Bhubaneswar: Kiosks set up exclusively for Odia books are drawing a number of young readers at the ongoing Rajdhani Book Fair in the city.

A good number of literary works by noted Odia writers, including Gopinath Mohanty, Manoj Das, Nityananda Mahapatra and Surendra Mohanty are available at the fair.

Publishers are promoting the works of young Odia writers. Youngsters are also showing interest in books on Odisha's folk legends and mythological adventures.

"Our primary aim is to promote Odia literature among the readers. Therefore, we invited a large number of local publication houses," said the convener of the fair, Ramesh Chandra Swain.

Several literary events such as poetry and interactive sessions with eminent litterateurs will be held at the fair. For Odia publishers, the fair is an opportunity to reach out to more readers.

"It becomes difficult for us to assess what the readers wish to read and how they want it to be presented with respect to the changing mindsets. But, the interest of the youngsters in Odia literature is really encouraging. A number of youngsters are finding out about the latest Odia books published in the state," said Rabindra Kumar Panda, one of the publishers.

"Among Oriya books, mostly veteran litterateurs are sought after. But the interest for children's fiction in Oriya is also growing," said Akash Ranjan, a publisher based in Cuttack.

Some of the oldest local publishers, including Grantha Mandir, Friends' Publishers, Vidyapuri and Prachi Sahitya Sansthan are taking part in the event.

Software engineer Ashish Patnaik, who was a visitor at the fair, said: "I come to the fair every year to buy rare books available here, which are otherwise not available in market. The event not only helps in promoting good books but also provides an interactive platform for the readers and writers."

An expansive variety of novels, children's literature, short stories, classics and bestsellers can be seen on the shelves. Books on engineering, medicine, astrology, ayurveda and architecture catering the needs of people of various age groups are available at the fair.