In terms of visitor numbers, 2023 concludes with Kolkata as the fourth largest fair in the world after Bangladesh (6 million at the Ekushey Boi Mela), Spain (3 million at the Madrid event) and Algeria (2.7 million).

With Britain the theme country, the 47th Kolkata international Book Fair will start a little earlier than usual in 2024, commencing January 18 and running through to January 31. Last year the event did not start until January 31. 

School exams in February are the reason for the early start, and hopes are high that last year’s 2.6 million visitors spending Rs 25 crore ($4 million) can be beaten in 2014.

In terms of visitor numbers, 2023 concludes with Kolkata as the fourth largest fair in the world after Bangladesh (6 million at the Ekushey Boi Mela), Spain (3 million at the Madrid event) and Algeria (2.7 million).

But all-told, India has more book fair and book festival visitors than any other country.

Chennai is coming up in January, and the New Delhi World Book Fair in February, and an endless list of book fairs and festivals will be happening across India in between and alongside.