Archive · 21 Jan 2026
Kolkata Book Fair Opens with Global Participation
The 49th International Kolkata Book Fair is happening in Kolkata, India, starting on 22 January.
This big book fair will have books and art from 20 different countries, including Ukraine for the first time and regular participant Russia.
Argentina is the special country this year, and the fair will have a big area with blue and white colors, like Argentina's football team.
The fair is a way for people to learn about different cultures and maybe even help Russia and Ukraine get along better.
There will be many stalls, including food stalls, and special exhibitions about famous people.
The fair is free to enter, and there will be special days for senior citizens and a literary festival with famous writers.
The 49th International Kolkata Book Fair will feature literature and culture from 20 countries, including Ukraine's debut and regular participant Russia.
Argentina is the theme country, with the theme pavilion designed in a blue-and-white palette, reflecting the country's football culture.
The fair aims to promote cultural exchange and unity, especially between Russia and Ukraine, amidst their ongoing conflict.
Ukraine will showcase its art and culture for the first time at the fair in Kolkata.
The event is set to take place at the Salt Lake Central Park ground, starting from 22 January, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurating it.
- Who
- Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, participants from 20 countries, including Ukraine and Russia, and the theme country Argentina.
- What
- The 49th International Kolkata Book Fair, featuring literature and culture from various countries, with a focus on Ukraine's debut and Argentina as the theme country.
- When
- Starting from 22 January.
- Where
- Salt Lake Central Park, Kolkata, India.
- Why
- To promote cultural exchange and unity through literature, especially between Russia and Ukraine amidst their ongoing conflict.
- Event
- 49th International Kolkata Book Fair (IKBF)
- Location
- Salt Lake Central Park, Kolkata
- Theme Country
- Argentina
- Participating Countries
- 20
- Ukraine's Participation
- Debut appearance
- Russia's Participation
- Regular participant
- Theme Pavilion Design
- Blue-and-white palette, inspired by Argentina's football culture
- Inauguration Date
- 22 January
- Lifetime Literary Award
- Swapnomoy Chakraborty, Rs 2 lakh
- Senior Citizen's Day
- 30 January
- Kolkata Literary Festival
- 24-25 January
- Notable Participants
- Gustavo Canzobre, Mariano Agustin Caucino, Amitav Ghosh
- Special Exhibitions
- Uttam Kumar, Bhupen Hazarika, Salil Chowdhury, Maheshweta Devi
- Stalls
- Around 1,000, including food stalls
