Kolkata : With only ten days remaining, anticipation is building for the 49th International Kolkata Book Fair (IKBF) 2026, which will be inaugurated on January 22 at 4:00 PM at the Boimela Prangan, Salt Lake.
The fair will be formally inaugurated by CM of West Bengal,Mamata Banerjee, in the distinguished presence of Gustavo Canzobre, eminent author from Argentina, and H.E. Mr. Mariano Agustín Caucino, Ambassador of Argentina to India, who will attend as Special Guests of Honour, along with noted authors, cultural personalities, dignitaries and Ministers of the State.
Key Highlights of International Kolkata Book Fair 2026
- Over 1,000 participants, including publishers, booksellers, and institutions, will take part in this year’s fair, making it one of the largest literary gatherings in the world.
- Senior Citizens’ Day, titled “Chiro Tarun”, will be observed on January 30, while Children’s Day will be celebrated on February 1, 2026, underscoring the fair’s inclusive spirit across generations.
- The fairground will feature nine entry and exit gates, including two gates inspired by Argentine architecture.
Several gates and pavilions will be dedicated in memory and honour of eminent personalities:- Gates named after Prafulla Roy and Pratul Mukhopadhyay
- A gate commemorating the 125th birth anniversary of Sailajananda Mukhopadhyay
- Little Magazine Pavilion named after poet Rahul Purakaystha
- Mayukh Chowdhury Children’s Pavilion, marking his birth centenary
- The birth centenary celebrations of Salil Chowdhury and Dr. Bhupen Hazarika will be observed through special cultural programmes and panel discussions on January 26 and 27, respectively.
- For the first time, the Book Fair venue will be directly connected by Metro rail from Howrah to Karunamoyee and Central Park via Esplanade.
Responding to the organisers’ request, Metro Railway authorities will increase service frequency, with the last Metro operating until around 10:00 PM on all fair days.
A special Metro ticket booking booth within the fairground will allow visitors to purchase tickets via UPI. - An official Android app for IKBF 2026, developed by Sister Nivedita University, will help visitors locate stalls using Google Maps.
The fair will also maintain a virtual live presence through its website and social media platforms.
Sister Nivedita University is the Digital Partner of IKBF 2026. - A digital ground map with a complete participant list will be accessible by scanning QR codes placed at all entry points.
- Peerless Hospitex Hospital and Research Centre Limited, the Health Partner, will provide medical assistance services along with ambulance support throughout the fair.
- Meghbela Broadband will serve as the Exclusive Broadband Partner.
- Participation from around 20 countries across the globe will lend the fair a truly international character.
- A daily promotional initiative titled “Buy Books and Win a Library” will offer visitors the chance to win Book Gift Coupons through a lottery system.
- State Bank of India, the Official Banker, will provide full banking services, including ATMs and e-services, at the fairground.
- HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company has been named the Official Insurer of IKBF 2026.
- National Jute Board will act as the Green Partner, reinforcing the fair’s commitment to sustainability.
Kolkata Literature Festival 2026
One of the most awaited attractions of the International Kolkata Book Fair will be the 12th edition of the Kolkata Literature Festival (KLF), scheduled for January 24 and 25, 2026, at the SBI Auditorium.
Addressing the gathering today, Ms. Malavika Banerjee, Curator of the Kolkata Literature Festival, presented an overview of KLF 2026, outlining its vision, themes, and distinguished line-up of speakers and sessions.
The International Kolkata Book Fair 2026 promises to be a vibrant celebration of literature, culture, connectivity, and global exchange, reaffirming Kolkata’s status as the literary capital of India.
