Well, fellow bookworms, grab your tote bags—because something exciting is about to change the way you build your home library.
Pustak Aadan Pradan 2026, India’s first one-of-a-kind multilingual Book Exchange Exhibition, is bringing together book lovers from all over the country. It will be held in Dombivli from April 9 to April 14, 2026.
The event is designed to promote reading and literacy, and it offers a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow book enthusiasts. Whether you’re a fan of fiction, non-fiction, or poetry, you’re sure to find something that sparks your interest.
What began as a local passion project by Mr. Pai has now blossomed into a prestigious annual cultural fixture. Here’s everything you need to know about this unique "Vachakotsav" (Readers’ Festival).
Who Started Aadan Pradan?
While the Dr. Shrikant Shinde Foundation is the driving force behind the 2026 edition, the soul of the event belongs to the Pai family. The concept was the brainchild of Mr. Pundalik Pai, the visionary behind the well-known Pai Friends Library in Dombivli.
Mr. Pai’s motive was simple yet profound, to ensure that knowledge continues to circulate rather than sit idle on a shelf. By creating a community-driven exchange, he transformed solitary reading into a shared celebration.
Although the idea had been taking shape since 2017, the first official edition of the Pustak Aadan Pradan Exhibition, then known as "Vachakotsav," took place in 2018
Over the past eight years, the event has grown exponentially. By its fifth anniversary in 2023, it had gained national attention, with prominent leaders like Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attending and exchanging books from their personal collections.
How the Book Exchange Works (And Why It’s Genius)
The beauty of Pustak Aadan Pradan lies in its simplicity. It operates on the literal meaning of its name: “Aadan” (Giving) and “Pradan” (Taking). And the deal is far better than any bookstore sale.
Here’s the step-by-step experience:
- Bring your books—novels, non-fiction, poetry—anything you’ve already read
- Submit them at the counter
- Pay just ₹10 per book (a minimal handling fee)
- Pick the same number of books—of any size—from the exhibition
That’s it.
Whether you read in Marathi, Hindi, English, or other regional languages, this exchange ensures that for the price of a cutting chai, you can walk away with a brand-new literary adventure.
Event Details: Aadan Pradan 2026:
The 2026 exhibition promises to be the biggest yet, featuring a star-studded inauguration with literary figures like Mr. Yogesh Soman (President, Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad) and Dr. Shrikant Shinde (MP, Kalyan).
Inaugural Ceremony
The exhibition will be inaugurated on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
- Chief Guest: Mr. Yogesh Soman, President, Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad
- Inaugurator: Mr. Pradeep Nifadkar, Treasurer, Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad
Dignitaries in Attendance
The opening ceremony will also be attended by:
- Mrs. Swati Mahalang, Executive Head, Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad
- Dr. Shrikant Shinde, Member of Parliament, Kalyan Lok Sabha Constituency
- Mr. Ravindra Chavan, MLA, Dombivli and BJP State President
- Mr. Rajesh More, MLA, Kalyan Rural
- Mrs. Harshali Chaudhary (Thavil), Mayor, Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation
- Mr. Rahul Damle, Deputy Mayor, Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation
- Mr. Abhinav Goyal (IAS), Commissioner, Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation
Special Invitees:
- Dr. Sachchidanand Shevde and Mr. Sudhir Joglekar will attend as special invitees.
Exhibition Schedule and Venue:
Dates: April 9 – April 14, 2026
Timings: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Venue: C.P. Goenka International School (beside Shiv Mandir), Shiv Mandir Road, Dombivli (East)
Why You Can’t Miss It
Beyond its affordability, Aadan Pradan is all about the vibe.
There’s something magical about browsing aisles alongside hundreds of fellow bibliophiles. It’s a space where a thriller might be traded for a classic, or a biography for a poetry collection.
Pro tip: The best titles get picked up quickly! Plan your visit early in the week to grab the best “treasures” contributed by fellow readers.
Will we see you in the stacks in Dombivli this April?
Get your tote bags ready—it’s time to let your books find a new home while you discover your next favorite read.
Tag: Pustak Aadan Pradan 2026 Exhibition, Exhibition in Dombivli, Pustak Exhibition in Dombivli, 2026 Events in Dombivli, Pai Friends Library Dombivli, Dr. Shrikant Shinde Foundation Event, Book Exchange Event India