Agartala is gearing up for the 42nd edition of the Agartala Book Fair, scheduled to begin on February 21 and run through March 5, themed “Bhavya Bharat.” The prestigious event, much like previous years, will be hosted at the Hapania International Fairground premises, promising a grand celebration of literature and culture.
Scheduled to commence at 2:30 pm daily, the fare will run until 9:00 pm, with an extension of thirty minutes on holidays to accommodate the influx of visitors. To ensure a successful fair, a meeting was convened with the management committee members at the Conference Hall of the Agartala Municipal Corporation Office.
Among the dignitaries present were AMC Mayor Dipak Majumder, Deputy Speaker of Tripura Legislative Assembly Ram Prasad Paul, and Chief Whip of Tripura Legislative Assembly Kalyani Roy.
ICA Director Bimbiswar Bhattacharjee outlined the preparations, highlighting the formation of eight sub-committees dedicated to various aspects of the fair’s organization.
Notably, 141 applications have been received for stalls, with 132 for book stalls and nine for other organizations. The lottery for stall distribution is scheduled for February 12 at 3:00 p.m.
Elaborating on the fair’s programs, Bhattacharjee emphasized dedicating the opening and closing days to Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay and Dr. Shyamaprasad Mukherjee, respectively.
Cultural programs will grace the evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., showcasing the rich heritage of Tripura’s districts. Additionally, poet conferences, seminars, quizzes, and impromptu speech competitions are on the agenda, along with the introduction of the Best Little Magazine Award.
Free bus services will be provided from Radhanagar, Chandrapur, and Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhavan, ensuring convenient transportation for book lovers. AMC Mayor Dipak Majumder expressed confidence in the fair’s success under the government’s leadership, acknowledging the positive changes in its management.
Former Vice-Chancellor of Tripura Central University, Dr. Arunoday Saha, and other distinguished personalities deliberated various aspects of the fair’s organization. Notable attendees included State Cultural Advisory Committee Vice President Subrata Chakraborty, SFMCC Chairman Nabendu Bhattacharya, and Eminent Poet Nakul Das, among others.
With the collective efforts of organizers and stakeholders, the 42nd Agartala Book Fair promises to be a vibrant celebration of literature, culture, and community, fostering a love for reading and intellectual exchange among visitors.
