On July 25, 2026, thousands of students gathered near Dal Lake in Srinagar for a 5 km marathon combining physical activity with messages about reading and environmental responsibility. A total of 4,644 students participated in the event, which formed part of the Chinar Book Festival 2026.

The Reading Marathon was organized by the National Book Trust, India, in collaboration with Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. With 4,644 students taking part, the initiative was recognized by the India Book of Records (IBR) on the same day for the maximum number of students participating in a marathon to promote reading and the environment.

The event offered a different way of communicating the importance of reading to young people. Rather than limiting reading promotion to conventional book-related activities, the organizers connected the message with a large outdoor sporting event. Students participated in a 5 km run while being part of an initiative centered on books, learning and environmental awareness.

The marathon was held near Dal Lake, one of Srinagar’s prominent locations, providing a distinctive setting for the Chinar Book Festival 2026. The combination of a public gathering, physical activity and educational messaging allowed thousands of students to participate in the same programme.

Environmental sustainability was another central objective of the initiative. Alongside encouraging reading, the event sought to raise awareness about the importance of environmental responsibility. Bringing these themes together created a broader educational experience, linking personal development through reading with awareness of the natural environment.

The programme also aimed to support the objectives of India’s National Education Policy. Through a large-scale activity involving students directly, the initiative incorporated learning, participation and community engagement beyond the conventional classroom setting.

The scale of participation was central to the record. A total of 4,644 students took part in the 5 km Reading Marathon on July 25, 2026. Their participation turned the event into a major student gathering within the Chinar Book Festival and provided the basis for its record recognition.

The initiative demonstrates how educational messages can be presented through varied forms of participation. By combining reading promotion, environmental awareness and a physical activity, the organizers created a programme designed to engage students through direct experience.

The India Book of Records confirmed the achievement on July 25, 2026, recognizing the National Book Trust, India, in collaboration with Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd., for the maximum number of students participating in a marathon to promote reading and the environment.