Kolkata's Boi Mela: Legacy of Books and Cultural Exchange

Kolkata's Boi Mela: A vibrant hub of books, cultural exchange, and intellectual dialogue, continuing its legacy since 1918.

on Jan 22, 2025

The boi mela-the Kolkata Book Fair- has, over the years become a very dear affair among Bengalis. It epitomizes the city of learning and debate as much as it reflects cultural exchange and rediscovery. Always hosting or witnessing some of India's oldest book fairs in this respect, which happens in Kolkata, adds to its parent identity: being a lighthouse for Kolkata.

The first book fair in India was held in 1918 in College Street, Kolkata when the National Council of Education (NCE) organized an exhibition in reaction to the British colonial division of Bengal. This event was in line with the Swadeshi movement and a show of the capability of modern education in India. Rabindranath Tagore and Lala Lajpat Rai, among others, were present at this exhibition, symbolizing self-reliance and intellectual independence.

A New Chapter: The Birth of the Modern Kolkata Book Fair

In the 1970s, inspired by the Frankfurt Book Fair, local publishers, and literature enthusiasts began envisioning a similar event in Kolkata. This vision became a reality in 1976 when 34 publishers set up 56 stalls near Victoria Memorial. The inaugural fair, running from March 5-14, saw book lovers flock in for a nominal entry fee of 50 paisa.

By 1983, the fair achieved international accreditation and moved to the expansive Maidan grounds to accommodate growing participation. Despite challenges like the devastating fire of 1997, which destroyed 100,000 books, and rain damage the following year, the fair’s resilience became its hallmark.

Milestones and Global Reach

In 1999, the fair embraced a new dimension of cultural exchange, with Bangladesh as the theme and a visit from Sheikh Hasina, marking a significant moment in its history. Every year, the fair expands its influence, drawing publishers and readers from across South Asia and beyond.

A Global Cultural Hub

This year, the Kolkata Book Fair continues its legacy with Germany as the focus country, underlining its global appeal. With its roots in Kolkata’s educational and cultural ethos, the boi mela remains more than a marketplace—it is a celebration of knowledge, dialogue, and resilience.

In terms of scale and significance, the Kolkata Book Fair keeps inspiring every new generation of readers and writers while keeping its torch burning to continue as a beacon of intellectual and cultural exchange in South Asia.