Don’t you hate it when you miss a book fair just because you didn’t know when it came to town—and left?
India is one of the ten biggest book publishing centres in the world, according to the Mumbai International Book Fair website, and is only third, after USA and UK for English titles.
Book fairs are not only fun to visit for good book deals, they are also a place to discover new authors, books and friends. This apart, you get to participate in literary and cultural programmes, listen to poetry recitals by famous poets and interact with authors, which are especially conducted during these fairs and a rare treat for those who enjoy and appreciate the marvels of the written word.
We’re talking about major book fairs in India, not exhibitions where a bookstore offers a discount sale on leftover books to clear stock. Major book fairs are large events in which publishers, book stores and people related to the publishing industry put up stalls to promote reading, writing, literature and, of course, to sell their books and promote new releases.
There is no single place on the Internet where you can get extensive information about all the major book fairs in India, so we thought we’d do some research and put one together.
Here is a listing of major book fairs in India, zone-wise, along with the dates during which they are generally conducted so you can plan ahead and be there.
North India
- Delhi – There are two types of major book fairs held here. The Delhi Book Fair, organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), in its 16th year, will be held from 25 Dec 2010 to 2 Jan 2011 at Pragati Maidan. It drew three lakh visitors last year. The date for the fair is not constant—for instance, the next fair will be from Aug 29–Sep 6, 2011.
The other major book fair in Delhi is also held in Pragati Maidan but is called the New Delhi World Book Fair and is organized once in two years by NBT. In its 19th year now, this fair was held from 30 Jan–7 Feb 2010, so the next one will be in 2012. This, according to NBT, is the biggest book fair in the Afro-Asian Region and attracts exhibitors both from India and abroad. - Jaipur – The Dainik Bhaskar Book Fair was held between 24 Sept and 3 Oct 2010, at the outer area of SMS Stadium, near Ambedkar Circle. Dates and venue differ. Dainik Bhaskar also conducts book fairs in several other places in North and Central India. Please check http://www.bhaskar.com for more information.
- Noida – The 4th Noida Book & Stationery Fair organised by Udichi and TradexpoIndia will be conducted at GIP Mall, Sec 18, Atta Market, Noida from 27 Nov–5 Dec 2010. It is an annual fair, conducted simultaneously with Edufiesta, an education fair that draws a large number of students.
South India
- Chennai – Chennai Book Fair or Madras Book Fair is an annual book fair organized in Chennai by the Booksellers and Publishers Association of South India. The fair lasts for about 10 days and is held between December and January. The fair is one of the important cultural events every year, and has been around a long time—the 33rd fair was held in January 2010.
- Hyderabad – The 25th Hyderabad Book Fair will be organized from 16th to 26th Dec 2010, at People’s Plaza Ground, Necklace Road. The fair is usually held around the same dates every year. Since this is the silver jubilee year, the fair promises special attractions. More at http://hyderabadbookfair.com.
- Bengaluru – The Bangalore Book Fair, organised by the Bangalore Booksellers and Publishers Association, in its sixth year now, was conducted in Palace Grounds from 12–21 November 2010. This major book fair is said to be the second largest in the country and is generally held in November. It draws more than 1 lakh visitors and has revenue in several crore rupees.
- Vijayawada – The Vijayawada Book Festival Society (VBFS) has been organizing book festivals on the lines of the National Book Trust (NBT) since 1989. They organize several events such as ‘Walk for Books’, celebrating birth centenaries of eminent Telugu writers, competitions for students, to name a few. These events do not need an entry ticket. The Vijayawada Book Festival is held from 1–11 January every year.
- Kochi – In its 14th year now, the Kochi International Book Festival, organized by the Antharashtra Pusthakotsava Samithy, Kochi, is held from 26 Nov–6 Dec 2010 at the Ernakulathappan Grounds. Their focus, they say, is the book lover rather than the publisher and book seller. Several literary events are organised, too.
- Thiruvananthapuram – In the Tehelka Readership Survey 2010, it was found that the maximum monthly spend on books in India was in Thiruvananthapuram (Rs 569.50). The Thiruvananthapuram Book Fair, organised by the Department of Culture, Government of Kerala, is held from 18–26 December at Kanakakkunnu Palace and is part of the Grand Kerala Shopping Festival. This time, a children’s writers and publisher’s workshop will also be a part of it.
West India
- Mumbai – The Mumbai International Book Fair (MIBF), organised by the Good Governance India Foundation, a trust dedicated to the promotion of literacy and reading as a habit, is held in January every year in the Bandra-Kurla complex.
- Pune – The 9th Pune Book Fair (PBF), supported by the Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad, was a 5-day fair conducted from 20–24 October 2010 at Kamayani grounds in Patrakarnagar. While the fair is held every year, the date and venue differ.
