Kolkata Book Fair Ends With Record 32 Lakh Visitors and ₹32 Crore in Sales

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on Feb 05, 2026

Kolkata Book Fair Ends With Record 32 Lakh Visitors and ₹32 Crore in Sales

The 49th International Kolkata Book Fair concluded in a jubilant mood at Central Park, Salt Lake, with an astounding 32 lakh visitors and estimated book sales of around ₹32 crore during its 12-day run, further consolidating its position as one of Asia’s biggest literary events. The fair, organised by the Publishers and Booksellers Guild, featured over 1,000 publishers and stalls, offering a wide range of titles spanning literature, academic works, children’s books, regional writing, and international publications, and was held from January 22 to February 3.

Argentina, the Guest of Honour country, added a vibrant cultural dimension to the literary exchange through author events, cultural programmes, and curated book exhibitions. The participation of countries such as the UK, Spain, Russia, Ukraine, and China further highlighted the fair’s growing international appeal.

Guild representatives reported a 15% increase in sales compared to the previous edition, which had drawn nearly 27 lakh visitors, calling it strong evidence that print reading culture remains thriving despite the rise of digital platforms. The fair hosted numerous book launches, panel discussions, student visits, and cultural performances, transforming it into not just a commercial marketplace but a lively celebration of literature and reading.

The event concluded with the traditional ceremonial hammer strikes, attended by guild members and dignitaries, symbolically closing another record-setting chapter in the fair’s long and celebrated history.