Bhakti D
Nestled in the scenic Sahyadri hills of Maharashtra’s Satara district lies a small, picturesque village with a big vision — Bhillar. Declared as India’s first “Village of Books” in 2017, this quaint village has redefined the way we celebrate books, reading, and culture.
How Bhillar Became the Village of Books
Inspired by the “Book Village” concept seen in countries like Wales (Hay-on-Wye), the Government of Maharashtra took the initiative to transform Bhillar into a living, breathing library. Over 20 public reading spots were set up throughout the village — in homes, temples, community halls, schools, and traditional cottages — all open and free for anyone to read.
A Paradise for Every Kind of Reader
Books across genres are available here — fiction, poetry, biographies, children’s literature, science, philosophy, agriculture, art, and more. Most of the books are in Marathi, but there are collections in English and other languages too. The village follows a “Take a book, read a book” philosophy — there’s no cost, no membership, just pure, open reading.
Where Reading Meets Tourism
Bhillar is not just a book lover’s retreat; it’s also a nature lover’s delight. With its calm environment and scenic beauty, the village offers a truly immersive experience. As visitors stroll through the village, they’ll find colorful murals, art installations based on books, and cultural displays, creating an atmosphere that blends literature with local tradition.
World Book Day Celebrations
Every year on April 23rd, Bhillar celebrates World Book Day with great enthusiasm. The village hosts author talks, reading sessions, poetry meets, and literary festivals. It’s a true celebration of books, not just as objects, but as companions that inspire, inform, and ignite the imagination.
Bhillar – The Village of Books – is not just a place; it’s a living tribute to the power of reading.
This month World Book Day, let’s draw inspiration from Bhillar and embrace the joy of reading in our everyday lives.
