International Kolkata Book Fair (in Bengali: আন্তর্জাতিক কলকাতা বইমেলা) initially started in 1976 with only 34 publishers. Eventually, it started to grow exponentially. Currently, the fair gets more than 2.5 million footfall every year. Likewise, it became an integral part of Kolkata and its culture. Many youngsters also come to the fair. People not only love to hop every stall, purchase books of their favorite author but also like to enjoy foods. Therefore many publishers prefer to release their books at the Book Fair.

Almost every book-stall will give a minimum 10% discount. Although, if you are familiar with college street, you may think to have a better discount there. Partially true, because some books either will not be available in college street soon or never. Similarly, magazines like Hangla and others give a very lucrative deal, you just can’t miss. I will suggest to check out bookstalls first, note down all the books. Then either contact college street shopkeepers or buy from the fair itself as per budget.

International Kolkata Book Fair Achievements

• It is the world’s largest non-trade book fair.
• Asia’s largest book fair and the most attended book fair also.
• It is the world’s third-largest annual conglomeration of books after the Frankfurt Book Fair and the London Book Fair.
• It is the world’s largest book fair by attendance.

Official Video of IKBF - 2019

Play Video

Brief History about Kolkata Book Fair

• 1974 – Some young publishers of Kolkata certainly decided to organize a commercial book fair like Frankfurt Book Fair to gather book lovers.
• 1975 – The Publishers & Booksellers Guild was formed. Sushil Mukherjea became its founder President while Jayant Manaktala, it’s first General Secretary.
• 1976 – On March 5, 1976, the first Book Fair was organized with 56 stalls of 34 publishers, at the ground beside Victoria Memorial. Surprisingly, the entry fee was 50 paisa then.
• 1983 – A prominent member of the Guild, Shri Asoke Ghosh, got the Kolkata Book Fair its international accreditation.
• 1988 – Once the Book Fair started to grow, it had to move to Maidan to accommodate more publishers.
• 1991 – The Fair started to have a focal theme every year like the Frankfurt book fair. Certainly, the first focal theme was based on Indian state Assam.
• 1997 – For the first time, the Book Fair focal theme was a foreign country, France.
• 2007 – A PIL (Public Interest Litigation) was filed against the fair at Maidan. As a result, the fair moved to Saltlake Stadium.
• 2008 – Again, a PIL was filed against the fair at Park Circus Maidan. Hence, the Guild decided to postpone the fair.
• 2009 – The 33rd International Kolkata Book Fair was organized at Milan Mela ground.
• 2010 – The executive committee decides to waive off the entry fee if a person purchased books more than INR 200.
• 2011 – State government gave Guild an NGO status, hence Guild made entry to the fair free.
• 2018 – Again due to renovation work, the Book Fair had to move Central Park, Saltlake. The focal theme was France.
• 2019 – The Theme Country was Guatemala. “Buy books and win a Book Library” the grand finale of the daily lottery also organized.

IKBF Country Theme (Till date)

Certainly, this year in the 44th International Kolkata Bookfair 2020, the theme country is Russia. Below is a brief list of past themes countries:

• • 2019: Guatemala
  • 2018: France
  • 2017: Costa Rica
  • 2016: Bolivia
  • 2015: Great Britain
  • 2014: Peru
  • 2013: Bangladesh
  • 2012: Italy
  • 2011: USA
  • 2010: Mexico
  • 2009: Scotland
  • 2007: Australia
  • 2006: Spain
  • 2005: France
  • 2004: Chili
  • 2003: Cuba
  • 2002: Netherland
  • 2001: India
  • 2000: Brazil
  • 1999: Bangladesh
  • 1998: Great Britain
  • 1997: France
  • 1996: Bihar
  • 1995: West Bengal
  • 1994: Zimbabwe
  • 1993: Orrisa
  • 1992: Tripura
  • 1991: Assam

Book Fair timing

• Date: 29th January 2020 –  9th February 2020
• Time: 12 PM – 8 PM

Kolkata Literature Festival will take place at Kolkata Book Fair for 3 days, February 6 to 8, 2020 from 1 PM to 9 PM.

Kolkata Book Fair Location

Since 2018, GUILD and concerned authorities are organizing Kolkata Book in Saltlake Central Park. Earlier, it used to locate at Milan Mela Ground.

