The City of Joy is gearing up for its most cherished annual celebration as the International Kolkata Book Fair 2026 is set to commence in just a few days at the Boimela Prangan in Salt Lake. This year, the fair is creating a massive buzz with the historic return of China, which is participating after a long gap of 15 years.

Having last participated in the late 2000s, China’s return is seen as a major cultural milestone. Visitors can expect a dedicated pavilion showcasing Chinese literature, calligraphy, and modern publishing innovations.

This year’s Focal Theme Country is Germany, bringing a rich array of European literary classics and contemporary German authors to the heart of Kolkata.

Along with regular participants like the UK, USA, France, and Italy, there will be a significant presence from Bangladesh and various Latin American countries.

To cater to Gen Z readers, the organizers have introduced "Digital Reading Zones" featuring e-books, audiobooks, and interactive literary displays.

The Publishers & Booksellers Guild has confirmed that infrastructure work is nearly complete. To accommodate the massive footfall, the Kolkata Metro is expected to run special services on the East-West (Green Line) corridor, connecting Sealdah to Salt Lake Sector V directly.

The fair will be officially inaugurated on January 29 by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. As per tradition, entry to the world’s largest attended book fair remains free for all.The fair will be open daily from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM.