49th International Kolkata Book Fair 2026 Witnesses Record Footfall, Book Sales Rise by 10%

Kolkata has once again reaffirmed its status as India’s literary capital. The 49th International Kolkata Book Fair (IKBF) 2026 has witnessed an overwhelming response from book lovers, recording nearly 14 lakh visitors in the first four days alone. With an additional 1.5 lakh visitors on the fifth day, the total footfall has already crossed 15.5 lakh, and the fair still has over a week to go.

Organised by the Publishers and Booksellers Guild, this year’s book fair began on an extended holiday weekend, contributing to the massive turnout. If the current trend continues, the fair is expected to surpass last year’s total footfall of 27 lakh, setting new records in attendance.

Book Sales Up by 10%: A Positive Sign for Reading Culture

Beyond the impressive footfall numbers, book sales have also shown strong growth. According to Guild officials, book sales are nearly 10% higher compared to the first four to five days of last year’s fair.

This rise in sales reflects a promising trend; readers are not just visiting the fair but are actively buying books, reinforcing Kolkata’s enduring reading culture.
 

What’s Drawing the Crowds?
 

The 49th edition of IKBF has something for everyone:
 

• Over 1,000 new book releases, spanning fiction, non-fiction, academic, and research-oriented titles
• Strong interest in new and emerging authors, alongside evergreen literary classics
• Growing demand for scientific and research-based publications
• Packed children’s book stalls and a buzzing little magazine pavilion, both attracting large crowds throughout the day
   

Book lovers are also seen actively exploring works by writers whose books were launched during this edition, making the fair a vibrant platform for both established and first-time authors.
 

Bangladesh Pavilion Missed, But Demand Remains
 

For the second consecutive year, the Bangladesh pavilion is absent from the fair, a gap felt deeply by many visitors. However, the popularity of Bangladeshi literature remains strong.
 

Books by celebrated Bangladeshi writers such as Humayun Ahmed, Jasimuddin, Anisuz Zaman, and Sadat Hossain continue to be in high demand and are available across various Indian publishing stalls. Visitors noted that while the books are accessible, the experience of discovering them under one dedicated pavilion is truly missed.
 

Smooth Management Amid Massive Crowds
 

Despite the heavy footfall during the opening days, arrangements at the fairground have remained largely smooth. Traffic pressure around the venue eased after the holiday weekend, offering some respite to traffic police personnel managing the area.
 

Guild President Sudhangshu Sekhar Dey expressed satisfaction with the turnout, highlighting that the organisers are making continuous efforts to improve visitor convenience and facilities throughout the fair.
 

Event Details
 

📖 49th International Kolkata Book Fair 2026
🗓️ 22 January – 3 February 2026
⏰ 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Central Park Mela Ground, Salt Lake
 

A Celebration Beyond Books
 

The International Kolkata Book Fair is more than just a marketplace for books; it is a celebration of ideas, culture, and community. The record-breaking footfall, rising sales, and enthusiastic participation from readers of all ages clearly show that Kolkata’s love for books remains timeless.
 

As the fair continues over the coming days, all signs point towards yet another historic edition, one that strengthens Kolkata’s legacy as the City of Joy and the City of Books.