Delhi Book Fair to begin at Pragati Maidan from Sept 1

The annual Delhi Book Fair that attracts a host of visitors from all over is about to open soon in the capital.

The annual Delhi Book Fair that attracts a host of visitors from all over is about to open soon in the capital.

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Publishers from Pakistan, China,the US, UK, France and Germany are among the participants at the 18th edition of the Delhi Book Fair which will open on Saturday.

The fair will open on September 1 in Pragati Maidan.

A total of 230 participants, 20 less than last year, from across the globe will participate at the week-long fair organised by India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO).

Rita Menon, India Trade Promotion Organisation, Chairperson, said, “the fair last year attracted around three lakh visitors and we expect an even better turnout this time.”

E-books will take the centrestage at this fair.

ITPO executive director, Neeraj Gupta said, “Book-reading is no longer restricted to hard bound books. Internet has revolutionised the way people read. We want to tap the young reader and make use of the available technology in promoting e-books.

New products, new services and new technology will be the primary focus of the fair.” “Publishing houses in vernacular languages will also be present at the fair,” he added.

Film adaptations of novels by select Indian authors will be a major crowd puller, claim the organisers. “Feature films based on novels written by Indian authors will be screened at the Shakuntalam Convention Centre. Five Hindi movies and four regional language movies will be screened,”Gupta said.

Among other facilities, Menon said, “There will be a free shuttle service for all. Facility for a wheel chair with an attendant will also be made available for the physically challenged."

Entry ticket for adults will be priced at R20. However, for children and students (with ID cards), it will be available at mere R10.