The upcoming 48th International Kolkata Book Fair, set to run from January 28 to February 9, 2025, promises to be a spectacular literary event. The International Kolkata Book Fair is one of the biggest cultural celebrations in West Bengal, second only to Durga Puja in its scale and public enthusiasm.
The fair will be inaugurated by Hon'ble Chief Minister Smt. Mamata Banerjee at the Boimela Prangan in Karunamoyee, Salt Lake. The opening ceremony will witness the presence of esteemed poets, authors, and scholars, making it a grand start to the 13-day event.
Sudhangshu Sekhar Dey (Honorable General Secretary of the Publishers & Booksellers Guild) expressed his gratitude towards the West Bengal Government, especially the Urban and Municipal Affairs Department, KMDA, Information & Cultural Affairs Department, Bidhannagar Police, Kolkata Police, and Bidhannagar Municipality for their continued support and cooperation in organizing the book fair.
As the world’s largest attended non-trade book festival, the International Kolkata Book Fair has consistently attracted millions of book enthusiasts. Last year, 27 lakh visitors attended the fair, generating book sales worth Rs 23 crores. This remarkable turnout reflects the deep literary interest of the people of Kolkata. However, the increasing number of publishers seeking to participate poses a challenge, as the fairground cannot accommodate more stalls due to space limitations. Despite this, efforts are underway to make the fairground more visitor-friendly.
A significant highlight of the 2025 edition is the selection of Germany as the Focal Theme Country, a first in the history of the International Kolkata Book Fair. Germany, renowned for its rich literary and cultural heritage, is expected to add a new dimension to the event. The inspiration for the Kolkata Book Fair was drawn from Germany’s iconic Frankfurt Book Fair, a connection that has only strengthened over the years. Representatives from Frankfurt have visited Kolkata before, and the Guild has participated in the Frankfurt Book Fair when India was the Theme Country in 1984 and 2006.
At the press meet, Mr. Simon Kleinpass, Vice Consul of Germany in Kolkata, and Ms. Astrid Wege, Director of Goethe Institute, Kolkata, shared their excitement about Germany's role as the focal theme country and their plans for the event.
The upcoming book fair will also see participation from countries like Great Britain, USA, France, Italy, Spain, Peru, Argentina, Colombia, and many other Latin American nations. Additionally, publishers from Indian states including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar, Assam, Jharkhand, Telangana, Kerala, Odisha, and others will showcase their publications. The Little Magazine Pavilion and the Children’s Pavilion remain popular attractions, providing a diverse range of literature for all age groups.
The Kolkata Literature Festival (KLF), a major highlight, will take place in February 2025 as part of the fair, featuring prominent authors, poets, and literary figures in an array of discussions, readings, and cultural performances.
Sudhangshu Sekhar Dey extended his heartfelt invitation to all book lovers, encouraging them to visit the 48th International Kolkata Book Fair at Boimela Prangan, Salt Lake, and experience the joy of exploring a world of books and culture. The fair, a symbol of Kolkata’s literary spirit, promises an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
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