Inspired by Britain's Hay-on-Wye, a Welsh town known for its book stores and literature festivals, Bhilar a village located near picturesque Panchgani is all set to embrace the tag of  India's first ' village of books'.

With the support of Education Minister Vinod Tawde, the Marathi Bhasha department has initiated this project wherein 25 artistically decorated locations around the village is expected to become reader hot spots with display of books ranging from literature, poetry, religion, women and children, history, environment, folk literature, biographies and autobiographies to festival specials.

The Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will inaugurate this state government initiative ' Pustakanche Gaon' on May 4.

There will be around 15,000 books (in Marathi) which the readers can read for free and keep them back after they finish reading so that others can also read those books.

Many  facilities such as chairs, tables, decorated umbrellas and glass cupboards will be provided by the state to enhance the reading experience of visitors.

The state government had earlier in February 27, 2015 which also happens to be  Marathi Language Day, announced its plans to launch such a book village and literary festivals concept in Maharashtra.