Kolkata Book Fair 2025

The International Kolkata Book Fair, one of Asia's largest literary events, is held annually in Kolkata, drawing millions with its diverse range of books and rich cultural activities. Established in 1976, it features international publishers, authors, and a special pavilion for a guest country, promoting cross-cultural exchange. The fair includes literary discussions, book launches, and performances, celebrating the region's vibrant literary heritage.
It is a unique book fair in the sense of not being a trade fair—the book fair is primarily for the general public rather than whole-sale distributors. It is the world's largest non-trade book fair, Asia's largest book fair and the most attended book fair. It is the world's third-largest annual conglomeration of books after the Frankfurt Book Fair and the London Book Fair.
The 48th International Kolkata Book Fair 2025 was inaugurated on 28th January by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and German Ambassador Phillip Ackermann. This year’s event boasts a record 1,057 book stalls, the highest in its history, with Germany as the theme country.
More than a dozen authors and book industry professionals have been invited to present German literature in all its diversity. One of the guest authors is David Wagner, whose most recent novel, "Verkin," tells the life story of a Turkish woman with Armenian heritage. Another is Christian Kracht, whose upcoming novel, "Air," is about a journey through Europe that tests the hero's inner limits.

If you are lucky enough to visit this unique book fair, get ready to admire a giant, public open-air bookstore with over 1,000 stands!

The fair will be taking place from 28th January to 9th February in Boimela Prangan, Karunamoyee, Saltlake, Calcutta.

For more information and the full programme, please visit the International Kolkata Book Fair's website.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kolkata_Book_Fair
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/48th-international-kolkata-book-fair-kicks-off-record-stalls-2671655-2025-01-29
https://www.dw.com/en/kolkata-book-fair-spotlights-germanys-literary-diversity/a-71399714