THE THEME country chosen this year is Italy and the fair organized by the booksellers and publishers’ guild would be open till the 5th of February 2012.

 

The huge number of people who throng to the fairgrounds tends to be in contrast to the general present-day belief that people have stopped reading or that books have lost their charm.

 

While the children get bowled by the huge range of colourful books, the IT-savvy generation tries to lay hands on books related to their lines of specialization and, elderly people search for forgotten books, which help revive lost memories.

 

In keeping with modern trends, CDs are also sold alongside the books. However, apart from the attraction of books, this annual book fair offers opportunities to youngsters to mingle freely and exchange views – and, of course, the charm of the footstalls and the wide variety of lovely eatables on offer have a hypnotizing effect. There are foods unique to Bengal and Bengalis apart from fast foods like Chinese and Mughlai cuisine, pizzas and burgers.

 

And the handicrafts on sale also showcase the cultural talents in the backyards of Bengal. All in all, the 12- day-long fair is one, which has made a permanent mark in the lives of Kolkattans – all roads lead to the Mion Mela during these days.