Vandana Bhagra, Shimla
Every year, on April 2nd, we celebrate Bal Pustak Diwas (Children’s Book Day), an exciting day dedicated to the magic of books, stories, and the endless adventures that come with reading. This day is also known as International Children’s Book Day (ICBD) and is celebrated across the world. It’s a special day for kids, parents, teachers, and anyone who loves the world of literature!
Bal Pustak Diwas is a global celebration of children’s literature. The main goal is to encourage young people to read and develop a love for books. The day is all about exploring new stories, characters, and places through books and realizing just how fun and exciting reading can be! Books are not just about reading words—they open doors to new worlds! This day also helps children understand the importance of reading. Books help them learn new things, build their imagination, and even understand more about the world around them. This day encourages kids to develop a lifelong habit of reading, which can help them do better in school and in life.
This day is special because it marks the birth of Hans Christian Andersen, a famous author from Denmark, best known for his fairy tales like The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling. His stories have been enjoyed by children all over the world for generations, and his birthday was chosen as the perfect date to celebrate children’s books.
To make reading even more fun, schools, libraries, and bookstores organize exciting activities for children. Some of the activities include book readings where teachers or special guest storytellers read out loud from popular children’s books, bringing characters and stories to life! Sometimes, real-life authors come to schools or libraries to talk about their books, tell stories, and even show how they write their stories. Storytellers and teachers engage children with imaginative storytelling, where they can even act out parts of the story. Children also get to explore and buy new books at book fairs, where they can find exciting titles to read.
The first International Children’s Book Day was celebrated in 1967. It was started by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), a global organization that aims to encourage children’s literature worldwide. The day was chosen to coincide with Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday, and it has since been celebrated in many countries to inspire young readers and promote literacy.
Chetna Bhatia, Author/Editor from Mumbai shares, “Today, as we celebrate Bal Pustak, I am reminded of my childhood days—the joy of reading children’s books, comics and kids’ newspapers. Those stories opened up new worlds, sparked my imagination, and became cherished memories. However, when I look around today, I see that many children have lost interest in books. Instead of flipping through pages, they are often glued to screens. While e-books are becoming popular, excessive screen time can strain the eyes and take away the true joy of reading. Children, reading is not just a hobby; books are an ocean of knowledge, a treasure trove of wisdom and creativity. Every book you read helps you think, imagine and grow. The smell of fresh pages, the excitement of turning to the next chapter, and the adventures hidden within stories—these experiences are irreplaceable. So, pick up a book, dive into its magic, and let your imagination soar. Reading will not only entertain you but also shape your thoughts and future. Don’t miss out on the wonderful world that books have to offer!”
Aditi Ray, a writer and editor from Delhi, has over a decade of experience crafting books, blogs, and white papers. She explores history, culture, and psychology, writing romance novels, non-fiction, and published essays. She adds, “When I read as a child, the world felt bigger, brighter, and full of endless possibilities. Each book was a doorway, a secret passage to places I had never seen but somehow knew by heart. I remember the rustle of pages, the weight of a story in my hands, the way certain words settled deep inside me, as if they had always belonged there. Books weren’t just stories; they were companions. When the world outside was too loud, I found silence in their pages. When I felt lost, they showed me the way. I laughed with characters who felt like old friends and cried over endings that left a quiet ache in my chest. Some books made me dream, some made me believe, and some changed me in ways I only understood much later. There was a kind of magic in reading as a child, a feeling so pure and unfiltered that it cannot be recreated. It was in the way I read without thinking of time, without analysing, without knowing that stories had a purpose beyond just being beautiful. It was in the way I believed in everything—a flying boy who never grew up, a wardrobe that led to another world, a tiny spider who could weave words into her web. Now, when I write for young adults or even adults, I try to weave this feeling into my books. I want my words to be a doorway, a secret passage, a quiet companion for someone who needs them. I want a reader, somewhere, to turn a page and feel that spark, that sense of wonder that books once gave me. Because if a story can make someone believe—even for a moment—that magic still exists, then perhaps, in some way, it does.”
If you love reading, or if you are just beginning your journey with books, Bal Pustak Diwas is a fantastic time to dive into the world of stories. It’s a chance to discover exciting characters, learn new things, and explore adventures you’ve never imagined before. Whether you like fairy tales, mysteries, or stories about animals, there’s a book out there for you!
