Delhi’s bookstagram community takes conversations offline

Bookstagrammers find solace in sharing their tastes online and meeting each other offline (AI Image)

What began as a way to share reading lists, reviews and book recommendations during the lockdown has grown into something bigger for Delhi’s readers. Years later, Bookstagram is no longer just about what is on bookshelves or social feeds. From monthly meet-ups to book clubs and conversations that stretch beyond the pages, readers are finding friendships and a sense of belonging through their shared love for books.Finding your tribe Arvind Chatterjee, a bookstagrammer who works in publishing, shares what it meant to him. “I always wanted to keep my thoughts on the books I read unconventional. I wrote everything from my heart. Once I realised my page was connecting with people, I became more responsible about the books I read.” Bookstagrammer Kritagya Wadhwa is still getting used to being an influencer. “It kind of blew my mind because I had never thought of myself as someone who could influence others. Meeting other people who have the same interests, and who are also building something for themselves, makes it such a welcoming space,” she says.

Sharing opinions on books in a candid manner helps attract fellow readers to bookstagrammer pages (Pics: Pinterest)

‘Bookstagram is about community’Dr Shubi Virmani stumbled upon bookstagram recently and has started her own book club. She says that the growth of her page was surprising, but there was more to it than content creation. “That’s what my ultimate goal is: to have this safe space where reading slumps are normal. It’s a space for everyone to feel free and talk about their love for reading.”Beyond talking about books for hours, the space has created a sense of belonging. “The fun is never-ending when readers meet. We never know when the conversation moves from one book to another. For somebody like me, living alone far away from home, these people became my pillar. I feel so blessed to have them around,” shares bookstagrammer and author growth strategist Naghma PK.More than a reading trendFor publishers, it offers insights into what young readers are leaning towards. “Interacting with young readers has shown me that reading is no longer restricted by genres. Many bookstagrammers are talking about books that feel deeply relevant today while also bringing forgotten classics back into the conversation,” Arvind adds.For Kritagya, the community came as a pleasant surprise. “Growing up, reading fiction wasn’t really encouraged, and my parents insisted that I read school books instead. This space really brings that inner child a lot of happiness, where people also want to know my opinions on what I read.”

The online community, bound by books and aesthetics, is now moving offline into book clubs, social mixers and reading clubs (Pic: @books.and.bougainvillea)

Molina Singh, co-founder of Delhi Reads, shares how bookstagram has impacted the reading culture in NCR, “There are so many recommendations floating around now, and when you include book clubs, lectures and intellectual learning groups beyond Bookstagram, it contributes to a culture of curiosity. Visibility also matters. Bookstagram has increased conversations around reading — people are talking more about what they’re reading, and that conversation permeates beyond the platform. But there are certain things that have been impacted as well. Marketing and the promotion of certain books and publishers can saturate the market, depending on what is being pushed, and that doesn’t necessarily reflect what people are actually reading. The recommendations that came before Instagram — from friends, family, teachers and librarians — felt more genuine and authentic. I do miss that.”She adds, “It has connected me to people and literature from places I would probably never have explored otherwise. We’re often pushed towards a very Westernised, imperial side of literature, but reading should expose us to marginalised voices, alternate histories, and perspectives we may never have imagined. Bookstagram has helped me discover global literature and cultures I wouldn’t otherwise know about.”