The 49th International Kolkata Book Fair (IKBF) 2026 has arrived, transforming the Boimela Prangan in Salt Lake into a sprawling paradise for bibliophiles. Whether you are a seasoned “Boi Mela” veteran or a first-time visitor, navigating Asia’s largest book fair requires a bit of planning.
From the historic focus on Argentina to the seamless new Metro connectivity, here is everything you need to know about attending the Kolkata Book Fair 2026.
Schedule And Essential Information
The fair kicked off on January 22, 2026 and will continue to welcome readers until February 3, 2026.
- International Kolkata Book Fair 2026 dates and timings: The gates are open daily from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
- Kolkata Book Fair 2026 entry fee and ticket details: Entry to the fair remains free of cost. No prior registration is required for general visitors, staying true to the tradition of making literature accessible to all.
Theme Country: Argentina Highlights
This year, the fair celebrates Argentina as the focal theme country – the first time a Latin American nation has received this honor.
- Argentina Pavilion books and events: Located prominently near the main entrance, the pavilion features two gates inspired by iconic Argentine architecture.
- Cultural Connection: The theme celebrates the 100-year legacy of the meeting between Rabindranath Tagore and Victoria Ocampo. Visitors can explore a rich collection of Argentine literature (translated and original), photography exhibitions, and attend daily cultural performances.
How To Reach: Connectivity & Navigation
Reaching the fair has never been easier thanks to the fully operational Green Line (Line 2) connecting Howrah Maidan to Salt Lake Sector V.
By Metro
- Karunamoyee Metro station to Book Fair gate number: This is the most convenient stop. Exit from Gates 8 or 9 for a 2-minute walk to the fairgrounds.
- Central Park Metro station: Ideal for accessing Gates 1 and 2. It is approximately 600 meters from the station.
- Special Services: Metro frequency has been increased to 12-minute intervals during peak hours, and the last train departs around 10:00 PM. To skip the long queues at the station, look for the Special Metro ticket booth located inside the fairgrounds between Gates 1 and 2, which supports UPI payments.
Bus and Road
- Special bus services for Kolkata Book Fair 2026: The WBTC is running dedicated services from Karunamoyee Terminus to major hubs like Howrah, Sealdah, Barasat, Garia, and Santragachi (look for AC buses like VS12 and AC59).
- Parking near Central Park Mela Ground Salt Lake: While limited, designated parking zones are available near the Central Park periphery. However, public transport is highly recommended due to high footfall.
- App-Cabs: Dedicated kiosks for Ola, Uber, Rapido, and Yatri Sathi are situated outside Gate 1.
Exploring The Stalls & Literature Festival
With over 1,000 participants, the fair is a maze of discovery.
- List of publishers in Kolkata Book Fair 2026: Major houses like Ananda Publishers, Dey’s Publishing, and international giants are present. Those seeking something unique will find the rare book stalls at Boimela 2026 concentrated near the back of the ground, where they offer out-of-print editions and collectors’ items.
- Kolkata Literature Festival (KLF) 2026 schedule: The 12th KLF takes place at the SBI Auditorium within the fairground on January 24 and 25. Expect sessions with luminaries like Jhumpa Lahiri, Amitav Ghosh, and Javed Akhtar.
Digital Tools For Bibliophiles
Don’t get lost in the crowd – use these digital resources:
- Kolkata Book Fair official app 2026: Available on Android, the app includes an online book stall locator and a digital map.
- Kolkata Book Fair map 2026 PDF download: Available on the official website (kolkatabookfair.net), this map is essential for finding specific publishers.
- Kolkata Book Fair live streaming and virtual tour: For those who can’t attend in person, the official app and social media handles provide live streams of major book launches and panel discussions.
Food And Atmosphere
The “Boi Mela” experience is incomplete without its culinary side. The best food stalls at Kolkata Book Fair 2026 are clustered in the dedicated food courts. From classic Fish Fry and Mughlai Paratha to Argentine-inspired snacks, there is a flavor for everyone. Benfish and various local heritage eateries remain the top crowd-pullers.
Summing Up
The 2026 edition of the Kolkata Book Fair is a landmark event, bridging the cultural distance between the Ganges and the Rio de la Plata. With free entry, enhanced Metro services, and a robust digital assistant in your pocket, it is easier than ever to dive into the world of books.
