International Conference in Russia Showcases Maharashtra’s Unique Diwali Ank Book Culture

Voronezh (Russia): Maharashtra’s century-old Diwali Ank publishing tradition was highlighted at an international academic conference on book culture held in Voronezh, Russia, underscoring India’s distinctive contribution to global literary and publishing heritage.

The 14th International Academic Conference, titled “The Book in the Contemporary World: The Unique in Book Culture,” was held on February 18–19, 2026, in a hybrid format at the Voronezh Regional Universal Scientific Library named after I. S. Nikitin. The event was organised by the Department of Publishing Studies, Faculty of Philology, Voronezh State University, and brought together scholars, publishers, librarians, and book historians from across the world.

Opening the plenary session, Acting Rector Professor Yuri Nikolaevich Starilov emphasised that while engineering and technological disciplines are critical, the humanities and publishing studies remain central to the cultural and intellectual development of modern societies. He noted that scholarly focus on unique book culture is increasingly relevant in a rapidly changing global environment.

Among the key speakers was Vidya Swarge-Madane, alumna of Voronezh State University and Head of the Russian Language Department at the Russian House in Mumbai. In her paper titled “Special Diwali Magazines in Maharashtra Known as Diwali Ank,” she examined the Marathi publishing tradition that has endured for more than a century.

She explained that Diwali Ank—special festival issues published annually during Diwali—cover a wide range of subjects including Marathi literature, politics, science, astrology, and social issues. These festive publications have historically encouraged experimental writing and played a vital role in shaping literary tastes and cultural discourse in Maharashtra. Today, Diwali Ank magazines are read not only across India but also by Marathi readers worldwide, making them a notable example of festival publishing in India.

Chairing the plenary session, Associate Professor Dr. Larisa Rybacheva of the Department of Publishing Studies observed that releasing such comprehensive literary magazines during a major festival represents a unique cultural publishing phenomenon, highlighting the deep link between tradition, literature, and collective memory in Maharashtra.

The international book culture conference saw participation from more than seventy contributors, including writers, publishers, librarians, doctoral scholars, and students from specialised academic institutions. The programme featured two plenary sessions and eight thematic panels, reflecting growing global interest in Indian literary traditions and comparative publishing practices.

The conference also marked an important moment in India–Russia academic and cultural exchange, with Maharashtra’s Diwali Ank tradition receiving international scholarly attention as a model of sustained, community-driven publishing culture.