Kolkata Book Fair on Track for Historic Footfall as Final Weekend Draws Massive Crowds
With merely three days remaining until the conclusion of the 49th International Kolkata Book Fair, bibliophiles are seizing the last weekend to immerse themselves in literary delights. The fair has already welcomed close to 25 lakh visitors, and with over four lakh people thronging the grounds on Saturday alone, it is all set to surpass last year's total footfall of 27 lakh, potentially registering its highest-ever attendance to date.
Surge in Visitors and Book Sales Reflect Growing Enthusiasm
The fairground witnessed a significant influx of crowds from late afternoon onwards, as another weekend day fell on Saturday. Tridib Chatterjee, the general secretary of the Publishers and Booksellers Guild, expressed optimism, stating, "It is very encouraging that, till now, nearly 15% more people have come to the book fair compared to last year, and book sales were also 10% higher than last year." This surge highlights the enduring appeal of the event among Kolkata's residents and visitors.
Digital Payments Dominate Transactions at the Fair
A notable trend at this year's fair is the overwhelming preference for digital payments. Guild officials reported that an average of 70% of payments for book purchases are conducted through UPI transactions, significantly outpacing cash or ATM card usage. To accommodate this shift, many stalls have established two separate counters: one for cash and another for online payments. Observers noted that most buyers are queuing at the online counters to complete their UPI transactions swiftly.
Santanu Chatterjee, a resident of Lake Gardens who purchased several books using digital payment methods, shared his experience: "Often it becomes difficult to pay the exact amount by cash. Paying by UPI transaction is an easier method. The seamless network at the fairground this time is helping more." This sentiment is echoed by many attendees who appreciate the convenience and efficiency of digital transactions.
Enhanced Connectivity Facilitates Seamless Digital Experience
The success of digital payments at the fair can be attributed to improved internet connectivity. A guild official explained, "Digital payment is the new norm. The majority of buyers are doing digital transactions for payment. Previously, there were mobile network problems at the book fair. The problem is now resolved, as for the last few years we have been partnering with a digital broadband provider which is providing high-speed, seamless internet connectivity at the fairground." This technological upgrade has undoubtedly enhanced the overall visitor experience.
Diverse Literary Offerings Attract Enthusiastic Readers
The fair continues to captivate book lovers with its diverse array of literary offerings. Stalls from major publishing houses, featuring popular and prestigious Bengali books, remain a major draw, often with long queues to enter. Additionally, stalls offering popular English fiction and non-fiction books have attracted substantial crowds. The little magazine pavilion, which caters to a dedicated section of avid readers, has also seen a huge turnout, underscoring the fair's appeal across various literary genres.
Sudhangshu Sekhar Dey, the president of the Publishers and Booksellers Guild, expressed his delight at the overwhelming response: "We are very happy to see book lovers coming from all corners of the city and thronging the fairground every day in such large numbers." As the fair approaches its conclusion, it stands as a testament to Kolkata's vibrant literary culture and the growing embrace of digital innovations in traditional settings.
