Book fairs in India have been hosted since several decades in various parts of the country, to motivate the spirit of reading books in the younger generation as well as in the common masses in general. Various types of books are available in such book fairs which are thronged by a large quantity of passionate book lovers, authors and publishers. Some interesting book launch events, like author meets, contests and competitions for readers and students are organised in Indian book fairs. Book fairs in Chennai, Kolkata and the national capital of the nation, Delhi, are renowned are attended by millions of tourists and ardent book lovers, book publishers and sellers.
New Delhi World Book Fair
Held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi World Book Fair or NDWBF is said to be the most ancient book fair. The very first book fair in New Delhi occupied an area measuring 6790 square metres and was attended by 200 participants.
It was held between 18th March and 4th April, 1972. Every February, this event takes place and is organised by the National Book Trust of India or NBT. Several book publishers of the neighbouring nations of India are an active part of the New Delhi World Book Fair. Children literature is widely promoted by the National Centre for Children Literature or NCCL which is a department of NBT. The New Delhi World Book Fair 2013 had France as the guest country. It is said that Poland would be the guest of honour country of the New Delhi World Book Fair 2013.
Kolkata Book Fair
Kolkata Book Fair is a celebrated book event in the city of Kolkata which attracts a vast number of book lovers, authors and publishers. It is also known by names like `Kolkata Pustakmela`, `Kolkata Boimela` and previously it was referred to as `Calcutta Book Fair`, conducted during winter. It has earned recognition for being Asia`s largest book fair, world`s grandest non-commercial book fair, and the world`s highest collection of books just after the London Book Fair and also the Frankfurt Book Fair. Various aspects and themes of literature, theatre, music and limericks creep their way into this fair which has been organised at the `Milan Mela` grounds which is located near Science City on E.M. Bypass.
Chennai Book Fair
Also referred to as the Madras Book Fair, Chennai Book Fair is an important annual book fair which is organised in the state of Chennai and continues for 10 days. The Booksellers and Publishers Association of South India or BAPASI are the organisers of this grand event which occurs during the season of Pongal -New Year, especially during the final week of December and the third week of January. Innumerable major book publishers and sellers enjoy active participation in the Chennai Book Fair. Along with the Chennai music season, the Chennai Book Fair is amongst the most interesting events of the year. During 2009, there existed 600 stalls in the Chennai Book Fair. The 36th Chennai Book Fair was hosted at the YMCA Education College Ground, Nandanam between 11th January till 23rd January, 2013 and it boasted of 747 stalls.