The 49th International Kolkata Book Fair is set to kick off on January 22, 2026, and will continue till February 3, 2026, at the Boimela Prangan, Karunamoyee, Salt Lake. This year’s fair promises to be a grand celebration of literature and culture, with Argentina as the Focal Theme Country.
The book fair will be inaugurated by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accompanied by eminent poets, authors, and scholars. The event has become a significant cultural extravaganza in the state, attracting millions of book lovers.
The book fair will feature participation from various countries, including Great Britain, USA, Germany, Australia, France, Spain, Peru, Colombia, Japan, and Thailand. Publishers from different states of India, such as Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and others, will also be showcasing their latest publications.
The Kolkata Literature Festival (KLF) will be held on January 24-25, 2026, adding to the excitement of the book fair. Other attractions include the Little Magazine Pavilion and the Children’s Pavilion.
As 2027 marks the Golden Jubilee year of the International Kolkata Book Fair, photographers who covered the event between 1976 and 1996 are invited to submit their best photos for a special exhibition and publication in the 50-year souvenir of the IKBF.
The book fair is expected to attract a large audience, building on the success of previous years, which saw over 27 lakh visitors and book sales of ₹23 crores.