Archive · 21 Jan 2026
Chaos at New Delhi Book Fair
The New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 had a lot of people visiting because it was free to enter.
However, things got very messy on the last day.
People were pushing and climbing on shelves to grab books, and some even stole books.
This behavior surprised many because book lovers are usually seen as calm and well-mannered.
Some people suggested that the fair should have charged an entry fee to prevent such chaos.
The fair had more visitors than usual, with over 2 million people attending.
Videos of the chaos went viral on social media, and many people criticized the behavior of the visitors.
The New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 saw chaotic behavior with visitors pushing, climbing, and stealing books.
The fair had free entry, leading to a 20% increase in visitors compared to previous years, with over 2 million attendees.
Videos of the chaos went viral on social media, showing people behaving in a disorderly manner.
Critics suggested that the fair should have charged an entry fee to prevent such incidents.
The fair was held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from January 10 to 18, 2026.
- Who
- Visitors at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026
- What
- Chaos and disorderly conduct, including pushing, climbing, and stealing books
- When
- January 10-18, 2026, with the worst incidents on the last day
- Where
- Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
- Why
- Free entry to the fair, leading to a significant increase in attendance and overcrowding
Free Entry Advocates
Entry Fee Advocates
Entry Fee Policy
Free Entry Advocates
Free entry promotes literacy and accessibility to books for all.
Entry Fee Advocates
Charging an entry fee would reduce overcrowding and prevent chaotic behavior.
- Event
- New Delhi World Book Fair 2026
- Location
- Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
- Dates
- January 10-18, 2026
- Attendance
- Over 2 million visitors
- Entry Fee
- Free
- Incidents
- Pushing, climbing, and stealing books
Sources
Chaos At New Delhi World Book Fair As Visitors Climb Onto Shelves For ‘Free' Novels – ‘Entry Fee Should Be Rs 1,000’
‘Groping in stalls’: After viral Delhi Book Fair loot video, Indian author outs more shocking deets
World Book Fair turns into Delhi Book Rush