Who inaugurated it?
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar on 5 December 2025.
