Chaotic Book Giveaway Rushes Close Delhi World Book Fair 2026. The 53rd edition of the fair at Pragati Maidan drew over 2 million visitors—a 20% jump—with free entry boosting families, youth, and sales of military history, Hindi titles, and children's books. Video of the closing giveaway at one stall showed attendees clambering over displays, prompting online comments about crowd behavior and civic sense in Delhi. Organizers and publishers still celebrated the event's success, with 600 sessions, 1,000 speakers from 35 countries, and a revival of reading culture.