The 45^th International Kolkata Book Fair 2021 like many other events in the world has been delayed due to the ongoing pandemic.

A press meet was announced to this year’s book fair in the presence of Toufique Hasan, Hon’ble Deputy High Commissioner, Deputy High Commission for Bangladesh, Tridib Kumar Chatterjee, Sudhangshu Sekhar Dey, and others.

The focal theme country of this year’s book fair is Bangladesh. 2021 is the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the 50^th year of the independence of Bangaldesh. The International Kolkata Book Fair 2021 will be dedicated to these two events.

The 125^th birth year of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and the birth centenary of Satyajit Ray will also be celebrated in this year’s book fair.

Homage will be paid to the departed personalities in 2021 like Soumitra Chatterjee, Pranab Mukherjee, Alokeranjan Dasgupta, Swapan Mazumdar, Nimai Bhattacharya, and others.

Due to the upcoming Assembly Election, ICSE, CBSE board examinations, and Madhyamik and Higher Secondary exams, the book fair will be organized in July. The venue is the Central Park Mela Ground, Salt Lake. Health protocols will be followed at the book fair.

The international publishers, booksellers, and editors of Little Magazines may submit applications at the Guild House from 1^st March onwards.

The 8^th Kolkata Literature Festival will also be organized during the Book Fair.

On the occasion of International Mother Language Day, Ekushe Bhasha Utsab will be organized.

Nababarsha Boi Utsab will be organized like in the previous year during Bengali New Year at the College Square and College Street Boi Para. World Book Day will also be celebrated too.

Baranagar Boi Utsab began from 5^th February to 14^th February at the Sinthee Circus Maidan. The book fair will be organized by Baranagar Municipality.

So this is indeed great news for book lovers!!

Priyanka Dutta