East India
- Kolkata – The largest book fair in India is the Kolkata Book Fair. In its 34th year, it was held from 27 Jan–7 Feb in 2010. Many foreign countries participate and there is a theme each year dedicated to literature from one country. Awards to authors for lifetime achievement and promising writer were given this year. The dates for the next fair are 26 Jan–6 Feb 2011, with the focal theme: USA. The entry will be free in 2011 in homage to its being the 150th birth year of Rabindranath Tagore. More at www.kolkatabookfaironline.com
The National Book Trust (NBT), India, organises several book fairs across India. From their website: The National Book Trust, India, established in 1957 for the promotion of books and to inculcate book culture in India, organises book fairs/festivals at local, regional and national levels. To look for the upcoming fair (2010-11) in your neighbourhood, please visit http://www.nbtindia.org.in/download/NOV2010/NBFairs1011.pdf . For later fairs, please visit the NBT website at http://www.nbtindia.org.in.
Thanks for this useful information. But can you please guide authors on how to participate in these book fairs? Also, such marketing-related information may be sent directly to author’s e-mail IDs. This would be more convenient, since we open our email accounts everyday whereas our visits to your website are less frequent. Please conside this. Thank you.
Thanks for the concern for books and book fairs. I am one among the organisers of Kochi International Book Festival(KIBF)
As for Sujatha A.K.Rao’s query, my experience is that authors rarely market their books directly at book fairs, but they do it through book sellers. However we usually provide venue and other facilities free of cost to launch books, to publishers or authors.
The next (15th) KIBF is from 2nd to
11th Dec 2011
Our website is http://www.bookfestkochi.org which is being updated Thank you.
Hello M.Sasi sankar,
Can you please tell me when is the Kochi International Book Festival this year (2014).
Thank you.
Pothi.com participated in Bangalore Book Fair this year. Not possible to participate on all of these. Whenever we participate in fairs, we send the mails to the authors directly.
The article is for the general information of readers and book lovers.
I want to participate in all the book fairs organized in India… I want to know the fairs organized in 2011… PLZ PLZ give me the source to know the dates and contact team 2 contact…
Let me know if any 1 knows
15th Kochi International Book festival 2nd december to 11th december,2011 at Ernakulathappan grounds, Ernakulam, Kochi, Kerala state. 300 publishers and 2lakh visitors are expected. Seminars, Children’s Book Festival, Best Publisher Award, Festival of Authors, Art & Cultural Programmes and Literary debates are also conducted.
please send your book fair details
We are Pune based exhibitor and distributor of children books. We would like to participate Book fairs organize in Pune/Pimpri, Nasik, Mumbai, Goa mainly west zone. Please share the venue and dates if any one knows, as Prior information help us to contact organizer for bookings.
10th Pune Book Fair – Largest Book & Education Fair – is being held from 7th to 11th December 2011. For Details and Registration contact the Convenor at (020) 26054915 or +9194220 30326
P.N.R Rajan
Hello Mr. Rajul Doshi,
We are int he process of setting-up the Sales & Distribution network for our NEW Product – Book + CD Kit for helping students improve their mental Maths.
Please contact me… over email – krmhomji@suxes.in – and maybe we could work out something that is mutually beneficial.
Thanks.
We want to take part in all the book fairs. Please any one give a list of Book Fairs to be held in 2011-12.
Kochi International book festival held on 1st to 19thdecember 2012 at Ernakulathappan grounds, Ernakulam, Kerala. Expecting 300 publishers.
pls send the thirvendarm book fair cont no
The book trade in India and every Malayalee readers know the major book fairs in Kerala now are DC International Book fair & Cultural Fest cunducted by DC Books at Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam every year.
Participating more than 350 well-known national and international publishers like Penguin, Hachette, Pan Macmillan, Harper Collins, Simon & Schuster, Oxford University Press, Pearson, Tata MacGrawhill, Cambridge University Press, Sage, Taylor & Francis, Orient BlackSwan.. only in DC International Bookfair in Kerala.
Highly successful cultural & informative programmes, book releases, seminars, book reading sessions, children’s competitions, celebrity visits are the added major attraction.
Anyway more than 2 lakhs people visting every year’s book fair in Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam. Most of all the institutions all over Kerala depending these book fairs for their annual purchase of books for their libraries.
Forthcoming book fair is their 15th.
The book trade in India and every Malayalee readers know the major book fairs in Kerala now are DC International Book fair & Cultural Fest cunducted by DC Books at Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam every year.
Participating more than 350 well-known national and international publishers like Penguin, Hachette, Pan Macmillan, Harper Collins, Simon & Schuster, Oxford University Press, Pearson, Tata MacGrawhill, Cambridge University Press, Sage, Taylor & Francis, Orient BlackSwan.. only in DC International Bookfair in Kerala.
Highly successful cultural & informative programmes, book releases, seminars, book reading sessions, children’s competitions, celebrity visits are the added major attraction.
