International Kolkata Book Fair 2027 Turns 50, India Theme Country

The 50th International Kolkata Book Fair 2027 is set to mark a major milestone in the cultural calendar of West Bengal, celebrating five decades of bringing together readers, authors, publishers and book lovers from across India and beyond. The golden jubilee edition will open on January 22, 2027, at Salt Lake Central Park, with India (Bharat) announced as the theme country for the second time, following its earlier appearance in 2001.

Organised by the Publishers and Booksellers Guild, the International Kolkata Book Fair has grown into one of the city's most celebrated annual events, attracting large numbers of visitors and providing a platform for literature, publishing, cultural exchange and intellectual discussion.

International Kolkata Book Fair 2027 to Celebrate 50 Years

The 50th edition holds special significance for Kolkata's literary and cultural landscape. Over the years, the book fair has become a much-loved tradition, drawing students, families, academics, writers and readers to explore books across languages, genres and subjects.

The golden jubilee edition is expected to highlight the fair's legacy while bringing India's literary heritage and historical milestones into focus. With India as the theme country, the event will place particular emphasis on the country's cultural identity, national history and literary contributions.

The fair's return to the January calendar will once again transform Salt Lake Central Park into a major gathering place for book enthusiasts and the publishing community.

India Returns as Theme Country After 26 Years

India (Bharat) will be the theme country for the second time in the history of the International Kolkata Book Fair, 26 years after its first appearance in 2001.

The choice comes at a historically significant moment, with the 2027 edition set to commemorate 150 years of Vande Mataram and 80 years of India's Independence. These milestones are expected to form an important part of the fair's cultural and historical programming.

The programme will also feature themes connected to the Partition of India and the Great Calcutta Killings of 1946, bringing important chapters of the country's past into the wider conversation around history, identity and nationalism.

Rabindranath Tagore, Syama Prasad Mookerjee and Other Key Themes

The golden jubilee edition will also mark several notable anniversaries and cultural milestones.

Among the planned highlights are the 125th birth anniversary of Syama Prasad Mookerjee and 100 years of Rabindranath Tagore's play Roktokorobi. The programme will also include a focus on Swachh Bharat.

These themes are expected to bring together literature, historical reflection and contemporary social priorities, reinforcing the book fair's role as a platform for discussions that extend beyond books and publishing.

Organisers and Publisher Participation

The Publishers and Booksellers Guild will organise the 50th International Kolkata Book Fair in collaboration with the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC) and the National Book Trust.

The event will operate under a 24-member advisory board appointed by the West Bengal government. Publishers will be required to submit applications online, while stall allotments will be conducted through a lottery system following a screening process.

The arrangements are intended to facilitate publisher participation and manage stall allocation for the landmark edition.

The closing date has been reported differently in initial reports, with February 3 and February 4, 2027, both mentioned. Visitors and participating publishers should check official announcements for the confirmed closing date and the final programme schedule.

Kolkata Book Fair 2027: Dates, Venue and Key Details

Event: 50th International Kolkata Book Fair

Opening date: January 22, 2027

Venue: Salt Lake Central Park, Bidhannagar, Kolkata

Theme country: India (Bharat)

Organiser: Publishers and Booksellers Guild

Collaborating organisations: Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre and National Book Trust

Major commemorations: 150 years of Vande Mataram, 80 years of Independence, the 125th birth anniversary of Syama Prasad Mookerjee and 100 years of Roktokorobi

Closing date: To be confirmed through official announcements

A Golden Jubilee for Kolkata's Literary Culture

The 50th International Kolkata Book Fair is more than a milestone for the publishing industry. It represents five decades of a cultural tradition deeply connected to Kolkata's identity as a centre of literature, intellectual debate and artistic expression.

With India returning as the theme country and a programme spanning literature, history and national heritage, the 2027 edition is poised to be a significant occasion for readers and publishers alike.

As Kolkata prepares for the golden jubilee, the International Kolkata Book Fair will once again celebrate the enduring power of books to connect generations, preserve history and inspire new ideas.

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