Kolkata, 17 December 2024 – Get ready for an unforgettable literary journey as the 48th International Kolkata Book Fair opens its doors on January 28, 2025, at 4:00 PM at Boimela Prangan, Salt Lake. The grand inauguration will be led by Hon’ble Chief Minister Smt. Mamata Banerjee, accompanied by esteemed delegates from Germany, this year’s Focal Theme Country, as well as prominent authors, dignitaries, and state ministers.
This Year’s Key Highlights at the 48th International Kolkata Book Fair:
- A Huge Book Haven: With around 1000 stalls and Little Magazines, this year’s Book Fair promises a vast and diverse range of literature, staying true to its successful format from previous years.
- Open-Air Experience: The Book Fair transforms into a true open-air event! The traditional indoor halls will be replaced with an exciting ‘Premier Area’ dedicated to English-language publishers, with reduced stall contributions for greater accessibility.
- Special Celebrations for Seniors and Children:
- Senior Citizen’s Day (‘Chiro Tarun’) on February 4, 2025 will feature an engaging session with senior authors, publishers, and readers.
- Children’s Day on February 2, 2025 will be packed with exciting activities for the younger generation.
- Easy Access for Visitors: With nine entry and exit gates to ease movement, the fair will feature gates named after iconic figures like Goethe and Max Muller, reflecting the global spirit of the event.
- A Year of Celebrations: This year marks the birth centenaries of Narayan Sanyal, Salil Chowdhury, Rhittik Ghatak, Tapan Sinha, and Arundhuti Debi, along with the 125th birth anniversaries of Kazi Nazrul Islam and Jibananda Das, all of whom will be honored at the Fair.
- Digital Innovations: The IKBF 2025 Android App, developed by Sister Nivedita University, will allow visitors to easily locate stalls through Google location. Additionally, virtual live sessions will enable book lovers from across the world to participate online.
- Interactive Digital Map: A special ground map with the full list of participants will be available via QR codes at all entry points for a seamless experience.
- Health & Safety First: Providing support for medical emergencies, Peerless Hospitex Hospital And Research Centre Limited will offer medical assistance and ambulance services as the Health Partner.
- High-Speed Internet Access: Meghbela Broadband has signed on as the Exclusive Broadband Partner, ensuring fast and reliable connectivity for all attendees.
- Global Hospitality: International guests will enjoy world-class hospitality provided by Novotel Hotels and Residencies, our official hospitality partner.
- Global Participation: Over 20 countries from around the world will showcase their literary contributions and cultural exchanges at the fair.
- “Buy Books and Win a Book Library”: As part of the Guild’s commitment to book lovers, visitors will have the chance to win Book Gift Coupons through a daily lottery, bringing the joy of reading to more people.
Gratitude to Our Partners:
- State Bank of India, our official banker, will offer full banking facilities, ATMs, and E-services at the fairgrounds.
- HDFC Ergo General Insurance Company makes its debut as the Official Insurer.
- Special thanks to the National Jute Board for their invaluable support as the Green Partner.
Kolkata Literature Festival: A major highlight will be the 11th Kolkata Literature Festival, scheduled from February 6-8, 2025, inside the SBI Auditorium, offering a platform for literary discussions, author interactions, and cultural performances.
Germany’s Participation as Focal Theme Country: Today, we are honored to welcome Ms. Barbara Voss, Hon’ble Consul General of Germany in Kolkata, and Ms. Astrid Wege, Director of the Goethe Institut Kolkata, who will share exciting insights into Germany’s pivotal role at this year’s fair.
Mark your calendars and join us for the 48th International Kolkata Book Fair, where the world of books and culture comes alive.