Harry Potter completes 20 years

Writer JK Rowling's "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" was published on June 26, 1997, marking the start of a magical journey of a young boy who captured hearts of millions of readers across the globe over the period.

Rowling has called her 20 years journey with his magic boy as 'wonderful'.

"20 years ago today a world that I had lived in alone was suddenly open to others. It's been wonderful. Thank you," the writer tweeted on the 20th anniversary of the book's release.

Harry Potter is a series of fantasy novels written by British author J. K. Rowling. The novels chronicle the life of a young wizard, Harry Potter, and his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, all of whom are students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

The main story arc concerns Harry's struggle against Lord Voldemort, a dark wizard who intends to become immortal, overthrow the wizard governing body known as the Ministry of Magic, and subjugate all wizards and muggles, a reference term that means non-magical people.

Since the release of the first novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, on 26 June 1997, the books have found immense popularity, critical acclaim and commercial success worldwide.

The series has now been translated into multiple languages including French, Irish, Spanish, German and Swedish to name a few.

They have attracted a wide adult audience as well as younger readers, and are often considered cornerstones of modern young adult literature.

The series was originally published in English by two major publishers, Bloomsbury in the United Kingdom and Scholastic Press in the United States.

The original seven books were adapted into an eight-part film series by Warner Bros. Pictures.