Book Fairs Galore....But is Anyone Reading Books?

Dear Fast-Vanishing, Elusive Reader,

Winter is the time when you celebrate books in India.

#JaipurLiteratureFest

#MumbaiLitFest

#TataKalamLitMeet

#ApeejayLiteraryFest

#KolkataInternationaBookFair

#KolkataLitFest

#KochiLiteratureFestival

#MathrubhumiInternationalFestivalofLetters

#NewDelhiWorldBookFair

Whew!!! I may have missed a few too. So many literary meets and book exhibitions you take pains to attend!

January and February are the months when Literary Festivals and Book Fairs dot the calendar of the bibliophile.

But, have these really encouraged you to read more? That is the question, my dear Watson.

From what I have seen, the Kolkata Book Fair is massively popular, and the footfall compares to that at the topmost rock or music concerts in the world.

You mark it on their calendar and plan months ahead. Some "probashi" or non-residential Bengalis also time their Kolkata visit to coincide with the Boi Mela, as it is popularly called. It equals Durga Puja or Christmas frenzy in this city.

Book sales record high numbers and the place is bustling with visitors, and continuous activity. If you don't visit the #BoiMela and post your stash of newly acquired books on social media, are you even a reader? Or a Bengali?

Then there are music concerts, painting sessions, quiz contests, food counters, craft corners and what not taking place at the "very-happening" Kolkata Book Fair/Boi Mela. Its almost like a 2-week celebration or festival of books., music, art, food

Literary festivals, and literary meets galore swamp Kolkata around this time too.

The famous Urdu author, Khalid Jawed and his translator, Ms. Farooqui

Reputed author, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni speaking about her latest novel - Independence

You have many renowned authors visiting the city to chat with readers and discuss books.

Now this leads naturally to the next question - are you reading that much? Here comes the clincher.

Unfortunately, buying doesn't equate reading. As statistics show, 70-80% of the books bought end up on coffee tables and book shelves. You like to flaunt books, yes, even perhaps browse them once in a while, but reading through an entire book?

Naah! Who has the time? Too much effort involved.

Heck, even literary fests have more performers and actors than writers these days. Sometimes, the only ones listening to literary discussions are those in the close circle of the author. Most times, people come to gawk at celebrity authors, or click pictures and post. Welcome to the new "happening event" in the city's social calendar.

Now, if only even one-tenth of you who attend these fairs and festivals with such frenzy read some books! Sigghhhhhhh...one lives in hope.

Signed,

The eternally hopeful writer.

My Book

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