Beyond books: A checklist of non-bookish activities to enjoy at Kolkata Book Fair

2/11

Did you get yourself too many books and not enough bags to carry them around? Check out the jute bag stall at ‘boimela.’ Set up by the National Jute Board, the stall promotes the idea of an eco-friendly Book Fair while giving an opportunity of displaying and selling sustainable products to several enterprises

3/11

If all the lugging around and book browsing has got your yearning for a breather, settle down at the cultural centre to relax. Every day, several cultural programmes including ‘baul sangeet,’ poetry and musical performances are being put up for the visitors. The cultural corner beautifully exhibits the rich cultural legacy of West Bengal

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A straight walk from Gate No. 1 will lead you to small shops where artists and entrepreneurs are displaying their products. My Kolkata spotted Partha Pratim Das with his collection of wood-carved art. Elaborating on the art pieces, Das said, “It takes around two days to make each piece. The prices start from Rs 500. The wood used here is imported and waterproof. That is why these do not have glass bindings on them.’’

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Papiya Natta has set up her handmade jewellery stall at the book fair. From neckpieces to earrings, from bangles to finger rings and more, her little corner is a must-visit for jewellery lovers. Natta said, “These are all hand-made by me. The items start from Rs 20. It takes a lot of time and hard work to make each piece.’’

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The State Bank Archives and Museum is a part of the State Bank of India. A miniature version of the museum, displaying the evolution of the State Bank over the years, has been set up at the Book Fair. Should you like to visit the actual museum, drop by Samriddhi Bhavan at 1 Strand Road. The museum is open on all bank working days, 10.30am onwards

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Can there ever be an event where a ‘Bangali’ feels happy without ‘bhuri bhoj’? Awaiting hungry visitors after a long day of book buying is the food court at ‘boimela.’ From cakes to pastries, from sandwiches to biryani, everything that excites the taste buds has made it to the menus. A special mention to the ‘boilmela’ 2023-themed cakes by Mio Amore

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Have a ‘khaike paan Benaras wala’ moment at Prava Paan Stores. Visitors can enjoy over 20 varieties of ‘paan’ — which include ‘golap bhog paan’, cherry ‘paan’, ‘aamsotto paan’, ‘rosomalai paan, Ice Cream ‘paan’ and more — at this quaint little stall

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Treat your taste buds with some tangy and savoury flavours at the Jain Shilpa Mandir stall. Take your pick from a variety of pickles, digestives, ‘kasundi,’ ‘papad and other yummy items

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As winter slips away, stock up on natural honey and ‘gur’ from Badabon Harvest. The enterprise aims to empower traditional labourers who work hard to bring unprocessed forest products to the buyers

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If you are a tea lover, then don’t miss out on the Kashmiri Kahwa stall opposite the SBI auditorium at the Book Fair. Enjoy saffron-infused hot tea and take home plenty of dry fruits like cranberries, walnuts and almonds