How to Reach Kolkata Book Fair

Certainly, the book fair venue, Saltlake Central Park is easily accessible by bus from almost every corner of the city. In addition, each year the State Government allocate special buses from different part of the city. As a result, Special bus services will be available from Karunamoyee Bus stand between 3 PM to 9 PM. Below are the channel-wise routes this special bus service going to cover

1. Sealdah (Shuttle), Mandirtala, Rajabazar
2. Howrah (S-12, AC-59)
3. Thakurpukur (S-16), Tollygunge Metro
4. Jadavpur AC Bus (AC-9)
5. Jadavpur (S-9)
6. Parnashree (S-4), Sakuntala Park (S-22/46), Joka, Gariahat
7. Garia (S-14), Kamalgazi, Baruipur
8. Barasat (AC-36, ACT-4), Snatragachi (VS-12)
9. Ultadanga (Shuttle)
10. DumDum Station (AC-38), Barackpore (S-58)
11. Bally Halt (Via Airport), Bally Halt (AC-23A, S-23A)

Shared auto services are also available from Ultadanga (INR 15) and different parts of Saltlake.

P.S. – Please confirm Bus no and fare before boarding to avoid further issues. Also, you can pay attention to the continuous announcements.

Kolkata Book Fair Gate themes (2020)

This year, entry gates are made based on wisdom, culture, architecture. Gate no 1, 2, 6, and 9 are Sampriti Gate, India Gate, Biswa Bangla Gate, and replica gate of Jorasanko Thakurbari. In addition, Gate no 5, the Theme Gate is the replica of Bolshoi Theatre of Russia.

Available Facilities

• Like every year, paid parking is available. INR 20 & 30 for motorcycle and car respectively for every 2 hours.
• Ground Map guide will be given while you enter from any of the nine gates.
• Toilets are available almost every corner of the fair
• Popular food joints like Mio Amore, Bancharam, Goutam’s, etc available in the food court area.
• Mobile ATM counters are also available.
• You may sit and watch cultural programs near Jago Bangla stall, WBCPCR stall, etc.

Safety & Rules

• • The Book Fair has adequate CCTVs.
  • The concerned authority also deployed Man counting machines and scanners.
  • Adequate fire tenders and fire fighting arrangements have been done.
  • Certainly, smoking and littering inside the fair is strictly prohibited.

Ground Map

Kolkata Book Fair Book-stall List

1. International Stalls list – Click here.
2. List of Participants inside Hall – Click here.
3. List of Participants at Open Ground – Click here.

P.S. Although, clicking these links will open google doc file (no sign-in required) where you can use the search/find option. Alternatively, the same information is available on the official website: Kolkatabookfair.net, Kolkata Book Fair 2020 Android App by CESC (downloadable from Play Store), and Ground Map plan also.

Important Events at IKBF 2020

1. 30th January 2020 – Ashok Sarkar Memorial Lecture will be delivered by Vadim Polonsky. Same day Focal Theme, Russian Day will also be celebrated.
2. 2nd February 2020 – Children’s Day will be celebrated in the fairground.
3. 9th February 2020 – Bangladesh Day will be celebrated and The prize distribution ceremony will take place.

Contact Information

In case you have any feedback or issue below are the contact details.

• +91 8274004588/+91 33 2360 4566 (1 P.M – 6 P.M)
• guildpb@gmail.com

Some Important links

• • • Application Procedure for book-stalls, food-stalls, and contractors
    • 2019 Book Fair theme song
    • Know more about Publisher and Booksellers GUILD
    • Checkout official video of Kolkata Book Fair 2019
    • History of Kolkata Book Fair

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Likewise, North & Central Kolkata, South Kolkata is also very popular for theme-based Durga Pujas. Many people start pandal hopping as early as Panchami due to the heavy rush on later days. Most of the Durga Pujas in these areas are famous for their award-winning art creation. Hence, we outlined the best possible map for South Kolkata Durga Puja hopping. This guide will also be divided into two parts, one day and two days plan. Also, we will be mentioning approximate distance and transport options adjacent to the Puja names.

Note: To clarify, we do not recommend one day hectic plan. Although you can always take this guide as a baseline and modify according to your preference in case you cannot afford a second day for this part of Kolkata.

One Day Plan:

In this one-day plan for South Kolkata Durga Puja Guide, we will name and map all the popular Durga Puja pandals. You can also use the below maps to find out the exact location of the puja pandal and the correct order to follow.

Minimum 12 to 14 hours required based on when you started. Our suggestion will be to start at least by 7 AM, so that most of the Puja pandal will be less crowded till afternoon.

Must-Visit Durga Puja Map (South Kolkata):

Optional Durga Puja Map (South Kolkata):

Two Days Plan:

In this comparatively relaxed two days plan for South Kolkata Durga Puja guide, we will divide all the popular Durga Puja pandals day-wise based on their location and feasibility. You can also use the below maps to find the exact location of the puja pandal and correct sequence to follow.

Minimum 7 to 8 hours per day required based on when you started. Also, keep in mind Puja pandals remain less crowded in morning.

