The Kolkata Book Fair 2014

The Kolkata Book Fair

The Jago Bangla Pavilion

Kolkata is a city of celebrations. The general mood here never ceases to be festive, and yet we have somehow managed to create a balance between our work lives and this air of enjoyment. The air of this city's celebrated liveliness never ceases to amaze me. No matter where you are in this vast metropolis, no matter who you are and no matter what time of the year it is, you can always find something to cheer yourself up. That is the magic of this city, the very city that I've fallen in love with. One of the city's best offerings, in terms of festiveness and cultural richness, is the annual book fair, formally called the Annual Kolkata International Book Fair.

Why the Book Fair matters? 

The American Library Pavilion

It's easy to question the merit or magnificence of this fair, if you haven't participated in it. The Book Fair continues to be a place where thousands meet, in search of the intellectual treasure troves we so lovingly call 'Books'. Even in this age of eBooks and eReaders (I am really into them), the fresh smell of newly released books always enchants the heart and mind. It is something no money can buy. And if that's not enough, the Book Fair is a place where the whole intellectual mass of the city converges in, lifting the airiness and splendour of the grand endeavor that is the fair itself. 

This year's book fair was no different. Organized at the Milan Mela Grounds, just opposite the Science City, the fair attracted a total of 20,00,000 people over the course of 12 days. Despite the fact that a number of political brigades were held, people showed no sign of unwillingness to join the celebrations. This is the magic of this city, everyone has something to celebrate. 

Stalls and publications 

Inside the Ashutosh Mukherjee Hall, Milan Mela 

Nearly all major publishing houses, from allover India and abroad, set up their stalls in the fair. Notable titles include Orient Black Publishing Hoise, Pustak Mahal, Times of India, Oxford, Penguin and more. In addition, the local publishers such as Ananda (owners of the Anandabazar daily), Dey's Publishing House, Patrabharati etc. also joined the scene. Adding to that, various religious and spiritual organizations such as Bhakti Vedanta, Ramkrishna Mission, RKM Institute of Culture etc. also participate. 

And if even that's no enough for your tastes, there are foreign stalls, from countries such as France, Belgium, USA and Japan, which present a wide multitude of different books from their respective countries. And yeah, everything can be procured at a discounted price. :) 

A number of local shops also set up their own stalls here. 

Books 

The late afternoon sun lighting the fair up!

Now this is the main point of coming to the fair. Whether you're a film buff willing to acquire some critical discussion on a mind-boggling title, or a child with the desire to grabbing some comics, a literary academic willing to explore the shoreless ocean called English/Bengali literature or a science enthusiast wanting to procure some interesting food for thought, you are at the right place. There's a wealth of different books here, covering multiple genres, from uncountably many publishers. Mainly English and Bengali titles dominate the scene, but you won't be disheartened if you're willing to bet on some Hindi books. 

The government provides a very fluid and functioning 'Book Search' facility, powered by a number of computers. It's at the centre of the complex, and feel free to make use of it. 

Decorations 

Me, with the friendly Mr. Miyoshi Watanabe of the
Japanese Pavilion. An advocate of the Happy Sciences
Religion of Japan, Mr. Watanabe showcased some of the
greatest books of the Japanese Guru Ryuho Okawa

Now this is something that should really fascinate every visitor. Not only are the stalls nicely decorated and organized, a number of them are also designed specifically to resemble thematic presentations. For example, the Jagobangla stall this year was built resembling a Bengali Dholak. Although the fair starts off at 12:00 PM, the real charm can be felt only after the sun sets. It is then, that the million colours of Kolkata jump into action, splashing the night sky with liquid beams of light! 

No matter where you're standing in the vast complex, you can always find music, be it Rabindrasangeet, modern Bangla Band music or Bengali folk songs. And especially when the lights are lit, the entire spirit of the complex is practically lifted to the peak of festiveness! The Mela (to use the Bengali term for Fair) then turns into something like an audio-visual heaven of culture, projecting its very celebrated self into you. It is then, that once can truly appreciate being a part of this magnificent project. Because at the end of the day, dear readers, you are who make the endeavour successful! It is for your pleasure, for your joy, that the entire project is developed so lovingly. 

Facilities and security 

The entire complex is virtually 100% secure, thanks to the tireless efforts of hundreds of dutiful policemen of the Kolkata Police Department. I really can't thank our officers enough, because without them, the whole celebration would be in jeopardy. It is due to them that we can so safely and happily browse the titles. 

Next we have the government of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to thank. Adding to normal facilities such as free parking, toilets and security, the government also kickstarted a new endeavour of providing free mineral water to everyone! ATMs, powered by the State Bank of India, are fully functional and available for use, in the Guild House building. 

Free mineral water pouches, courtesy of the
Government of West Bengal

And last but not the least, the Book Fair's Guild deserves a special mention, and Mr. Trideep Kumar Chatterjee, the President of the Guild. 

Final words 

In fact, Kolkata continues to be the Mecca of culture and tireless creative energy, thanks to such brilliant endravours. It's a shame that the Book Fair ended on 9th of February this year, but then again, how else could we have started our countdown for the next year's book fair? After all, it's only around 350 days to go!