Lucknow has always had a special relationship with books. Walk through Hazratganj on any evening, and you’ll spot people browsing through street-side stalls, haggling over prices, or simply standing there absorbed in a novel they’ve just picked up. The city’s love for literature runs deep, and the upcoming book fairs are about to make this winter season even more exciting for readers.
Upcoming: Bookland Book Fair 2025
Right now, there’s a massive book fair happening at Hazratganj Metro Station that’s got everyone talking. Started on December 10, 2024, this fair runs all the way through January 23, 2025. That’s over six weeks of books, books, and more books.
What makes this fair stand out? They’ve got books starting at just ₹99. Yes, you read that right. For the price of a coffee, you can walk away with a book. Latest bestsellers are going for half their regular price, which means those titles you’ve been eyeing on Amazon suddenly become affordable.
The organizers have set up shop right outside Hazratganj Metro Station, making it super accessible. Open from 10 AM to 10 PM daily, you can drop by during your lunch break or make an evening of it. The organizers, Bookland, have thrown in some fun additions too – free fancy bookmarks with purchases, a selfie contest with instant prizes, and a lucky draw that’s worth participating in.
But books aren’t the only attraction here. They’ve stocked anime merchandise (finally, Lucknow!), fancy stationery that’ll make you want to journal again, posters for your walls, keyrings, and decorative diaries. There’s even a book swap section where you can trade your old reads for something new.
Contact them at 9839330018 or 9839330019 if you need directions or have questions. Their email is bookland.ind@gmail.com.
What Else Happened This Year?
Lucknow saw several book events throughout 2025. The Lucknow Book Fair, organized by NBT (National Book Trust) happened earlier this year at Eco Garden. This is usually an annual affair, bringing together publishers from across India. Expect a similar event in 2026, though dates haven’t been announced yet.
The Lucknow Literature Festival also took place, though it’s more of a literature celebration with author talks and panel discussions rather than a pure book-buying fair. Still worth attending if you love conversations about writing and reading.
Places You Can Find Books Year-Round in Lucknow
Hazratganj Area
The Mahatma Gandhi Marg (MG Marg) stretch in Hazratganj has been the book lover’s paradise for decades. Universal Booksellers remains one of the oldest and most reliable shops here. Ram Advani Bookseller, though the legendary Ram Advani is no longer with us, still operates and carries a curated collection. These aren’t your discount stores, but the selection is excellent.
Street vendors line up along the footpaths, especially near Novelty Cinema and around the GPO crossing. Prices here are negotiable, and you’ll find everything from school textbooks to popular fiction.
Aminabad Market
Head to Aminabad if you want second-hand books at throwaway prices. The narrow lanes have small shops and roadside sellers with stacks of used books. Student textbooks, competitive exam materials, and old novels – you’ll find them all here. The condition varies, so inspect before buying. But the prices? Unbeatable.
Under Metro Stations
Several metro stations have become informal book markets. Apart from Hazratganj, check out Charbagh Metro Station. Vendors set up small stalls, usually in the evenings. The stock rotates frequently based on what they manage to source.
Indira Nagar
The market area in Sector 2 Indira Nagar has a few bookstores worth visiting. Ganesh Book Depot stocks both new releases and academic books. The area sees student crowds, so prices stay competitive.
Sahara Ganj Mall
Crossword Bookstore inside Sahara Ganj offers air-conditioned browsing and regular discounts. Not as cheap as street stalls, but you get guaranteed quality and can spend hours there without anyone rushing you.
Lalbagh Area
The lanes around Lalbagh have wholesale book dealers. Not exactly set up for casual browsing, but if you’re buying in bulk or looking for specific titles, these shops can source books at good rates.
Second-Hand Book Spots Worth Checking
Apart from Aminabad, look for raddi walas (scrap dealers) in residential areas. Some maintain book sections separately and sell them cheap. The Daliganj area has a few such dealers.
Facebook groups and WhatsApp communities have also become popular for book exchanges in Lucknow. Search for “Lucknow Book Lovers” or “Lucknow Book Exchange” to find these communities. People often give away books for free or swap them.
What to Expect from Future Book Fairs
NBT typically organizes its Lucknow edition between November and February. The venue alternates but has been held at Eco Garden and Exhibition Ground in recent years. These fairs run for about 10-12 days and feature publishers offering direct-from-publisher prices.
State government-organized book fairs also happen occasionally, usually announced a month or two in advance. Local newspapers and the UP Tourism social media handles share updates about these.
Private organizers like Bookland seem to be making book fairs a regular feature now. Given the response to their current fair, we might see more such extended events in 2025.
Tips for Book Fair Shopping
Get there during weekday mornings if you hate crowds. Weekends and evenings get packed, making it hard to browse properly.
Carry cash. Most street vendors and even organized stalls prefer cash transactions. Some might accept UPI, but don’t count on it.
Don’t buy on your first round. Walk through the entire fair once, note what’s available where, compare prices, then go back to make purchases. You’ll spot patterns – some stalls specialize in fiction, others in non-fiction or children’s books.
Bargaining works at most places except the big publisher stalls. Start at 60% of the asking price and meet somewhere in the middle.
Check the print quality and binding before paying. Some “bestsellers” at super-low prices turn out to be cheap reprints with terrible paper quality.
FAQs
When does the Bookland fair close?
January 23, 2025. They’re open every day till then, from 10 AM to 10 PM.
Can I really get bestsellers for half price?
Yes, the current Bookland fair is offering up to 50% off on latest releases. Verify the edition and print quality though.
What’s this book swap thing about?
Bring your old books that you’ve finished reading. Exchange them for different titles from their swap section. Great way to refresh your bookshelf without spending much.
Does NBT organize a fair in Lucknow every year?
Historically yes, usually in winter months. Exact dates for 2025 haven’t been released yet. Check NBT India’s website or social media closer to November 2025.
Where’s the cheapest place to buy second-hand books?
Aminabad market. The quality varies wildly, but prices start from ₹20-30 for paperbacks. Inspect carefully before buying.
Are the books at street stalls genuine?
Mostly yes, but pirated copies do exist. Check for ISBN numbers, publisher details, and print quality. If a new release is selling for ₹50, that’s a red flag.
Can I find rare or old books in Lucknow?
Hazratganj’s older bookstores sometimes have rare finds. Building relationships with shop owners helps – they’ll call you when something interesting comes in. Online groups and collectors’ forums are also useful.
What about online shopping versus book fairs?
Online gives convenience and reviews. Book fairs let you touch, feel, and browse randomly – you discover books you weren’t looking for. Plus, the atmosphere of a book fair is an experience in itself.
Are English and Hindi books both available?
Absolutely. Most fairs and bookstores stock both. Regional publishers also bring Urdu titles. Academic and competitive exam books come in both languages too.
What’s the usual discount range at book fairs?
Anywhere from 10% to 50% off MRP. Children’s books and academic titles usually have lower discounts. Fiction and popular non-fiction see steeper cuts. The ₹99 deals are often overstock or older editions.
Lucknow’s book scene is more vibrant than people realize. Between organized fairs, street stalls, and hidden bookshops, there’s always somewhere to feed your reading habit. The Bookland fair running till late January gives you plenty of time to explore, and keeping an eye out for NBT’s annual fair will ensure you don’t miss out on the big literary gatherings. Happy reading!