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Goa Book Festival 2026 Opens with 'Ocean of Stories' Theme

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant inaugurated the 2026 Goa Book Festival at Bhausaheb Bandodkar Ground in Panaji. The festival, organized by the National Book Trust, celebrates Goa's literary heritage in Konkani, Marathi, and English under the theme 'Ocean of Stories'. Sawant urged both locals and tourists to visit the four-day event, which features books, interactive sessions, and cultural performances. The festival aims to nurture the habit of reading and showcase the region's rich tradition of writers and artists.

Key Points: Goa Book Festival 2026 Inaugurated by CM Pramod Sawant

  • Festival inaugurated by Goa CM
  • Theme is 'Ocean of Stories'
  • Runs from Feb 4-8, 2026
  • Features books in multiple languages
  • Organized by National Book Trust
2 min read

Goa: CM Pramod Sawant inaugurates Goa Book Festival, urges participation

CM Pramod Sawant inaugurates Goa Book Festival 2026, urging locals and tourists to participate in the 4-day literary celebration in Panaji.

"I would urge every Goan and those who have come here to visit to come here, buy books and read them - CM Pramod Sawant"

Panaji, February 4

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant inaugurated the 2026 edition of the Goa Book Festival in Panaji on Wednesday.

Organised by the National Book Trust, the Goa Book Festival 2026 is being held at the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Ground, with this year's theme focusing on the 'Ocean of Stories'.

Speaking to ANI, CM Pramod Sawant congratulated the organisers on behalf of the state government, further urging locals as well as tourists to visit the festival.

"I congratulate the organisers on behalf of the Goa government for organising this Goa Book Festival. This festival will run for 4 days starting today. The festival will feature different books in different languages. I would urge every Goan and those who have come here to visit to come here, buy books and read them....this will be the success of this festival," the CM said.

Taking to his official X handle, CM Sawant shared pictures from the festival inauguration. He also took a tour of the venue, checking the arrangements and the books exhibited for visitors.

"Goa to Read with Enthusiasm! Pleased to inaugurate the Goa Book Festival, organised by the National Book Trust, in Panaji in presence of distinguished dignitaries. With its theme "Ocean of Stories", the festival celebrates Goa's rich literary heritage in Konkani, Marathi and English, and its long tradition of writers, storytellers and artists. From books and ideas to history, art and imagination, this festival truly reflects the Goan spirit. Let us continue to nurture the habit of reading and pass on the joy of books to future generations," he wrote in the caption.

The Goa Book Festival 2026 will run from February 4 to 8, 2026, starting from 11 am to 8 pm. Visitors will be offered a rich indulgence into the celebration of books, ideas, culture, and creativity, enhanced by literary interactive sessions, cultural performances, and more.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see the CM promoting reading culture. But I hope the focus is on making books affordable and accessible to all, not just a photo-op. Festivals are great, but we need more permanent libraries in smaller towns too.
M
Michael C
As a tourist here, this is a fantastic surprise! Combining a beach holiday with a book festival is brilliant. The interactive sessions sound interesting. Will definitely visit tomorrow.
A
Aditya G
Heartening to see Goa's rich storytelling tradition being celebrated. Konkani literature has so many gems. Hope they have good collections for children as well. Jai Goa!
S
Sarah B
Love this! Promoting reading in the digital age is so important. The blend of culture and creativity sounds perfect. Wish more Indian states had such well-organized literary festivals.
K
Karthik V
Bahut badhiya! This is the real development - promoting knowledge and culture. Hope they have sessions in Hindi too for wider participation. CM Sawant is right, we must pass on the joy of books to the next gen.

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