Kolkata Book Fair 2027: the 50th year
The book fair is a fixture of Kolkata's winter. What is known so far about the 2027 edition, and a little history.
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The 2027 fair
According to UNI's report of 7 September 2026, the fair is scheduled from 22 January to 3 February 2027. It will enter its 50th year in 2027, and the central theme is the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. (Source: UNI, Kolkata Book Fair 2027 dates and theme (7 Sep 2026))
Israel is under consideration as theme country, but the proposal is yet to receive final government approval. The state government has formed a 24-member committee to oversee the fair. The report we read did not name the venue, so we have not stated one. (Source: UNI, Kolkata Book Fair 2027 dates and theme (7 Sep 2026))
A short history
The Kolkata Publishers and Booksellers Guild started the fair on a small scale in 1976. It was once held on the Maidan at the Park Street end, chosen for its better road and rail network. (Source: Wikipedia, International Kolkata Book Fair)
After a 2007 court ruling against holding fairs on the Maidan, it moved to Milan Mela near Science City. From 2018 it has been held at the Salt Lake Karunamoyee grounds (Central Park). (Source: Wikipedia, International Kolkata Book Fair)
Wikipedia calls it the world's largest book fair by attendance, with a total footfall of over 2 million. Each year has a focal theme country; for 2025 it was Germany. (Source: Wikipedia, International Kolkata Book Fair)
Visiting tips
π‘ Holidays are crowded, so go on a weekday if you can. Keep a list of the books you want on your phone, and check the organisers' announcements for the venue and entry rules ahead of time.
π‘ A heavy bag tires you out, so travel light and carry water. If you go with family, agree a meeting spot.
Saraswati Puja follows soon after, on 11 February 2027. See our dedicated page for it. (Source: Drik Panchang, Vasant Panchami / Saraswati Puja 2027 (Kolkata))
Questions
- When does Kolkata Book Fair 2027 start?
- 22 January 2027, ending 3 February, per UNI.
- Which edition is the 2027 Kolkata Book Fair?
- UNI says the fair enters its 50th year in 2027.
- What is the theme of Kolkata Book Fair 2027?
- The 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. Israel is under consideration as theme country, pending final approval.
- When did the Kolkata Book Fair begin?
- In 1976, by the Kolkata Publishers and Booksellers Guild.
- Where is the Kolkata Book Fair held now?
- Per Wikipedia, since 2018 at the Salt Lake Karunamoyee grounds (Central Park). We have not confirmed the 2027 venue.