Archive · 21 Jul 2026
Valley of Words Announces 2026 Book Awards Shortlist
The Valley of Words Literature and Arts Festival has announced the shortlist for the REC-Valley of Words Book Awards 2026.
Over 600 books from 70 publishing houses were nominated.
A jury of previous winners shortlisted five titles in each of the eight categories.
The festival, held in Dehradun, aims to celebrate Indian writing and the arts.
The winners will be announced during the festival in November 2026.
The festival is known for discovering and promoting new literary talent.
Over 600 books from 70 publishing houses were nominated for the REC-Valley of Words Book Awards 2026.
A jury of previous winners shortlisted five titles in each of the eight categories.
The shortlist was announced during National Reading Day and Digital Reading Month, observed from June 19 to July 18.
The festival aims to recognize the best authors and promote new literary talent.
The winners will be announced during the festival in Dehradun on November 28-29, 2026.
- Who
- Valley of Words Literature and Arts Festival
- What
- Announcement of the shortlist for the REC-Valley of Words Book Awards 2026
- When
- June 19 to July 18, 2026 (National Reading Day and Digital Reading Month)
- Where
- Dehradun
- Why
- To recognize the best authors in eight categories and promote new literary talent
Festival Director's Perspective
Jury's Perspective
Selection Process
Festival Director's Perspective
The selection process was meticulous and reflected diversity in themes and fresh treatment of subjects.
Jury's Perspective
The jury members read and evaluated over 600 books extensively before shortlisting five titles in each category.
- Event
- REC-Valley of Words Book Awards 2026
- Number of Nominated Books
- 600+
- Number of Publishing Houses
- 70+
- Award Categories
- 8
- Festival Dates
- November 28-29, 2026
- Festival Location
- Dehradun
- Festival Director
- Dr. Sanjeev Chopra
- Media Partner
- ThePrint