Archive · 23 Jan 2026
Mamata Banerjee Inaugurates Kolkata Book Fair
Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, opened a big book fair in Kolkata.
The fair has books from many countries like Argentina, the UK, and China.
She said the book fair is very important and brings people from all over the world.
She also promised to build a special place for books before the next fair in 2027.
The fair is free to enter and has lots of books to buy.
Mamata Banerjee also talked about how she uses her own money to support the fair and other good causes.
Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the 49th International Kolkata Book Fair, featuring participants from 20 countries including Argentina as the theme country.
The book fair includes 1,100 stalls and is free to enter, with last year's footfall being 27 lakh and book sales worth Rs 23 crore.
Banerjee announced a Rs 10 crore grant for setting up a permanent Boi-Chitro (diversity) project made of books, to be unveiled for the 50th anniversary.
She highlighted the cultural significance of the book fair and its global popularity, comparing it to the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany.
Banerjee emphasized her personal financial contributions to the fair and other causes, stating she does not use government funds for her expenses.
- Who
- West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee
- What
- Inaugurated the 49th International Kolkata Book Fair and announced a permanent Boi-Chitro landmark
- When
- January 22, 2024
- Where
- Kolkata, India
- Why
- To celebrate the book fair's cultural significance and promote literature
- Event
- 49th International Kolkata Book Fair
- Theme Country
- Argentina
- Participating Countries
- UK, Germany, France, Australia, Spain, China, Ukraine, Russia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nepal
- Stalls
- 1,100
- Entry Fee
- Free
- Duration
- January 22 to February 3, 2024
- Last Year's Footfall
- 27 lakh
- Last Year's Book Sales
- Rs 23 crore
- Government Grant
- Rs 10 crore for Boi-Chitro
Sources
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West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Inaugurates 49th Kolkata Book Fair
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