The Kolkata International Book Fair (KIBF), also known as the "Boi Mela," turned 49 in 2026. This year, the Kolkata Book Fair and the city of joy are all set to celebrate literature and culture along with the intellectual spirit of Bengali tradition. Known to be the world's largest non-trade book fair with approximately 27 lakh visitors in 2025 and over sales of 25 crore this year. The Kolkata book fair is all set for new records with a massive number of bookworms visiting it.
The Grand celebration of the BOI Mela is said to start on Thursday, January 22. 2026 to Tuesday, February 3rd 2026 it will be a 13-day-long celebration in the Boi Mela Prangan Salt Lake Central Park Karunamoyee, Kolkata. What makes this year's BOI Mela more special is Argentina, which will be the focal theme country. For the very first time in history, Kolkata will encounter a Latin Nation theme, which in turn symbolises the Deep, surprising and cultural connections between Bengal and Argentina, which diversify the shared Passion for things such as football or Rabindranath Tagore. This year, the Kolkata on Argentina writers, art and their rich cultural heritage of the country, which intern AIIMS to signify the strength and relation between India and Argentina. Delegates from the embassy of Argentina, along with senior officials, are expected to visit this historic collaboration in historical in the historic event, the Kolkata International Book Fair 2026.
Along with Argentina, many other countries are confirmed to participate in this event, including Great Britain, USA, Germany, Australia, France, Spain, Peru, Colombia, Japan, Thailand, and other Latin American Nations.
Several publications from all over India will also participate here, like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar, Assam, Jharkhand and others.
As the Kolkata International Book Fair marches towards its golden jubilee. The organisers have launched a special initiative which includes
Archival photos summation - Photographs which were taken during the years 1976 to 1996 of Kolkata, when it was held in Maidan, are invited to submit their rare archival photos
Exhibition and souvenir- The best submissions will be awarded and exhibited in the press corner during this year's fair, and the photos will officially be featured in the 50-year souvenir in 2027.
The experience section- apart from the books
The food court - Anyone travelling from outside West Bengal or outside India will be amazed by the special foods of Kolkata like fish fry, Raji biriyani chart and much more.
The little magazine pavilion - You can also give this a try, which is an independent Bengali publication representing the true spirits of Kolkata
Cultural hub - A local sketch artist who draws portraits and gifts this fair an additional touch to its cultural heritage
The eminent list of publishers, which is the heart of the boi Mela prangan
- Bengali Publishers
Ananda Publishers Pvt. Ltd.
Dey's Publishing / Dey Publications
Dev Sahitya Kutir Pvt. Ltd.
Mitra Ghosh Publishers
Patra Bharati
Anjali Prokashani
Punashcha
Deep Prakashan
Sishu Sahitya Samsad
- English & Multinational Publishers
Penguin Random House India
Harper Collins Publishers India Pvt. Ltd.
Hachette Book Publishing India Pvt. Ltd.
Pan Macmillan India
Orient Blackswan Pvt. Ltd. (known for academic and non-fiction)
Oxford University Press
Cambridge University Press
Rupa & Co.
- Government & Institutional Publishers
Calcutta University
Jadavpur University
Asiatic Society
Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal
Geological Survey of India, Botanical Survey of India, etc.
How can you reach the Boi Mela Prangan
By Metro Rail (The Most Convenient Way)
The quickest and most stress-free way to reach the fair is by using the Metro.
| Starting Point | Metro Line | Station | Proximity to Venue |
| Any part of the city | East-West Metro (Green Line - Line 2) | Karunamoyee | The nearest station. The fairground is right next to the Karunamoyee Bus Stand, making it a very short walk from the station. |
From Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU)
| Travel Mode | Time & Distance (Approx.) | Route Summary | Route Link |
| Taxi/Cab | 20 minutes (10.7 km) | Take the VIP Road/Kazi Nazrul Islam Ave, then connect to the Salt Lake area. This is the fastest route, but traffic can extend the time. | |
| Bus | Varies | Several dedicated bus routes connect the Airport area to Salt Lake (Sector 3/4 and Karunamoyee). | N/A |
Howrah Railway Station (HWH)
| Travel Mode | Time & Distance (Approx.) | Route Summary | Route Link |
| Taxi/Cab | 34 minutes (11 km) | The most common route involves crossing the Howrah Bridge and traversing the central/north Kolkata roads. Expect heavy traffic on this route. | |
| Bus | 45+ minutes | Look for buses heading towards Salt Lake's Karunamoyee Bus Stand or Central Park. | N/A |
Sealdah Railway Station (SDAH)
| Travel Mode | Time & Distance (Approx.) | Route Summary | Route Link |
| Taxi/Cab | 26 minutes (8.4 km) | A relatively shorter and more direct route via Beleghata Main Road and Broadway Road. Recommended over Howrah if arriving by train. | |
| Bus/Auto | 30+ minutes | Numerous buses and shared auto-rickshaws run from Sealdah towards the Salt Lake area (Karunamoyee). | N/A |
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