বাংলায় পড়ুন
As the clock ticks down to the opening of the 47th International Kolkata Book Fair on Thursday, January 18, the preparation at the fairgrounds is reaching its climax. With only one day left, final touches are being put in place, and book stalls are showcasing a diverse array of literary offerings.
Notably, students from Sister Nivedita University have already wrapped up their internet and technical tasks, aligning with the approaching conclusion of their preparations. The formal inauguration ceremony on Thursday will be graced by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who had ventured to Spain with guild members last year, receiving accolades for promoting the literary arts.
This year, the guild has witnessed a remarkable surge in participation, with over a thousand stalls from both small and large publishing houses and the amalgamation of Little Magazine adding to the grandeur of the book fair. The event continues to attract exhibitors from every state in India and all districts of West Bengal.
In a digital leap forward, the fair introduces a digital map accessible through QR codes at each gate, facilitating visitors to navigate effortlessly through the sprawling venue. Noteworthy gates include ones commemorating the 125th birth anniversary of Tarashankar Bandyopadhyay, the 175th anniversary of Bethune School, and a tribute to the Tower Bridge in London.
Literary luminary Bani Basu will be honoured during the inaugural ceremony, while this year's fair will also witness the inception of the Samaresh Majumdar Memorial Award. This award will be given to literary maestro Shirshendu Mukherjee by Sanjib Chatterjee.
In response to perennial parking issues, the guild has secured permission for public parking in government office lots during holidays, including spaces at Bichitra Bhavan and KMDA Bhavan.
To enhance public convenience, special metro services will operate from noon to midnight during the fair. Additionally, it's noteworthy that this year's event boasts the participation of Germany after a hiatus of 12 years, alongside representatives from 20 other countries.
As the anticipation builds, the stage is set for the literary spectacle that is the Kolkata Book Fair, promising an immersive experience for book enthusiasts and an opportunity for cultural exchange on an international scale.
