The 49th International Kolkata Book Fair 2026 has been Announced

News Desk, News Nation 360 : The 49th International Kolkata Book Fair, the largest cultural festival in West Bengal after Durga Puja, will take place from 22 January to 3 February 2026 at Boimela Prangan, Karunamoyee, Salt Lake. The fair will be inaugurated by Honourable Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, with prominent poets, authors, and scholars in attendance. Recognised as the world's largest non-trade book fair by attendance, it drew 27 lakh book lovers last year, achieving book sales of ₹23 crore. Argentina will be the Focal Theme Country for the first time in the fair's history, reinforcing cultural ties between India and Argentina and marking a milestone where a Latin American country takes centre stage. Argentinian embassy delegates, including Andrés Sebastián Rojas and Anandi Queipo Riavitz, will participate as honoured guests and share insights on the partnership. The fair will continue to host international participants from Great Britain, the USA, Germany, Australia, France, Spain, Peru, Colombia, Japan, Thailand, and other Latin American countries, as well as exhibitors from numerous Indian states. Popular attractions include the Little Magazine Pavilion, Children's Pavilion, and the Kolkata Literature Festival (KLF), set for 24 and 25 January 2026, offering literary events and cultural discussions. Despite the fairground limitations, organisers are committed to showcasing a wide spectrum of literary voices. To celebrate the 50th Golden Jubilee of the Book Fair in 2027, the Guild invites photographers who covered the Fair from 1976 to 1996 to submit their best archival images for exhibition and inclusion in a commemorative souvenir. The initiative highlights the fair's historical and cultural significance, aiming for even greater crowds and international engagement in 2026.

Pic - Krishnendu Kundu