The Kolkata Book Fair, officially the International Kolkata Book Fair, is held every year in late January and early February at the Central Park fairground in Salt Lake, and it is organised by the Publishers and Booksellers Guild. First held in 1976, it is widely described as one of the largest book fairs in the world by attendance, with footfall reported in the millions. Visitors browse hundreds of publisher stalls, Bengali little magazine counters, children’s sections and a themed country pavilion that changes every year. The easiest way to reach the ground is the Green Line metro, which has Central Park and Karunamoyee stations in Salt Lake. Dates, ticketing and timings are announced by the Guild each year, so confirm them shortly before you plan your visit. Go on a weekday afternoon if you want space to browse, and keep weekends for the full festival atmosphere.
What Is the Kolkata Book Fair?
Known locally as Boi Mela, the Kolkata Book Fair began in 1976 and has grown into a winter institution for the city. It is as much a cultural festival as a trade event. Families, students, poets and publishers all turn up, and it often overlaps with the Saraswati Puja season, which adds to the crowds and the festive mood.
Over the decades the fair has moved between several grounds, including the Maidan, the Milan Mela area near Science City on the E.M. Bypass, and, since 2018, the Central Park fairground in Salt Lake. A different country is chosen as the theme country each year, and that country’s authors, publishers and cultural programmes get a dedicated pavilion.
When Is the Kolkata Book Fair Held?
The fair is a winter event, usually running for about two weeks from late January into early February. For example, the 49th edition in 2026 was scheduled from 22 January to 3 February at the Salt Lake Central Park fairground. Exact dates, daily timings and any entry arrangements change from year to year, so check the Publishers and Booksellers Guild announcements before you go. If you are planning a wider trip, our guide to the best time to visit Kolkata explains why the cooler winter months suit both the book fair and general sightseeing.
How to Reach the Kolkata Book Fair by Metro and Road
The Salt Lake fairground is well connected by public transport. The Green Line runs between Howrah Maidan and Salt Lake Sector V, with Central Park and Karunamoyee stations close to the Salt Lake area. Check the fair’s official gate information for the nearest entrance, and read our Kolkata Metro Green Line guide for stations, fares and timings. Timetables and any special service changes are published on the official Kolkata Metro Railway website.
If you travel by taxi or app cab, expect traffic and pick-up delays around closing time, especially on weekends. Walking a short distance away from the main gate before booking a ride often helps. For more on Salt Lake itself, see our Salt Lake and New Town guide.
What to See and Do at the Fair
Publisher stalls and new releases
Major Bengali publishers launch new titles here, and many authors attend signing sessions. English, Hindi and regional-language publishers are also present, so the fair suits readers well beyond Bengali literature.
Little magazines
Bengali little magazines (laghu patrika) have had a dedicated section since the fair began. It is a good place to find independent poetry, essays and experimental writing that rarely reaches regular bookshops.
Theme country pavilion
Each edition features a guest country. Recent examples include Bangladesh, Spain, the United Kingdom and Germany. The pavilion usually hosts readings, talks and cultural events.
Children’s section and food stalls
The children’s area and food courts make the fair practical for families. Plan breaks between stalls, because a full walk of the ground can take most of a day.
Tips for Visiting the Kolkata Book Fair
Arrive early or on a weekday to avoid the heaviest crowds. Carry a sturdy bag, some cash for small stalls, and a phone power bank. Note the stall numbers of publishers you want to visit in advance, because the ground is large. Many publishers offer fair discounts, so compare prices before buying, and keep your receipts. If you want a quieter reading session afterwards, our list of cafes in Kolkata for work or study is a good next stop.
Book Fair or College Street: Which Is Better?
The two complement each other. The fair is a seasonal festival with new releases, author events and a lively crowd. College Street (Boi Para) is open year-round and is the place for second-hand textbooks, rare finds and academic titles. Many visitors do both during a winter trip.
Kolkata Book Fair FAQs
Where is the Kolkata Book Fair held?
It has been held at the Central Park fairground in Salt Lake since 2018. Earlier editions took place on the Maidan and at the Milan Mela ground near Science City.
Which month is the Kolkata Book Fair?
It is held from late January to early February. Confirm the exact dates with the organisers each year.
Who organises the Kolkata Book Fair?
The Publishers and Booksellers Guild organises the fair, which began in 1976.
How do I reach the Kolkata Book Fair by metro?
Take the Green Line towards Salt Lake and get off at Central Park or Karunamoyee, then follow the fair signage or use a short auto ride.
Is there an entry fee?
Ticketing arrangements have varied between editions, so check the Guild’s announcement for the current year before you travel.