Must-Visit Durga Puja Map for Day 1:

Optional Durga Puja Map for Day 1:

Must-Visit Durga Puja Map for Day 2:

Optional Durga Puja Map for Day 2:

Durga Puja Near to Metro Stations:

Also, Checkout our latest North & Central Kolkata Durga Puja Guide Map for detailed Durga Puja pandal details. And previous post Kolkata Durga Puja 2019 Guide – Info & Rules for Durga Puja 2019 Dates, Transportation Options, Parking, Shopping, Joy Rides, Foods, Safety tips.

Coming Soon:

• Rider Escaped top 10 Durga Puja
• Quick Updates about Popular Durga Puja Pandals 2019 (Mostly on Instagram).

Lastly, click to follow our Social Media Handles to get the latest updates.

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | Events in Kolkata

Tag @RiderEscaped, use hashtag #DurgaPujawithRiderEscaped while sharing memories in social media.

We are in a process to queue up the next post shortly. Until then do subscribe to Rider Escaped Newsletter to get future updates. Also, You can also check out our Kolkata City Guide here.

If you like this South Kolkata Durga Puja Guide, share it with your friends. Also, if I missed out on anything do let me know in the comment section, I will include in the post.

The post South Kolkata Durga Puja Guide Map appeared first on Rider Escaped

These days Pandal hopping in Kolkata became so random because of numerous popular Puja pandals here and there. So, we outlined the best possible map for North & Central Kolkata Durga Puja hopping. This guide will be divided into two parts, one day and two days plan. Also, we will be mentioning approximate distance and transport option adjacent to the Puja names.

Note: To clarify, we do not recommend this one day hectic plan. Although you can always take this guide as a baseline and modify according to your preference in case you cannot afford a second day for this part of Kolkata.

One Day Plan:

In this one day plan of North & Central Kolkata Durga Puja Guide, we will name and map all the popular Durga Puja pandals. You can also use below maps to find out exact location of the puja pandal and correct order to follow. Click the image to open map version in a new tab.

Minimum 12 to 14 hours required based on when you started. Our suggestion will be to start at least by 7 AM, so that most of the Puja pandal will be less crowded till afternoon.

Must Visit Durga Puja Map (North & Central Kolkata):

PS- This year (2019), Md Ali Park puja has been shifted due to Municipal Corporation Work. The Puja pandal might get smaller hence can be skipped.

Optional Durga Puja Map (North & Central Kolkata):

Note: Optional Durga Puja denotes either not very popular or off-route Pujas.

Two Days Plan:

In this comparatively relaxed two days plan of North & Central Kolkata Durga Puja guide, we will divide name and map all the popular Durga Puja pandals day-wise based on their location and feasibility. You can also use below day-wise maps to find out exact location of the puja pandal and correct sequence to follow.

Minimum 7 to 8 hours per day required based on when you started. Also, keep in mind Puja pandals remain less crowded in morning.

Must Visit Durga Puja Map for Day 1:

Optional Durga Puja Map for Day 1:

Must Visit Durga Puja Map for Day 2:

Optional Durga Puja Map for Day 2:

Durga Puja Near to Metro Stations:

Also, Checkout our previous post Kolkata Durga Puja 2019 Guide – Info & Rules for Durga Puja 2019 Dates, Transportation Options & Parking, Shopping & Joy Rides, Foods, Safety tips we should follow.

Coming Soon:

• South & East Kolkata Durga Puja Map
• Rider Escaped top 10 Durga Puja

Lastly, click to follow our Social Media Handles to get the latest updates

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

Tag @RiderEscaped, use hashtag #DurgaPujawithRiderEscaped while sharing memories in social media.

We are in a process to queue up next post shortly. Until then do subscribe to Rider Escaped Newsletter to get future updates. Also, You can also check out our Kolkata City Guide here.

In conclusion, share this North & Central Kolkata Durga Puja Guide Map with your friends. Also, if I missed out anything do let me know in the comment section, I will include in the post.

The post North & Central Kolkata Durga Puja Guide Map appeared first on Rider Escaped

Durga Puja is the Bengalis’ biggest festival, when Kolkata gets more colorful lights and decorations. Various theme pandals are made to attract more visitors, centering worship of goddess Durga and her children (Ganesh, Karthik, Lakshmi, and Saraswati). Millions of people hop into pandals, dodging crowds, break their diet habits to eat anything, and wear the current trend. People are fascinated by award-winning pandals, idols, and even ambiance. We start to do reverse countdowns to feel every inch of happiness. In the future, we will discuss the mythological significance of Durga Puja.

Almost every state of India, even many foreign cities, also witness Durga Puja. This emotion, rituals, and happiness bind everyone tightly, sidelining their religion and caste.

From an Indian economic perspective, Durga Puja holds a very important role. Bengalis spend close to 30% – 50% of their annual budget, be it in food, transportation, shopping, and even a few people like to travel to places during these holidays. Almost every brand puts advertisements, stalls to promote and sell their products. Nowadays, Durga Puja is not just about worshiping god but a huge platform for business, and every year this perspective is evolving rapidly. But for Bengalis, Durga Puja is something that can’t be explained in words, pure happiness.

