In pictures: All that glittered at the Kolkata book fair
What we liked most about the 45th International Kolkata Book Fair, in snapshots
By
Shayeree Ghosh |
Published 12.03.22, 07:39 PM
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It’s the last weekend of this year’s fair. The event, back after a hiatus of a year, has over 600 stalls and book-lovers have been flocking in droves to the Salt Lake venue
Ashim Paul
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There are over 200 little magazines at the fair this year. The Little Magazine Pavilion is a regular feature and features various small-scale publications from across the state
Ashim Paul
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This year, the country of focus is Bangladesh. The dedicated pavilion, honouring Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, has over 50 publishers from the country with a vast collection of original and translated Bengali works
Ashim Paul
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The international section this year includes publications from across the world, and Iran joined the festival for the first time this year
Ashim Paul
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There were numerous events lined up — from book launches to poetry readings and cultural performances — on the central stage, Mukta Mancha, which was dedicated to Soumitra Chatterjee. In a first, the fair was also telecast live on the Kolkata book fair website and social media channels
Ashim Paul
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Apart from the books, the other thing people look out for at the fair is food. From fish fry and fish orly to desserts and thirst-quenchers, there is a veritable feast on offer in the stalls along the periphery of the grounds
Ashim Paul
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The event attracted young artists from Kolkata as it does every year. There are sketch artists making portraits on demand and others showing off their bold strokes on various canvasses including T-shirts
Ashim Paul
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The festive atmosphere of the mela prevailed this year as well. Students found their way to the grounds for impromptu music sessions and a karaoke booth has been set up for people to bust out a tune if they wish to
Ashim Paul
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The premises are also playing host to the 8th Kolkata Literature Festival, on March 11-12, with a lineup of speakers that include Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay, Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, Devdutt Pattanaik and many more
Arijit Sen
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Children were among the most enthusiastic visitors, captivated by the offerings
Ashim Paul
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While the classics are a perennial favourite for kids and young adults, this year, there has been an increased demand for graphic novels and comics
Ashim Paul
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Visitors brought their furry companions along to the pet-friendly fair
Ashim Paul
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One of the most curious additions to this year’s book fair is the firefighting robots, which when not patrolling the grounds, are parked near gate number four
