Book fairs are usually calm places where readers quietly browse books and discover new stories. But this year, the New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF) 2026 grabbed attention for very different reasons.

Held at Bharat Mandapam from January 10 to 18, the event became the centre of online debate after videos showed large crowds pushing, climbing, and grabbing books on the final day. 

The viral videos showed people ignoring basic manners inside packed book stalls. Some were seen pushing others, while one man stood above the crowd, stretching to pull books from shelves. Many raised their hands to snatch copies, while those who could not reach asked others to grab books for them.

Most people in the clips appeared young and educated, which led many viewers online to raise concerns about civic sense at public events.

The video was shared on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption, “What is wrong with us? Last day of the book fair in Delhi, and look at the scenes. Moral fu**g collapse."

One user wrote, “Publisher friends tell me there have been so many cases of groping in busy stalls. On the last day, a university student was caught stealing books worth 15,000 rupees. Many college girls (60-70 from one publisher’s stall alone) have been caught stealing books."

Another commented, “Peak Irony, Book lovers, who are supposed to be the most literate species, are stealing books."

A third user said, “These aren’t book readers; this is just a freeloading Olympics. These books are medals, these louts will resell."

An Internet user suggested, “Next time put 1000 rupees entry ticket please."

Another reaction read, “Delhi organised the World Book Fair. Book readers are considered intellectual. They say we maintain decorum and civic sense. It was the last day of the book fair. Delhi bros started stealing books. No fellow book reader stopped them."

One more user added, “Go through a walk around CP and ask these young people from Delhi."

Another comment stated, “Most or in fact, all of them jumping here would have enough money to buy books. However, as a nation, we suffer from a scarcity mindset. We want to grab anything that comes for free and grab as much as we can. Irrespective of whether we use it or not. School should teach this before PCMBSS."

One person mocked Delhi book lovers by sharing pictures from the Patna Book Fair in Bihar. The images showed people calmly checking books and buying them in an orderly manner, highlighting the contrast in behaviour.

The disorder was reported on the final day of the 53rd NDWBF, which had free entry for the first time. According to NDTV, the move led to a 20 per cent increase in visitors compared to previous years.

The fair reportedly attracted over 2 million visitors, making it one of the most attended editions so far.

While the event celebrated books and reading, the viral scenes shifted focus to questions around public behaviour and discipline at large cultural gatherings.