KOLKATA: The 49th International Kolkata Book Fair (IKBF) concluded on Tuesday, shattering all previous records for both attendance and revenue. The literary festival, which began on January 22, saw an unprecedented 32 lakh visitors and generated sales worth ₹26.4 crore.
According to the Publishers and Booksellers Guild, this represents a significant 15% growth in sales compared to 2024, where the fair recorded 27 lakh visitors and ₹23 crore in revenue. The surge in numbers even on weekdays—averaging over 1.5 lakh daily—signals a massive resurgence in physical book buying.
Key Highlights of IKBF 2026
- Peak Attendance: Over 4.3 lakh visitors on the final Sunday alone.
- Global Participation: Ukraine debuted this year; China returned after a 15-year hiatus.
- Future Plans: 2027 will mark the 50th "Golden Jubilee" edition, likely starting January 21.
- Boi Tirtha: Plans are underway for a permanent "Museum of Books" as announced by the CM.
Guild general secretary Tridib Chatterjee noted that foreign participation is expanding, with China expressing interest in becoming the focal theme country for future editions. To accommodate the growing scale, the Guild has requested additional land for the 50th-anniversary celebrations next year.
"In this digital age, the charm of buying a favorite book from the fair remains unmatched. The overwhelming crowd is a testament to Kolkata's enduring love for literature."
— Tridib Chatterjee, Gen. Secretary, Publishers & Booksellers GuildA Note of Gratitude
Pepper Books thanks the Publishers and Booksellers Guild for successfully organizing one of the world's largest book fairs and fostering a vibrant literary culture.
We also extend our sincere gratitude to The Times of India (TOI) for their comprehensive reporting on this historic milestone.