A haven for bibliophiles: Inside India’s first ‘book village’ near Pune

Bhilar village, modelled on a Welsh town known as world’s largest second-hand book centre, is a treat for any literature lover

It was education minister Vinod Tawde’s idea to convert Bhilar village near Mahabaleshwar, famous for its strawberries, into a book village or ‘pustakache gaon’. (Satyajit Joshi)

Artists have tried to capture the love for reading through their murals. (Satyajit Joshi)

NCP chief Sharad Pawar spent nearly two hours engrossed in Bhilar’s books on Thursday. (Satyajit Joshi)

As many as 75 artists were roped in to beautify the village and paint murals. (Satyajit Joshi)

The state plans to boost tourism through this initiative. (Satyajit Joshi)

Pick up one of 15,000 rare books, stashed at 25 locations across this village. (Satyajit Joshi)

What are you waiting for? Come, experience literature like never before. (Satyajit Joshi)