Books turn over a new leaf with boom in religion and spirituality

Manohar Rai’s cart of paperbacks, a feature at the Sunday book bazaar in New Delhi’s Daryaganj, a bargain hunter’s dream, has had a makeover. The best displays on the cart now are of books on religious thought, spirituality, and philosophy. Patanjali Yoga Sutras and Laghu Upanishad occupy pride of place where there used to be impressively titled books such as Badmashon Ki Basti and Gunah ka Karz.

“After we came back from the Pandemic-enforced quarantine, many of my regular customers were asking for titles on Hindu philosophy, astrology, and yoga. Now, they sell as well as pulp, if not better,” says Rai.

Booksellers across Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Delhi told Business Standard  about the rising interest in religious, spiritual, and