International Kolkata Book Fair
Where: Boimela Prangan, Central Park Mela Ground, Karunamoyee, Salt Lake
When: January 31 to February 12, 2023
Timings: 12 pm to 8 pm
What is International Kolkata Book Fair (IKBF)?
The International Kolkata Book Fair is a grand gathering of book enthusiasts, publishers, authors, and literary lovers from across the globe.
Held annually in Kolkata, India, this fair, organized by the Publishers and Booksellers Guild, takes place in January or February and is considered one of Asia’s largest book fairs.
Step into the world of books and immerse yourself in a sea of knowledge and imagination as the fair showcases a diverse range of books on various subjects, including fiction, non-fiction, academic, and children’s books.
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It’s not just about book sales, though. The fair offers a plethora of cultural and literary events such as book launches, panel discussions, author meet-and-greets, and more.
In addition to books, you can also find stalls selling stationery, music, and other cultural items, making the fair a hub for all things creative and cultural.
With a special section dedicated to books in different languages, including Bengali, English, and Hindi, visitors have the opportunity to explore literature from different cultures and backgrounds.
What are the highlights of this global literature book fair?
- Wide range of books: The International Kolkata Book Fair (IKBF) is a literary wonderland that offers an unparalleled experience for book lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike. With a seemingly endless array of books on all subjects, from fiction to academic texts, visitors can indulge in a diverse selection from top publishers.
- Cultural events: At IKBF, literature and culture collide in a feast of artistic expression. From musical performances and poetry readings to theater shows, there’s no shortage of captivating cultural programs and activities to participate in.
- Author Meet-and-Greets: Book fans have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet their favorite authors and get their books signed, as well as attend panel discussions and book launches where they can engage in thoughtful discussions with literary experts.
- Networking opportunities: For publishers, IKBF is an ideal platform to network, exchange ideas, and increase their reach to a wider audience. With an emphasis on showcasing the latest works and building brand awareness, IKBF is a prime destination for those in the publishing world.
- Multilingual books: IKBF also features a section dedicated to multilingual books, offering visitors the chance to explore literature from various cultures and languages, including Bengali, English, and Hindi.
- Panel discussions: The fair includes panel discussions and book launches, where visitors can hear from authors and literary experts about their works and the writing process.
- Stalls selling stationery, music, and other cultural items: In addition to books, visitors can also find stalls selling stationery, music, and other cultural items, making the fair a hub for all things creative and cultural.
IBKF 2023
The 46th iteration of the beloved Kolkata Book Fair, also affectionately known as Boi Mela, officially opened its doors to the public on January 31st, following its grand inauguration by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee the day prior.
Boasting a reputation as the second largest book fair in both size and attendance, following closely behind the renowned Frankfurt Book Fair, the Kolkata Book Fair stands tall as one of the world’s premier literary events.
Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, last year’s fair attracted a staggering 20 lakh visitors. This year, the fair kicked off with a bang, with over a lakh eager book lovers flocking to the event on opening day alone.
The Kolkata Book Fair is a veritable treasure trove of literary riches, offering a diverse selection of over 1 lakh titles ranging from theology to Marxist theory, literature, oceanography, and even solid state physics.
This mecca for discerning book lovers is the must-visit event of the year, attracting an enthusiastic crowd each time it opens its doors.
From January 31st to February 12th, the Kolkata Book Fair will be accessible to the public, providing endless hours of exploration and discovery.
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And for those seeking even more literary delights, the 9th Kolkata Literature Festival will run from February 9th to 11th at the SBI Auditorium, offering a parallel event of insightful discussions and captivating performances.
The Kolkata Book Fair is truly a global affair, with participation from an impressive 20 countries spanning the world. This year, Spain takes center stage as the focal country, marking its second appearance as the theme country.
Nations including the United States, the United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Japan, France, Cuba, Italy, Australia, and numerous Latin American countries will all be represented at the book fair, with Thailand joining in for the first time.
Visitors will be able to explore 900 stalls, 700 of which will be brimming with books, while 200 will be dedicated to Bengal’s renowned little magazine genre, each named after the beloved author and editor Ramapada Choudhury to celebrate his birth centenary.
The International Kolkata Book Fair has a long history and is a significant cultural event in India. It has grown in popularity over the years and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
So, if you’re a book lover, this is a not-to-be-missed event, where you can discover new authors, books, and ideas, all while being surrounded by a vibrant and diverse community of literary enthusiasts.
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