April 26, 2025 4:11 am
Full News

Kolkata Book Fair Unveils Mascot and Goes Outdoor for its Golden Anniversary

Kolkata’s beloved book fair, a cultural staple almost as revered as the Durga Puja, is marking its nearly 50-year legacy with significant updates this year. For the first time, the fair will introduce a mascot and shift entirely to an open-air format, eliminating separate halls traditionally used for English-language publishers. These changes are part of a broader effort to rejuvenate the fair and enhance its appeal among the over 25 lakh visitors expected to attend.

Introducing a Unique Mascot

This year’s edition of the Kolkata book fair, set to take place from January 28 to February 9 at an open space in Salt Lake City, will debut a mascot that embodies the essence of learning and literature. Tridib Chatterjee, president of the Publishers and Booksellers Guild, which organizes the fair, revealed that the mascot is inspired by the swan, the traditional vehicle of Goddess Saraswati—the deity of learning. The mascot will feature a bookworm with spectacles, engrossed in reading, symbolizing the fair’s commitment to spreading knowledge and fostering a love for reading among its attendees.

Germany as the Theme Country

Adding to the fair’s international flavor, Germany will be featured as the theme country for the first time. This partnership is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the fair’s offerings, showcasing German literature and promoting cross-cultural exchanges in the literary world. The inclusion of Germany as the theme country aligns with the fair’s objectives to connect cultures through the universal language of literature.

Transition to an Open-Air Venue

In response to the evolving preferences of visitors and the need for more dynamic spaces, the Kolkata book fair has moved all its activities outdoors. This decision not only caters to the growing crowd but also enhances the overall experience by providing a more accessible and environmentally friendly setting. The open-air format allows for a safer and more enjoyable environment, accommodating the large number of expected visitors without the confines of indoor halls.

Cultural and Economic Impact

The Kolkata book fair has not only been a major cultural event but also a significant economic activity for the city, boosting local businesses and the publishing industry. The introduction of a mascot and the new open-air venue are anticipated to increase visitor engagement and participation, further cementing the fair’s status as a key cultural and economic driver in the region.

As the fair prepares to open its doors to a diverse crowd of book lovers, authors, publishers, and cultural enthusiasts, the excitement is palpable. The changes implemented this year are set to make the Kolkata book fair an even more memorable event, continuing its tradition of celebrating literature and learning in one of India’s most literary cities.

Related News
Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan Release A Nonsense Christmas
One of the Deadliest Wildfires in Decades Kills 24 in South Korea
Former Israeli Agents Expose Details of Booby-Trapped Pager Attacks
UAE holds ‘secret’ talks on formation of post-war government in Gaza
Navigating New Tariffs: Trump’s Trade Strategy Against Canada, Mexico, and China
66 Killed, Many Injured After Overcrowded Truck Falls Into River in Southern Ethiopia
Related Posts
Pakistan Supported Terrorism for the West, Admits Defence Minister
Trump to Propose $100 Billion Arms Deal with Saudi Arabia
UN Chief Urges India and Pakistan to Exercise Restraint
U.S. Secretary of State: Iran Must Abandon Nuclear Program Completely
Jordan Bans Muslim Brotherhood Over Security Concerns
Exchange of Gunfire Between Indian and Pakistani Troops at Kashmir Border
More News

Jay-Z Requests Dismissal of Rape Lawsuit Over Alleged Inconsistencies

Jay-Z’s legal team has filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit accusing him, alongside Sean “Diddy” Combs, of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl at a house party in 2000. The woman, identified as Jane Doe in court documents, alleges that the assault occurred after she was drugged at an event following the MTV Video Music […]

Nepal’s Social Media Regulation Bill Sparks Concerns Over Free Speech

In a controversial move, the government of Nepal, led by K. P. Sharma Oli, has introduced a bill aimed at regulating social media, stirring significant concern among free speech advocates. The proposed legislation, titled “Bill Related to Operation, Use, and Regulation of Social Media in Nepal,” was registered in the Upper House of the Federal […]

A Saudi Woman Achieves a Ph.D. Despite Being a Mother of 19 Children

After marriage and childbirth, many women step away from education. Some sacrifice their dreams due to childcare responsibilities or societal pressures. In many Muslim-majority countries, societal and religious norms often place the responsibility of household duties on women, while men are expected to earn a living. However, breaking these stereotypes, Saudi Arabia’s Hamda Al-Ruwaili has […]

Barcelona Extend La Liga Lead Despite Frustrating Draw as Real Madrid Slip Up

Barcelona were held to a 1-1 stalemate by a resilient Real Betis side on Saturday, yet still managed to widen their lead at the top of La Liga thanks to Real Madrid’s dramatic 2-1 defeat to Valencia earlier in the day. The Catalan giants are now four points clear of their arch-rivals in the title […]

Randhir Jaiswal Posts India’s Official Statement  Regarding Arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh

India Expresses Concern Over Arrest of Hindu Leader in Bangladesh, Calls for Minority Safety The Ministry of External Affairs of India, through its spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, issued a strong statement on Tuesday expressing concern over the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. The […]

Indian Army Chief Highlights Strategic Importance of Bangladesh, Calls for Mutual Understanding and Cooperation

Got it! Here’s the updated article: New Delhi, January 13, 2025 – In a recent annual press conference, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi emphasized the strategic importance of Bangladesh to India and called for mutual understanding and cooperation between the two neighboring countries. General Dwivedi’s remarks come at a time when Bangladesh is experiencing […]

Everything Destroyed in 45 Minutes at a Hotel in Turkey

The death toll from the fire at the ski resort hotel in Turkey’s northwestern Bolu mountainous region has risen to 76. Additionally, more than 50 people have been injured in the incident, some of whom are in critical condition. This information was shared by Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya in a message on Tuesday night. He […]

Poverty and Inequality May Increase Further in Bangladesh: World Bank

Due to prolonged inflation, employment crisis, and overall economic slowdown, poverty and inequality in Bangladesh may further worsen, the World Bank has warned. In its latest report published on April 23, the organization states that if the current trend continues, the national poverty rate could rise to 22.9% in 2025, up from 18.7% in 2022. […]

Tom Cruise Inspired Patrick Bateman in American Psycho

Though Tom Cruise never appeared in American Psycho, his presence still lingered behind the scenes—and even shaped the film’s chilling protagonist. Director Mary Harron recently revealed in an interview with Letterboxd that while Cruise was originally included in Bret Easton Ellis’ 1991 novel and considered for the adaptation, casting him was always a long shot. […]

The Fall of Awami League: A Political Reassessment

The fall of the Awami League government, which had held power for 16 years under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, marks a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape. The quota reform movement, which initially galvanized the youth and drew widespread support, ultimately became a focal point for criticism and conspiracy theories. Allegations have surfaced that […]