Boiparay Boi Utsab: Kolkata’s Celebrated Book Fair Commences

A week-long book fair titled 'Boiparay Boi Utsab' commenced this Tuesday at College Square, Kolkata, presenting a vast array of books from approximately 70 publishers across 55 stalls. This literary gathering, organized by the Publishers and Booksellers Guild, is set within Kolkata's renowned book locale and follows roughly two months after the celebrated International Kolkata Book Fair.

Esteemed Bengali author Sanjib Chattopadhyay inaugurated the event, which was graced by the presence of famous poets like Joy Goswami, Srijato Bandyopadhyay, and Subodh Sarkar. Notably, Chattopadhyay affectionately termed the fair 'Boi Parbon' (book festival), highlighting its significance in the lead-up to the Bengali New Year. The event, aiming to conclude on April 7, precedes 'Poila Boisakh' or the Bengali New Year, celebrated on April 15.

Remembering the book markets of the 1980s and 1990s, Subodh Sarkar reminisced how such events were instrumental in fostering a love for reading among Kolkata's populace by offering books at affordable prices. He passionately appealed to the organizers to continue this tradition to benefit book enthusiasts in the future. Echoing a similar sentiment, poet Joy Goswami remarked on the vitality of these fairs for the sustenance of printed literature in an era dominated by e-books and digital media.

The origin of 'Boiparay Boi Utsab' traces back to 2013, an initiative spearheaded by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Initially named 'Nababorsho Boi Utsab' to coincide with the Bengali New Year, the festival was subsequently moved to the spring season and rebranded as 'Basanta Boi Utsab.' This change aimed to provide a more comfortable environment for attendees by avoiding the extreme summer heat.

This initiative not only offers a platform for publishers to showcase their collections but also serves as a cultural celebration, enriching Kolkata's literary scene. As the fair progresses towards its conclusion, it promises to leave a lasting impression on the city's bibliophiles, reinforcing the importance of physical books in an increasingly digital age.