Kolkata International Book Fair 2026: When Does the Literary Extravaganza Begin?

Special Correspondent, Kolkata -
For Bengalis, winter has long been synonymous with the emotional and cultural grandeur of the Kolkata International Book Fair. Continuing that legacy, the much anticipated event is set to return in 2026, with preparations already underway. The Publishers & Booksellers Guild has officially announced the dates for the upcoming fair.The 49th edition of the Kolkata International Book Fair will begin on January 22, 2026, and will run through February 3, offering 12 vibrant days of literary celebration for readers and book lovers alike.

As in recent years, the fair will once again be held at the familiar Salt Lake Central Park Fairground, which has become the heart of the event. The sprawling open space will host hundreds of stalls and serve as a cultural hub where book enthusiasts gather to explore, connect, and celebrate.The fair will be officially inaugurated by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, continuing her tradition of launching the event with a ceremonial program featuring cultural performances and intellectual discussions.This edition holds special significance as it marks 49 years of the Kolkata Book Fair just one year away from its golden jubilee. In light of this, the Guild has announced that several new initiatives are being planned to make this year’s fair particularly memorable.

However, there remains some uncertainty regarding international participation. In 2025, for instance, Bangladesh one of the most beloved participating nations had to withdraw at the last moment, leaving a noticeable void. While the current situation appears more stable, their participation is yet to be confirmed.Moreover, the ongoing Iran Israel conflict has also cast doubts over the attendance of several international publishers, creating further speculation. Nonetheless, Guild President Tridib Chatterjee remains optimistic. He stated, “We are reaching out to countries that have previously served as theme nations. We expect this year’s international participation to be broader and more diverse than ever.”With anticipation building, the countdown has already begun. Soon, the air will once again be filled with the aroma of fresh pages, the whispers of fictional characters, and the magic of stories signalling the arrival of Bengal’s grandest celebration of literature.