Guwahati: As winter chills and foggy mornings set in, book enthusiasts have flocked to the ongoing book fair at Khanapara, a major cultural event in Assam organized by the Assam Publication Board. The fair has seen an extraordinary increase in sales, particularly in children’s literature available in both Assamese and English. Notably, books about the late singer Zubeen Garg have emerged as top sellers.
Assam Publication Board Secretary Pramod Kalita reported that the 14-day fair, which began on December 24, has already achieved sales exceeding Rs 2 crore by Sunday. He attributed this surge to a growing interest in reading among children, spurred by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s push for promoting literature last year. Kalita further mentioned that children’s active participation in competitions at the fair-where winning entrants receive cartons of books-has significantly fueled their enthusiasm for reading.
“Entry is free for school and college students, which encourages them to come with their parents and buy more books. This promotes a reading culture,” Kalita said, noting that discounts are available, with book prices ranging from Rs 15 to several thousand.
The fair showcases works by prominent Assamese authors such as Prafulla Dutta Goswami, Munindra Baishya, Lila Gogoi, and Nabin Buragohain, in addition to renowned international writers like Laszlo Krasznahorkai, Lafcadio Hearn, and Gabriel García Marquez. Kalita indicated that books centered around Zubeen Garg have attracted significant attention this year, providing deeper insights into his life and legacy. “More than 60 titles have been published about the singer, including Mayabini Rati’r Bukut by Debojit Bhuyan, Biswa Shilpi Zubeen Garg by Dulal Mishra, and Zubeen Garg: Geet Guwa Darshonikjon by Dhrubajyoti Das and Ujjwal Bora,” he explained.
He highlighted that the book Pitrir Dristit Zubeen, authored by Garg’s father Kapil Thakur, has garnered particular interest for its intimate and authentic portrayal of the artist’s journey. With a rising fascination for Assamese literature, Kalita mentioned plans for future translations to allow a broader audience to experience Assam’s rich narratives.
Over 130 stalls have been established at the Khanapara Veterinary Field, featuring publishers from across India, including 11 from Delhi and Noida, 17 from Kolkata, two from Mumbai, and one from Hyderabad.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/amid-winter-chill-denizens-find-warmth-in-books-fair-sales-hit-rs-2crore/articleshow/126238280.cms
Category:
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-12-30 00:07:00
