Bhubaneswar, Dec. 4: Bibliophiles thronged the Exhibition Ground as the 16th edition of the Rajdhani Book Fair commenced today. One of the biggest fairs of the state, it is hosting over 600 kiosks this year.

Apart from publishers from Odisha, those from 15 other states are also taking part in it. There are Odia classics as well as books written by new writers. It also houses English and Hindi fiction and non-fiction, academic tomes for students of all disciplines, religious books and many more.

Of the most awaited kiosks of the fair are the ones where old books are sold at extremely low prices.

"The books with stunning illustrations and even musical effects come at Rs 20. That's where I spend the most every year," said Mousumi Das, mother of two who visited the fair with her children.

There are also makeshift kiosks at the fair that offer equipment for play schools.

Followers of Odia literature can enjoy the daily literary and poetry sessions at the literary meet held on the premises. While 15 new books will be released at the event, 24 litterateurs will be felicitated for their works published in the past two years.

"Apart from writers, we will also felicitate a publisher as is the norm at our festival every year," said a member of the organising committee, Birakishore Pradhan.

However, like all book fests, the Rajdhani Book Fair also hosts cultural programmes that have often been criticised by visitors.

"The loud music doesn't let you enjoy the company of the books. Also, parents who should have got their kids to the fair to buy books seem to be more interested in checking out the programmes," said Birendra Sahni, a visitor to the fair. The 12-day book fair will continue till December 15.