India, July 26 -- The third edition of the Chinar Book Festival concluded on a high note, drawing lakhs of visitors over nine days and reaffirming Kashmir's emergence as a vibrant centre for literature, learning and cultural exchange.

Organised by the National Book Trust (NBT), the grand festival was set up against the backdrop of picturesque Dal Lake, at the Sher-i-Kashmir Convention Centre (SKICC), and witnessed packed, overflowing book stalls and enthusiastic participation from readers across age groups.

The festival was also graced by prominent authors, thinkers as well as prominent names like astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, actor Rakesh Bedi and filmmaker Imtiaz Ali.

For NBT director Yuvraj Malik, who spoke to hindustantimes.com, the...