Kolkata's Tryst With Books #BoiMela #KolkataBookFair #LoveOfBooks

The 43rd International Book Fair in Kolkata or #BoiMela as it is popularly known offered a feast for the mind and the senses.

If you were a bibliophile, this was paradise. Stalls after stalls of publishers and sellers offering the latest in literature and quick reads, fiction and non-fiction, books for learning and for entertainment. One is literally spoilt for choice.

.And for the others who are essentially out to have a good time, the Book Fair, spread over a sprawling fairground offers plenty of opportunities.

There are plenty of food stalls, shops selling jute bags, junk jewellery, paintings, colourful kiosks for taking selfies, art and culture hubs, literary discussions, poetry, music performances, dance, you name it, Boi Mela has it.

On #BasantPanchami, the day Bengal celebrates #SaraswatiPuja, in honour of the Goddess of Learning, the Book Fair saw unprecedented crowds and resembled a giant colourful pageant. Dressed in traditional wear and jewellery, the Bengali and non-Bengali Bhadralok, Mahilas and bachha log literally swamped the mela grounds with enthusiastic participation.

And the sale of books also reached a record high on this day, just in case you think it was just fun and games. Yes sir, the Calcuttan loves to read, and enjoys aantel pursuits like no other. Book Fair is almost a manifestation of a spring time Durga Puja! :)

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