What to expect from the 2022 Kolkata book fair – Times of India

After a break of one year due to the pandemic, the Publishers & Booksellers Guild has finally announced the dates for the International Kolkata Book Fair this winter. The long-awaited fair, a favourite destination for the city’s book lovers, will commence on January 31 with an inauguration ceremony and will be open to the public from February 1 to 13.
However, keeping in mind the fact that the Covid-19 is still a looming threat, the organisers have decided to take measures for better crowd management this year. While there will be safety protocols in place, we find out what to expect from the fair this year.

Hybrid model

Keeping up with the worldwide trend of going digital, the book fair will be streamed live on the guild’s website and social media handles. The website will also offer the option to redirect bookworms to publishers’ websites to purchase books online. “For the smaller publishers, who don’t have a dedicated website, people will be redirected to their WhatsApp number. The pandemic taught us to go digital and the book market saw a rise in online trade. We are compelled to adapt to the changed reality. Hence, this effort. While the guild will not be a part of any business transaction done online, our website will help interested people to shop online for books,” said Tridib Chatterjee, general secretary of the guild.

Dispersing crowd in focus

Historically, the book fair draws a large number of crowds each year. Given the current situation, the fair will run one extra day to ensure that there’s no overcrowding. Instead of the usual 12 days, the fair will be open to the public for 13 days. Besides, people can opt for free e-passes available online to get priority entry. “Book fair is an important schedule on our calendar. When we are allowed to celebrate Puja, Christmas and other gatherings, and we hardly have restrictions on shopping, I see no reason why the book fair shouldn’t be held. I’m old school and love the feel of new books. However, I welcome any move to put in place a hybrid model. I am looking forward to the fair,” said Srabasti Ghosh, a performer and a regular at the fair.

Multiple little magazine pavilions

Traditionally, the little magazine pavilion, which showcases the experimental literary work in Bengal, attracts a large number of young bibliophiles at the book fair. This year, in an effort to deter crowding, the guild has decided to set up multiple pavilions for the little magazine publishers. Besides, the food pavilion is likely to be in an open area. The other pavilions that used to be enclosed will likely be set up in the open. “Having a book fair back is a good feeling. While I understand the importance of having multiple pavilions for little magazines, I would request the guild not to tuck us in some isolated corners where no one can find us. We need to have stalls at prominent areas,” said Debabrata Chattopadhyay, publisher of a little magazine.
The organisers are also planning to use a bigger space for the fair. “We are yet to know the exact number of stalls. But one thing is sure — the size of stalls will be smaller so that there are more open spaces. We have also requested the stall owners to leave enough space for ventilation. We will encourage sellers to have better displays from outside so that a buyer can avoid getting crammed inside the stall and purchase books or other items from outside,” Tridib said.

Highlights of the fair

* The vendors have to be fully vaccinated
* Masks and sanitiser will be available at the fairground and in the stalls
* The food court is likely to be situated in open area
*Little magazine stalls are likely to be dispersed across the fairground instead of one pavilion
* Instead of enclosed spaces, other pavilions too may be set up in the open

I have a lot of childhood memories associated with the book fair, especially when it used to be held on the Maidan. My parents used to impose a limit — I could buy only three-four books depending on how I performed in my studies at school. I also used to get scolded by ma for insisting on wearing heels. I was infatuated with the art college boys who used to paint, sing at the fair venue. I tried to draw their attention, but never succeeded. One guy did paint my portrait and I still treasure it. Now I miss the food, which I have to resist because of the profession. I also love the smell of new books. I look forward to exploring little magazines at the upcoming fair.
I miss the addas with friends and the khawa-dawa: Rupam Islam
In my childhood I used to visit the book fair on all days. It was a different experience altogether; we used to enjoy it so much! But now, due to obvious reasons, I can’t enjoy a trip to the fair like I used to. I really miss the khawa-dawa, the addas with friends and visiting the numerous bookstalls. Now I have a stall at the fair where I interact with people, but moving around freely is not that feasible. I plan to visit the fair this time too and like every year, look forward to buying a few books by new and talented authors. Reading gives you another kind of high altogether.

I really miss the ‘missing persons’ announcements: Madhuboni Chatterjee

I really miss the dusty environment at the book fair when it used to be held on the Maidan. Moreover, I miss the ‘missing persons’ announcements. Back then, when there were no mobile phones, a lot of people used to stray and were unable to find their companions. It was soon followed by these announcements. I really miss those. The very idea that I’ll have to visit the fair wearing a mask is very traumatic for me, but I can’t miss it, of course. I find the little magazine stall very interesting, as it houses the works of so many young authors under one roof.