Anyway more than 2 lakhs people visting every year’s book fair in Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam. Most of all the institutions all over Kerala depending these book fairs for their annual purchase of books for their libraries.
Forthcoming book fair is their 15th.
BHUBANESWAR ; Rajdhani Book Fair is being organised at Exhibition Ground, Bhubaneswar, Odisha since 2000 by Rajdhani Book Fair Committee comprising of 8 nos. of writers of Odisha. More than 600 stalls are put up every year. Publishers from 15 states of India are participating in the fair.
BHUBANESWAR ; Rajdhani Book Fair is being organised at Exhibition Ground, Bhubaneswar, Odisha since 2000 by Rajdhani Book Fair Committee comprising of 8 nos. of writers of Odisha. More than 600 stalls are put up every year. Publishers from 15 states of India are participating in the fair.
any book fair plz mail me-aryamanojkumar@yahoo,com
any book fair plz mail me-aryamanojkumar@yahoo,com
there is no reference about kottayam international book fair which is celebrating it’s 30th anniversary. The fair starts on the last friday of January and run for 10 days at thirunakkara maidan
there is no reference about kottayam international book fair which is celebrating it’s 30th anniversary. The fair starts on the last friday of January and run for 10 days at thirunakkara maidan
“Amdavad National Book Fair” organised by Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation in association with NBT India since 2012 has also become a very well acclaimed Book Fair of Western India. The “Amdavad National Book Fair” is held every year from 1st May to 7th May. Inaugerated by the then Chief Minister and now Hon. Prime Minister-designate Shri Narendra Modi in the year 2012,the bookfair has been made an annual event with fixed dates and hosts variety of Literary activities along with the bookfair.
“Amdavad National Book Fair” organised by Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation in association with NBT India since 2012 has also become a very well acclaimed Book Fair of Western India. The “Amdavad National Book Fair” is held every year from 1st May to 7th May. Inaugerated by the then Chief Minister and now Hon. Prime Minister-designate Shri Narendra Modi in the year 2012,the bookfair has been made an annual event with fixed dates and hosts variety of Literary activities along with the bookfair.
I used to be achieved out by Beauty Hair to examine their Malaysian Curly from AliExpress.
I’ve never completed a AliExpress evaluation so i agreed.
I wish to supply visitors and my clients an inexpensive option when getting hair.
I also realize that even though AliExpress is actually a cheaper
approach to when trying to find hair, to go, you can also get burnt by several vendors.
With study I had been not unable to fish the nice types for example Anson and Queen out.
I used to be achieved out by Beauty Hair to examine their Malaysian Curly from AliExpress.
I’ve never completed a AliExpress evaluation so i agreed.
I wish to supply visitors and my clients an inexpensive option when getting hair.
I also realize that even though AliExpress is actually a cheaper
approach to when trying to find hair, to go, you can also get burnt by several vendors.
With study I had been not unable to fish the nice types for example Anson and Queen out.
The 14th Edition of ‘PUNE BOOK FAIR” (Western India’s Largest Book Fair) is scheduled on 15-16-17-18 October 2015. Participation is invited in the following Sections : English, Hindi, Marathi, Sanskrit, Urdu, Other Indian & Foreign Languages.
For details & info visit Facebook.com / pune book fair
For Application Form & Stall Bookings contact +91 20 2605 4915 / 16 / 94220 30326 Email: punebookfair@gmail.com
please mail us stall booking form
The 14th Edition of ‘PUNE BOOK FAIR” (Western India’s Largest Book Fair) is scheduled on 15-16-17-18 October 2015. Participation is invited in the following Sections : English, Hindi, Marathi, Sanskrit, Urdu, Other Indian & Foreign Languages.
For details & info visit Facebook.com / pune book fair
For Application Form & Stall Bookings contact +91 20 2605 4915 / 16 / 94220 30326 Email: punebookfair@gmail.com
please mail us stall booking form
Please confirm us about the book fair held in our city…. many times we miss fairs because of information about this…. so please us with the latest updates of the book fair….
Thank you
Please confirm us about the book fair held in our city…. many times we miss fairs because of information about this…. so please us with the latest updates of the book fair….
Thank you
19th Kochi International Book Festival held on 4th to 13th december, 2015 at Ernakulathappan grounds, Kochi. 350 publishers and 1.5 lakh visitors. Childrens book festival in 300 schools and two lakh students are participating.
19th Kochi International Book Festival held on 4th to 13th december, 2015 at Ernakulathappan grounds, Kochi. 350 publishers and 1.5 lakh visitors. Childrens book festival in 300 schools and two lakh students are participating.
You are telling us about book fairs that “WILL be held” in 2011 – on Sept 29, 2015.
Aren’t you outdated?
You are telling us about book fairs that “WILL be held” in 2011 – on Sept 29, 2015.
Aren’t you outdated?