Cubbon Reads curators detained as a large crowd turns up for Secret Santa event

Cubbon Reads community faces book confiscation and detention by park authorities, sparking concerns over peaceful gathering's future.

A quiet Saturday gathering by the Cubbon Reads community took an unexpected turn when park authorities allegedly confiscated books and detained curators for hours, citing non-compliance with park regulations after a large crowd attended the event.

Cubbon Reads began over two years ago as an initiative where book enthusiasts gather at the park to read in solitude or small groups and later take pictures before dispersing. Over time, the initiative has gained nationwide traction, inspiring similar chapters across India.

Saturday’s event featured a Secret Santa book exchange, introduced last year. A curator, who requested anonymity, said that an unexpectedly large turnout drew the attention of park officials. According to an Instagram post by the community, the authorities allegedly demeaned the curators for not speaking Kannada, threatened to harm their careers, and warned of an FIR along with a ₹35,000 fine.

The curators were eventually released after submitting an apology letter. “This initiative has never been commercial. We want to work with the administration, not against them. Incidents like this threaten the entire movement,” a member stated. Another curator added, “We just want a little more understanding. This is a peaceful gathering that promotes reading and community.”

Officials from the Horticulture Department claimed they received complaints about park visitors damaging lawns and trees. However, they declined to comment on the specific incident.

S. Umesh Kumar, president of the Cubbon Park Walkers’ Association, highlighted concerns over readers climbing trees or tying swings between them, which he deemed unsafe and damaging to the park’s environment. “The authorities have provided chairs and benches for reading. The issue arises when individuals misuse the park’s spaces, causing harm to its upkeep,” he told The Hindu.