The Chennai Pen Show, organized by Endless, will showcase a variety of fountain pens, inks, and vintage writing instruments from March 6 to 8 at Fika in Adyar. This event, which drew over 16,000 visitors last year to become the world's largest pen show, aims to promote the culture of writing amid a digital age. Entry is free, with more than 50 exhibitors participating.
In an era dominated by digital devices, the Chennai Pen Show seeks to revive the art of handwriting with its display of handcrafted fountain pens, jewel-toned inks, and restored vintage items. Organized by Endless, a Chennai-based company focused on promoting writing culture, the event will run from March 6 to 8, daily from 2 pm to 7 pm, at Fika in Adyar. Admission is free, welcoming collectors, calligraphers, enthusiasts, students, and newcomers.
Aditya Bhansali, the event organizer, highlighted its collaborative spirit: “This platform creates a space for new exhibitors and old brands to come together, and there will be learnings on both ends. There will be stalls for nib nicators, vintage pen repair, and also a lucky draw contest. Above all, we will be donating around 100 stationery kits to schools.” Last year's edition attracted more than 16,000 visitors, surpassing the Washington DC Pen Show to claim the title of the largest globally. Bhansali noted, “The craze is unreal. One can find a large number of fountain pen enthusiasts in Tamil Nadu.”
This year's show will feature over 50 exhibitors displaying fountain pens, inks, stationery, vintage pens, and rare instruments. A standout attraction is a large 3D-printed bottle and fountain pen. Participating brands include Indian makers like Mohi Pens from Aurangabad, hand-painted A&Co—where each pen takes three months to paint—Submarine Pens from Mumbai, Ranga Pens, and Sulekha. International options feature Japan's Aurora Pens, alongside Sheaffer, ST Dupont, Pelikan, and Diplomat.
Among the exhibitors is Oliver Pens from Sowcarpet, founded by Bhimraj in 1971 with handmade fountain pens. Now in its third generation, the brand offers customized pens and corporate concept sets, as shared by Monish Khatri: “With time, we expanded our boundaries and started making customised pens and also concept sets for corporates.” On his second participation, Khatri expressed surprise at Chennai's collector base and optimism for growth: “Usually, pen collectors lean more towards fountain pens. The community is greatly growing in South India. I hope to see more footfall this year as well.”
Khatri emphasized the pen's value: “It requires patience. Recently, parents have also been bringing back the practice of using fountain pens among children. We shifted to cartridge pens due to our fast-paced lives. Apart from good handwriting, fountain pens teach us to pause, live, and embrace the moment.” Enthusiasts are increasingly appreciating the craftsmanship of these tools.