Boimela Wraps Up With Record Rs 25 Crore In Book Sales And 27 Lakh Visitors

Hey there, fellow book lover! Let me tell you about the amazing 48th International Kolkata Book Fair. This year, the fair lasted for 12 days and it ended on Sunday. Despite being a bit shorter than last year’s 14-day event, it was full of energy and surprises.

(Photo Credit: The West Bengal Index/X) The 48th International Kolkata Book Fair

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First, let’s talk about the crowd. Around 27 lakh people visited the fair—just as many as last year. However, book sales went up! People bought books worth Rs 25 crore over these 12 days, compared to Rs 23 crore in 2024. This is a big win for everyone involved.

Moreover, the organizers are already planning for next year. Publishers and the Booksellers Guild, led by Tridib Chatterjee and Sudhangshu Sekhar Dey, shared that they want more days and a bigger space next time. They are excited to make the fair even better!

In a wonderful twist, Germany became the focal theme country for the very first time in the fair’s 48-year history. This change added a fresh flavor to the event. It is also important to remember that eight years ago, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee chose the Salt Lake Central Park as the permanent home for the fair, and she even named it ‘Boimela Prangan’.

Our dear KMC mayor, Firhad Hakim, mentioned that the fair has come a long way—from venues like Maidan and Milan Mela to now having a dedicated space in Salt Lake. He feels proud of how the fair has grown over time.

Minister Aroop Biswas put it simply: if people line up at Durga Puja pandals to see the idol, they also stand in line to get their favorite books. Books have a special place in our hearts, and everyone enjoys the fair’s lively atmosphere. Education Minister Bratya Basu also praised the fair, calling it one of the best in the world, and he is already looking forward to next year.

Even though the fair saw around 19 lakh visitors by Friday—a little less than expected—the final two days made up for it with an extra 8 lakh visitors. People rushed in to grab the last chance to browse through and buy their favorite titles. From non-fiction and novels to children’s books and short stories, there was something for everyone.

All in all, the fair was a delightful celebration of reading, and it filled our hearts with joy. We can’t wait to see you there next year, ready to explore, discover, and enjoy the magic of books!