Bhubaneswar, May 31: A mandi of a different sort has caught the attention of youths in the city.

Two bibliophiles from the city, Akshaya Kumar Rautray and Satabdi Mishra, have come up with the concept of an open book mandi to promote the habit of reading among the youths in the city. The mini flea market has been set up at their open-air bookstore they run near Nalco Square.

The market is on till June 5.

Like a mandi, one can sell books here and interested readers can buy the second-hand books at a lesser price. Over 2,500 Odia and English books, ranging from fiction, horror, classics and bestsellers, are on sale. Apart from the ones sold by the readers, a number of books have been collected by the duo from publishers and wholesale markets in metro cities.

"There are many people who love to read but can't afford to spend much on books. So, we came up with the concept where one can buy books at a low price or can also exchange," said Akshaya. Most of the books come at a price of Rs 50 or Rs 100.

Set amid a green environment, the ambience makes for a perfect place to browse through one's favourite book.

Apart from books, one can also lay their hands on art installations, paintings, handmade accessories and photographs.

Tanuja Sethy has put on display her handmade bags here. Each are priced at Rs 250.

Young artist Upali Mishra has put up her series of thematic pen-and-ink illustrations on a series of topics such as temptation, isolation and disillusionment and moral dilemma, among others.

Another youngster has come to the mandi with her collection of accessories such as bracelets, earrings, and necklaces made from colourful beads and stones.

"Apart from flipping through books, one can also check out jewellery and artworks. Coming up with an informal space where readers can come together and talk about books is a commendable initiative," said a visitor, Lipsa Priyadarshini.

The duo already run a project called Walking Bookfairs to promote the hobby of reading in the rural areas of the state. Recently, they had been on a 15-day tour of the 30 districts in the state on a van that had been customised into a mini library. They conducted small fairs for people in towns and villages to promote reading habits among children and adults.