Kolkata International Book Fair Concludes with Record-Breaking Attendance of 3.2 Million Visitors

The 47th Kolkata International Book Fair concluded on a resoundingly positive note, cementing its status as a premier cultural and intellectual event in South Asia. Preliminary data indicates an unprecedented footfall of approximately 3.2 million visitors over its 12-day duration, surpassing previous records and signaling a robust post-pandemic resurgence of public engagement with literature and publishing. This surge in attendance underscores the event's enduring significance as a vital marketplace for publishers and a crucial forum for literary discourse. The fair's success is attributed to a diverse program featuring over 800 publishers, high-profile author interactions, and thematic pavilions that catered to a wide demographic. Analysts note that the sustained high turnout reflects a growing public appetite for physical books and in-person cultural experiences, countering global digital consumption trends. The event's economic impact is substantial, with significant revenue generated for the publishing sector and ancillary services. Furthermore, its role in fostering international literary exchange, with Spain as the focal country this year, enhances Kolkata's position as a global cultural hub. The fair's conclusion marks not just a successful event but a reaffirmation of the city's deep-seated bibliophilic culture and its capacity to drive the regional creative economy.