New Delhi :The countdown has begun for the 49th International Kolkata Book Fair (IKBF) 2026, the world’s largest attended book fair, recognised by the International Publishers Association (IPA), Geneva. The prestigious literary festival will be held from 22 January to 3 February 2026 at Boimela Prangan, Salt Lake City, Kolkata.
Addressing a National Press Conference held at the Residence of Argentina in New Delhi, organisers highlighted the growing global stature of the Kolkata Book Fair. In its previous edition, the fair attracted 2.7 million visitors and recorded book sales worth ₹23 crore, a landmark achievement credited to the enduring passion of readers.
For the first time in the history of the International Kolkata Book Fair, Argentina has been selected as the Focal Theme Country. While Argentine football enjoys an immense fan following in Kolkata, speakers emphasised that Argentina’s cultural identity extends far beyond the sport. Its rich literary heritage—represented by iconic writers such as Victoria Ocampo, Jorge Luis Borges, Julio Cortázar, Roberto Arlt and Adolfo Bioy Casares—has long influenced literary discourse in Kolkata.
The press conference was graced by H.E. Mariano Agustín Caucino, Ambassador of Argentina to India, whose presence underscored the deepening cultural ties between the two nations. It was formally announced that the Ambassador will attend the grand inaugural ceremony of the 49th International Kolkata Book Fair on 22 January 2026 as Guest of Honour, and will elaborate on Argentina’s participation and cultural programming at the fair.
Continuing with its modern approach, IKBF 2026 will remain fully digitised, enabling book lovers from across India and abroad to engage with the fair’s vibrant programmes virtually.
As part of the celebrations, 25 January 2026 will be observed as ‘Theme Country Argentina Day’, while 29 January 2026 will be commemorated as ‘Senior Citizens’ Day’, honouring elderly readers. Leading national and international publishing houses—including Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Hachette, Bloomsbury, Pan Macmillan, Rupa, Orient BlackSwan, Oxford University Press, Om Books International and Pearson—will feature dedicated pavilions.
Several countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Russia, Spain, Peru and Costa Rica, along with other Latin American nations, have confirmed participation. Publishers from across India—spanning Delhi, Assam, Tripura, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra—will also take part.
IKBF 2026 will pay tribute to legendary figures of Indian culture. Marking the birth centenary of Bengali cinema icon Uttam Kumar, a special exhibition titled ‘History of Bengal Cinema and Mahanayak’ will be curated by Shri Jyotirmoy Bhattacharya. The fair will also commemorate the birth centenary of author and activist Mahasweta Devi by naming an auditorium in her honour. Additionally, special cultural programmes and interactive sessions will celebrate the centenaries of Dr Bhupen Hazarika and Salil Chowdhury.
The 12th edition of the Kolkata Literature Festival (KLF) 2026, an integral part of the Book Fair, will be held on 24 and 25 January 2026 at the fairground auditorium. The festival will host internationally acclaimed authors, thinkers and cultural personalities, with each day concluding with curated musical and dance performances.
The organisers expressed sincere gratitude to the media for their continued support in covering the national press conference and amplifying the global literary significance of the International Kolkata Book Fair.
