Showcasing Bengali literature
Bengali Book Fair, popularly known as “Boi Mela” is yet again coming to the Capital with lots of interesting Bengali books and Bengali cultural programmes for its visitors to enjoy
It’s time for the bibliophiles to rejoice as the Bengali Book Fair is back again. Organised by the Bengal association, the six day festival will mark its beginning from March 14 with an aim to preserve and expand the rich cultural heritage of Bengal at the Kali Bari premises in the national Capital.
Started in 1998, at Sapru House, the Bengali Book Fair, popularly known as “Boi Mela” has grown to become the third largest Bengali Book Fair in India with publishers and book sellers from West Bengal, Northeast India, Delhi and even from Bangladesh participating in the fair. This year, in the the 16th edition of the book fair there will be more than 60 stalls to accommodate publishers like Ananda, Deys, Rupa, Oxford, Niyogi, Abhijan, Lalmati, Sristisukh, Gangchil, Deb Sahitya Kutir and many more.
With the book fair in mind, Bengalis from in and around Delhi are planning to huddle up to take home some new books. “I hope to get my hands on some rare Bengali classics. I am very excited for it,” said Tirtho Bose, a senior IT professional living in CR Park.
The Book Fair is topped with literary festival in the afternoon and cultural programmes depicting grandeur and depth of Bengali culture and art in the evening. Renowned literary personalities like Sunil Gangopadhyay, Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay, Nabanita Deb Sen, Painter Jogen Choudhury has honed the responsibilities of the Chief guest during various edition of the fair.
This year eminent literary person Swapnamoy Chakraborty, Anita Agnihotri and Senior Government Officers like Dr Nandita Chatterjee, Atanu Chakraborty, Anuradha Mitra, Ranjan Mukherjee and other dignitaries will be present during the inauguration.
“I am very fond of Bengali novels but in Delhi, they are not easily available. It’s going to be a nice week after
and I am hoping to get some good books,” said Shayan Das, a Delhi-based engineering student. During the six days of the festival, literary figures like Kinnar Ray, Nirmal Kanti Bhattacharya, Mandakranta Sen, Sadique Hossain, Shirsho Bondopadhyay, Binod Ghoshal, Subhro Bondopadhyay, Sridarshini Chakraborty will participate in various literary discussions. Famous actor Sabyasachi Chakroborty, business icon Satyam Ray choudhury and Ayan Dey will also remain present on various days. The conclusive day will see the presence of Sarod Maestro Ustaad Amjad Ali Khan.
During the evening, cultural programmes will see artists from Delhi and Jaipur performing along with famous names like Satinath Mukhopadhyay, Ratna Mitra, Shraboni Sen, Suvomita and Lopamudra Mitra. Apart from these, there will be various contests for children like sit n’ draw, recitation, singing and quiz. There will be a lucky draw every day and the winners will be awarded with discount coupons for books.
Established in 1958 with an aim to preserve and expand the rich heritage of Bengal through various cultural and social organizations in New Delhi, Bengal Association is a federative body of Bengali cultural associations, Bengalimedium schools and drama organizations spread across the national Capital. Besides cultural events throughout the year, Bengal Association organises Cine Festival, health camps and provide legal aid to needy persons. One of its noble projects includes helping the needy artists by providing them health insurances.