Bhilar Book Village is a small village located in the Satara district of Maharashtra, India. It is known for its unique initiative of transforming the village into a haven for book lovers.
In 2017, the Maharashtra government launched the “Bhilar Book Village” project with the aim of promoting tourism and reading culture in the state. The village has over 25 artistically decorated stalls, each dedicated to a specific genre of books such as history, literature, religion, and children’s books.
Visitors can spend hours browsing through the vast collection of books and also participate in various literary events and workshops organized by the local community. The village has become a popular destination for bibliophiles and tourists who want to experience the rural life of Maharashtra and also explore their love for books.
Overall, the Bhilar Book Village initiative has not only provided an economic boost to the village but also helped in promoting the habit of reading and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra.
In addition to the book stalls, Bhilar Book Village has a library and a reading room for visitors to sit and read in a peaceful environment. The village also hosts literary festivals and events, such as the annual पुस्तकांचं गाव (Village of Books) festival, which attracts authors, publishers, and book lovers from all over India.
The project has not only benefited the villagers economically but has also created employment opportunities for the local community. The residents of the village have been trained to manage the book stalls and provide assistance to visitors, which has helped in generating income for them.
The Bhilar Book Village initiative has gained recognition and appreciation from various quarters, including the UNESCO. In 2019, the village was declared as India’s first ‘book village’ by the Maharashtra government, and it has inspired similar initiatives in other parts of the country.
Overall, Bhilar Book Village is a unique initiative that has not only transformed a small village into a literary haven but has also created opportunities for the locals and promoted the habit of reading among the masses.