Kolkata: The International Kolkata Book Fair — one of Bengal’s most cherished cultural festivals and the world’s largest attended non-trade book fair — is set to return in grand style. The 49th edition of the International Kolkata Book Fair will be held from 22 January to 3 February 2026 at the Boimela Prangan, Karunamoyee, Salt Lake.
Like every year, the fair will be inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal, Smt. Mamata Banerjee, in the presence of eminent poets, authors, scholars, and dignitaries from India and abroad.
Gratitude and Support
At the outset, the Publishers and Booksellers Guild has extended heartfelt gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Minister for her continued support and encouragement.
The organizers have also expressed their sincere appreciation to the Urban and Municipal Affairs Department, KMDA, and Bidhannagar Municipality for their efforts in upgrading the Mela Prangan infrastructure.
Acknowledgment was also given to the Information & Cultural Affairs Department, Bidhannagar Police, and Kolkata Police for their cooperation and support in ensuring the smooth organization of the event.
Global Recognition and Scale
The International Kolkata Book Fair has evolved into a global cultural phenomenon. The 2025 edition witnessed a record 27 lakh visitors and achieved book sales worth ₹23 crores, reinforcing its position as the world’s largest attended non-trade book festival.
Although the overall size of the fairground will remain unchanged this year, organizers have noted that no additional stalls can be added due to space constraints, despite last year’s successful expansion.
Argentina: Focal Theme Country 2026
In a historic first, Argentina will be the Focal Theme Country at the 49th International Kolkata Book Fair.
The South American nation shares a deep emotional and cultural connection with India — and particularly with Bengal — through literature, football, and art. This partnership aims to strengthen the bilateral cultural and literary relationship between the two nations.
Present at the announcement were Mr. Andrés Sebastián Rojas, Head of the Political and Cultural Section, and Mrs. Anandi Queipo Riavitz, Head of the Consular Section, both from the Embassy of Argentina in India. They are expected to share exciting details about Argentina’s participation in this landmark edition of the fair.
Golden Jubilee Preparations for 2027
The year 2027 will mark the Golden Jubilee of the International Kolkata Book Fair.
To commemorate this milestone, the Guild has extended an open invitation to photographers who captured moments of the fair between 1976 and 1996 to share their rare archival photographs.
The 10 best photographs will receive awards and will be exhibited at the Press Corner during the 2026 edition. These images will also feature in the 50 Years’ Souvenir to be published in 2027.
Photographers can submit their entries at the Guild office by 10 December 2025.
National and International Participation
As in previous years, the 2026 fair will host participation from Great Britain, USA, Germany, Australia, France, Spain, Peru, Colombia, Japan, Thailand and other Latin American nations.
Prominent publishers from Indian states including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar, Assam, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Odisha and Tripura will also take part.
Visitors can look forward to the much-loved Little Magazine Pavilion, the Children’s Pavilion, and several interactive cultural spaces that celebrate Bengal’s literary spirit.
Kolkata Literature Festival 2026
A major highlight of the fair — the Kolkata Literature Festival (KLF) — will be held on 24 and 25 January 2026.
The festival will feature engaging sessions with renowned authors, poets, thinkers, and cultural icons from around the world, celebrating the power of words and ideas.
An Open Invitation
The Publishers and Booksellers Guild warmly welcomes book lovers, writers, and readers from across India and abroad to the 49th International Kolkata Book Fair 2026 and the Kolkata Literature Festival 2026 — a grand celebration of books, culture, and creativity in the heart of Bengal.
Venue: Boimela Prangan, Karunamoyee, Salt Lake, Kolkata
Dates: 22 January – 3 February 2026
Organized by: Publishers and Booksellers Guild
