Delhi Book Fair ends on a high note, draws bibliophiles, stationery lovers alike
Anshita Mehra
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, August 11
As the 28th edition of the Delhi Book Fair, alongside the 24th edition of the stationery fair, came to a close, book lovers and stationery enthusiasts flocked to the venue, eager to explore the wide array of offerings. From Urdu literature and mythological tales to informational texts, fiction and a diverse range of stationery, the event was a haven for those passionate about reading and writing.
Indian literature, celebrated as a beacon of the country’s rich cultural heritage, took centre stage at the fair. With India being the second-largest market for English books globally, the Delhi Book Fair highlighted the nation’s deep connection with its literary past and present. The fair offered books ranging from affordable Rs 100 titles to luxurious hardback editions, ensuring there was something for every visitor.
Shikha, a regular at the book fair, expressed her delight at the diverse selection available. “My experience at the book fair is always great, whether it’s the Delhi Book Fair or the World Book Fair. The range of books is fantastic, and there’s truly something for everyone,” she shared, her arms laden with her latest finds.
The fair also catered to lovers of regional literature, with a notable presence of Urdu books that drew a dedicated crowd. Keshav, who was pleased with his haul, said, “There was a pretty good selection of Urdu books at the fair, and the pricing was very affordable. I’m taking back six books from the Delhi Urdu Academy stall.”
For stationery enthusiasts, the fair was a treasure trove of delightful items. Visitors were greeted with a colourful array of pens, erasers, pen cases, toys, flasks and other artefacts that seemed to call out to the child in everyone. Kaif, a calligraphy lover, found a new addition to his collection. “I bought a tip liner pen which is a great addition to my calligraphy stock. It’s perfect for Urdu and Farsi calligraphy and really easy to use,” he noted with satisfaction.
The fair also served as a meeting point for those with a deep interest in history and Indian literature. Meghali, a history student, was thrilled with her purchases, which included an impressive collection of books focused on India’s past and present. “I have always been very interested in the history of our nation, and with the book fair focusing on Indian books, I had a lot of fun. I bought 19 books, including Our Hindu Rashtra, Hindutva and Dalits, Tamas, Early India and many more. I’m excited to go home and read all of these,” she said.
As the fair wrapped up, it was evident that it had successfully brought together a diverse crowd united by their love for books. Whether it was the allure of new literature, the joy of adding to a stationery collection, or simply the pleasure of being surrounded by like-minded individuals, the Delhi Book Fair once again proved to be a cherished event for the city’s bibliophiles and beyond.
