The 44th Agartala Book Fair opens at Hapania with 183 stalls, free bus services and a rich cultural programme. The fair, themed “Vande Mataram,” runs until January 14 and showcases Tripura’s strong literary heritage.
The Hapania International Fair Ground on the outskirts of Agartala transformed into a vibrant centre of literature, culture and youthful enthusiasm on Friday with the inauguration of the 44th Agartala Book Fair, one of the most significant literary events in eastern India. Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha formally opened the fair in the presence of cabinet ministers, legislators, senior government officials, renowned writers, publishers and cultural personalities.
Organised by the Information and Cultural Affairs (ICA) Department, the fair will continue for 13 days until January 14, offering book lovers an expansive platform that blends literature with cultural celebration. Often regarded as the second-largest book fair in eastern India after the Kolkata Book Fair, the Agartala Book Fair has steadily built a national reputation over its four-decade-long journey since its inception in 1981.
From the inaugural evening itself, the fair witnessed a strong turnout. Students, teachers, parents, children and avid readers thronged the venue, which was adorned with thematic entry gates, national tricolour-inspired designs and artistic installations celebrating iconic literary figures. Several schools and colleges organised group visits on the opening day, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha stressed the importance of nurturing a reading habit in the digital age. He urged people, especially the younger generation, to read quality books instead of spending excessive time on mobile phones, television and social media platforms. The Chief Minister also advocated gifting books during birthdays, weddings and social occasions as a meaningful way to strengthen intellectual culture.
Highlighting the significance of the event, Saha noted that the Agartala Book Fair has evolved into a major cultural identity for Tripura. He said the fair reflects the state’s deep-rooted literary traditions and its strong emotional connection with books and ideas, placing Tripura firmly on the national literary map.
However, organisers confirmed that publishers and booksellers from Bangladesh could not participate for the second consecutive year due to internal political unrest and prevailing instability in the neighbouring country. Traditionally, Bangladeshi publishers have been a regular and popular presence at the fair, drawing large crowds of readers. Officials said that the absence was unavoidable given the circumstances across the border.
ICA Director Bimbisar Bhattacharya said the theme of this year’s fair is “Vande Mataram”, commemorating 150 years of the national song. A dedicated theme pavilion has been set up showcasing archival material, exhibitions and interpretative panels highlighting the song’s historical significance and its role in India’s freedom movement.
According to Bhattacharya, a total of 183 stalls have been installed this year, featuring major national and regional publishing houses. Publishers and booksellers from Kolkata, Guwahati and Delhi are participating alongside local exhibitors. The stalls offer a wide range of books, including literary classics, fiction, non-fiction, children’s literature, academic texts, competitive examination guides, science, philosophy and regional language publications.
The ICA Director emphasised that the fair is not merely a commercial marketplace but a comprehensive cultural festival. Over the next 13 days, visitors can attend poetry recitations, author-reader interactions, panel discussions on contemporary issues, storytelling sessions, theatre performances, musical evenings, folk dance shows, quizzes, exhibitions and book release programmes. Numerous new titles, particularly by Tripura-based authors, are scheduled for release during the fair.
To enhance accessibility, the state government has arranged free bus services from various parts of Agartala to the fair venue every day until 9 pm. The initiative aims to assist students, senior citizens and visitors from peripheral areas. Special facilities such as children’s corners, food courts, selfie zones, reading lounges and temporary libraries have been created to make the fair more engaging and family-friendly.
| Also Read: Bangladeshi Publishers skip 44th Agartala Book Fair |
Security arrangements have been strengthened with police deployment and CCTV surveillance at all major entry and exit points. Officials recalled that last year’s edition recorded book sales worth approximately ₹1.53 crore and hosted over 1,700 cultural performers. This year, authorities expect higher footfall and increased sales due to improved infrastructure and transport facilities.
With a packed cultural calendar and enthusiastic public response, the 44th Agartala Book Fair stands poised to be not only a major publishing event but a powerful celebration of Tripura’s enduring bond with literature, learning and national pride.
