Who said ‘boimela’ is only about books? The International Kolkata Book Fair is one gala event, and it does make sure that visitors get to enjoy a range of fun activities, along with the obvious joy of book browsing and buying. To make sure your trip to ‘boimela’ makes it to Instagram, several selfie corners have been set up throughout the book fair. Gather your friends and click a groupfie to remember the happy moments
Arijit Sen
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
Arijit Sen
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
Arijit Sen
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.’’
Amit Datta
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.’’
Amit Datta
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
Amit Datta
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
Amit Datta / Subhadrika Sen
