New Delhi: Every year, Kolkata Book Fair is held in late January and early February, representing the cultural heritage of the city which is also known as the Cultural Capital of India. The Kolkata Book Fair is one of the largest literary events in Asia and annually draws millions of people with its diverse range of books and rich cultural activities. It is graced by renowned authors and their books, international publishers, and a special pavilion for a guest country, promoting cultural exchange. The fair includes literary discussions, book launches, and performances, celebrating the vibrant literary heritage of the region.
How did the Kolkata Book Fair start?
The Kolkata Book Fair was inspired by the first World Book Fair at New Delhi in 1972. The New Delhi World Book Fair, hosted at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, is India’s second oldest book fair after the Kolkata Book Fair. The Kolkata Book Fair was first hosted in 1976 and its success has resulted in many book fairs in smaller cities in West Bengal like Siliguri. The book fair was started by the Kolkata Publishers and Booksellers Guild to meet the growing public demand for books.
During the 1980s and early 1990s, Kolkata hosted two annual book fairs. One of them was organised by the Kolkata Publishers and Booksellers Guild, and the West Bengal Government used to host the other one which was named the ‘Grontho Mela’ (Grontho being an archaic Bengali word for book). The second fair was held from late December until early January and it used to have books of the publishing houses run by the government. However, the huge success of the ‘Kolkata Book Fair’ led the state government to merge the two book fairs in 1992.
Where is the Kolkata Book Fair 2025 held?
Earlier, the Kolkata Book Fair used to be held at Maidan, which is known as the ‘Lungs of Kolkata’ and is one of the largest urban parks in Asia. It was being held at the Park Street end of the Maidan. However, since 2009, the Book Fair has been held at Milan Mela near Science City on E.M. Bypass.
What is the duration of the Kolkata Book Fair 2025?
The Kolkata Book Fair this year is being held from January 28, 2025, to February 9, 2025. The fair normally remains open from 12 pm to 8 pm and on February 9, the fair will remain open from 12 pm to 9 pm.
Not just a book fair
The Kolkata Book Fair is more than a grand assortment of books much to the delight of book-lovers. After the Frankfurt Book Fair and the London Book Fair, it is the third-largest annual conglomeration of books in the world. The book fair showcases Kolkata’s culture and is visited by millions of people. The fair provides a typical fairground experience along with the books with various food stalls, singers and songwriters, and candy floss vendors. In terms of attendance, it is possibly the largest book fair in the world.
The Kolkata Book Fair, Asia’s largest literary event, boasts a rich history, inspired by the 1972 New Delhi World Book Fair. Starting in 1976, it’s grown from a single fair organized by the Kolkata Publishers and Booksellers Guild to a massive event drawing millions. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
