Delhi Book Fair and Stationery Fair 2018: Bibliophiles rejoice as entry gets free

Watch out for major Indian publishers, innovative stationery, cultural performances by college students and much more at Delhi Book Fair and Stationery Fair 2018.

This year, those desirous of witnessing that annual haven of books and a priceless assortment of writing tools — the Delhi Book Fair and Stationery Fair — will have to contend with the winding, mucky path leading to Pragati Maidan, the venue where the event is held every year, thanks to a large-scale redevelopment project it is undergoing. But all the trouble is worth it once you do make it through. Add to that the fact that the entry to the fair, this year, is free of cost.

Visitors browse though books at a previous edition of Delhi Book Fair in the Capital.(PHOTO: M ZHAZO/HT)

In its 24th edition, the Delhi Book Fair will be conducted in just hall number 7, instead of the three — 7, 8, and 12A — it was usually held in. “The redevelopment of Pragati Maidan has taken up about three-fourths of the area, but we are still organising this fair to attract youngsters to literature,” says Deepak Kumar, executive director, India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO).

Cultural activities galore

This year, the organising body has also roped in the city’s universities and institutions for a better youth connect. “So, alongside the regular features such as the Author’s Corner, book reading sessions, drawing competitions, etc. We will also have College Day, where students from cultural societies of different colleges will perform. Going forward, we want the colleges to participate regularly in the Delhi Book Fair,” adds Kumar.

In spite of the stationery attractions — notebooks and diaries with quirky covers, handmade bags, fancy pens, and innovative office stationery — being a major crowd-puller, the book fair organisers don’t see the other fair as competition. “It’s good, because if they come to buy stationery, I’m sure they will end up browsing books, too. And this will ultimately increase the footfall of the event,” says Ashok Gupta, general secretary, Federation of Indian Publishers (FIP).

The 120 plus exhibitors might not have leading international names, but the fair boasts some major Indian publishers, including Diamond Pocket Books, National Book Trust, Sahitya Akademi, and Hindi Academy.

‘Delhi Government should adopt book fair’

Also, for the perennial questions about the variety on display versus that in the New Delhi World Book Fair, Gupta believes that such comparisons are uncalled for. “Every state has its own book fair and we have this. Also, I feel that the Delhi Government should adopt this, and make it a youth festival of sorts. That’s when people’s expectations with this fair will be fulfilled,” he says.

CATCH IT LIVE

What: Delhi Book Fair and Stationery Fair 2018

Where: Hall No 7, Pragati Maidan

When: August 25 to September 2

Timing: 10am to 7.30pm

Nearest Metro Station: Pragati Maidan on Blue Line

Facts

Entry is from Gate No 1, 8 and 10

Free shuttle service from these entry gates

Cultural performances by college students

School buses can use Bhairon Road parking

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