A quiet, new way to socialise is here

Reading communities in Chandigarh and Ludhiana are offering silent spaces for book lovers to connect

From reading in companionable silence to discussing a novel over coffee, book lovers are turning the solitary act of reading into a new social ritual. In Chandigarh as well as Ludhiana, silent reading parties and book clubs are offering a quieter way to connect, one where conversation is optional, but books are not.

In Chandigarh as well as Ludhiana, silent reading parties and book clubs are offering a quieter way to connect, one where conversation is optional, but books are not. (Adobe Stock photo for representational purpose)

Silence, inclusivity, consent

Established in 2023, Chandigarh Reads follows an ‘anti-gatekeeping policy’, keeping its sessions free and open to all, without registration or membership. Participants, including introverts, solo attendees and slow readers, gather in gardens or cafés with books, mats, snacks and occasionally umbrellas. The focus is on unstructured leisure reading in a community setting. On August 9, the club will hold its 98th session.

A silent reading party

Brainchild of Gurvir Singh and Ekjot Kaur, Ludhiana-based Kaaraj Collective draws from the Cubbon Reads format and has held distraction-free reading sessions every Sunday since July 2025. With over 1,000 members and a weekly turnout of 50, it promotes Punjabi literature alongside English, with discussions in both languages. The ‘book of the month’ is chosen democratically by regular readers.

“The simplicity of the format is perhaps its biggest attraction. There is no elaborate agenda, no expectation to make small talk and no pressure to know anyone beforehand. You simply show up with a book. Here in Ludhiana, we have the first-mover advantage since there was no such club before ours,” says Gurvir. On Sunday, Amar Singh Chamkila-fame film researcher Jassi Sangha will also join the session.

From posts to pages

Founded by former Mohali-based RJ, Mehak’s Book Club started on Instagram a couple of years ago and has grown into a full-fledged reading cohort. Its broadcast channel has more than 300 members, where Mehak shares recommendations, quotes, reflections and polls. The group meets offline every Tuesday, with the first Tuesday of each month reserved for discussion.

“I have 58 active members, and the number is just growing. My club follows a simple philosophy: there is no book shaming. Members are encouraged to use a book jacket if they wish, and the focus is simply on developing the habit of reading,” she says.

“A book club provides something that reading alone cannot: accountability. The book that has been sitting unfinished on the bedside table suddenly becomes a priority when there is a group waiting to discuss it. But more importantly, these gatherings create opportunities to meet people one might otherwise never encounter,” says Tripat Kaur, an avid reader from Chandigarh.

“Here, you can be around people without having to talk to them. There is no pressure to network, entertain or keep a conversation alive. You can simply open a book and settle in. Once the reading hour ends, however, the book becomes a conversation starter,” adds Mani, a book club member.

For younger readers, these communities offer an alternative to the usual café meet-up. “Instead of meeting over a drink and wondering what to talk about, you arrive with a book. Instead of scrolling through your phone while waiting for someone, you read. And unlike many social activities, there is no pressure to be interesting. Perhaps that is why these gatherings are resonating,” shares Sakshi, a professional based in Mohali.