In this very article, we will discuss Durga Puja 2025 Dates, Transportation Options & Parking, Shopping & Joy Rides, Foods, and Safety rules we should follow.

Kolkata Durga Puja 2025 Dates

• Mahalaya (মহালয়া) – 21st September 2025
• Panchami (পঞ্চমী) – 27th September 2025
• Sasthi (ষষ্ঠী) – 28th September 2025
• Saptami (সপ্তমী) – 29th September 2025
• Ashtami (অষ্টমী) – 30th September 2025 | Sandhi Puja (সন্ধি পূজা) – 11:45 AM to 12:33 PM
• Nabami (নবমী) – 1st October 2025
• Dasami (দশমী) – 2nd October 2025

Transportation options & Parking

Although Kolkata has every kind of transportation from budget to luxury, and they become more frequent during puja days but the only problem one can face is the price hike. Yes, almost every Auto routes and cab services like Ola, Uber standardize their rates at 1.5X to 2X minimum. Bus and Metro service operate at regular price seems to be the cheapest and most budget-friendly options, although both have their demerits. While the first one takes more time to reach the destination and the latter one starts its operation at noon and continues till early morning the next day (Saptami to Nabami). Below are the metro timings from last year

No doubt the best option could be walking small distances between pandals. We will be sharing our experience in the recommended sequence to watch pandals to minimize time waste without bombing your pocket.

Lastly, a few people love to take their car or a rented car to hop pandals; for them, parking will be the most frustrating issue. As millions of people visit pandals every year, Kolkata police barricade the roads to ensure everyone’s safety and manage the crowd effectively. Due to this fact, most of the time, one has to walk a little more to get to the car park. Please keep in mind the aged persons, children might need a car for obvious reasons (Best time to minimize this hassle will be early morning, 5 AM to 2 PM), but still, using the combination of walking and public transport remains the best choice.

Shopping and Joy Rides

Many of us love to purchase goods from the Puja pandal premises. Be sure those are well-priced and functional; sometimes, due to a rush, we may get cheated. Also, check the balance before you leave the stall/shop. Joy rides are one of the fascinating activities in pandals, especially for kids. Always accompany them and make sure that the ride does not pose health hazards to them.

Foods

This is my favorite part during puja, we get to taste almost every possible variety of foods at a comparatively cheap price, obviously at the cost of quality. But for a few days, I feel okay to break the diet or even quality hunting. Although the food should be prepared or at least served hygienically. Mostly chaats, Panipuri (ফুচকা), ice creams, and hot/cold beverages get sold continuously, so there are high chances of getting those fresh.

Safety rules we should follow

1. Please cooperate with Kolkata Police and Local Volunteers, although sometimes we feel they may take longer, but believe us, that is for our safety.
2. Jaywalking the road or jumping the barricades may save you a bit, but could risk your life.
3. Be careful of your belongings, especially in the crowd.
4. Report missing objects and persons/children to the Pandal committee. While the chances of getting your belongings back are rare, at least you will find your close ones.
5. Ask rates before boarding Autos or cabs.
6. Have junk food but hygienic.
7. Don’t push the crowd or misbehave with others; eventually, all will get a chance.
8. Take some cash aside for emergency situations like pickpockets or baggage being misplaced.
9. Don’t push yourself too much; otherwise, you may not be able to enjoy the whole Puja.
10. In case of any problem, feel free to seek help from the Kolkata Police or Local Volunteers. 
11. We all love to make memories by taking a few selfies or photographs, but we often forget that this might slow down the crowd flow or create a rush among people waiting outside. Take photographs and selfies during the move. We should be happy to capture the moments rather not being selfish.
12. Don’t throw garbage like plastic, food, bottles on roads, but in designated bins/places. We should keep our city clean.

Lastly, thanks to Kolkata Police for managing this biggest festival with ease, their continuous dedication and duty always keep us safe. They also put the nearest pandal direction board, publish print-ready hand maps, and most importantly, control traffic congestion.

Most of us like to hop into as many pandals as possible, but few of them know the correct sequence to minimize time waste, sometimes even miss the famous puja pandal. So, we will bring you the recommended sequence based on our experience.

Follow Us

Although, we are in the process of queueing up the next post shortly. Till then, subscribe to the Rider Escaped Newsletter and connect with us on Social platforms to get future updates quicker.

Tag @RiderEscaped, use hashtag #DurgaPujawithRiderEscaped while sharing memories on social media.

Don’t forget to check out our Kolkata City Tour Guide.

Certainly, if you loved the content, share this with your buddies. Also, if I missed out on anything, do let me know in the comments section. I will include it in the post.

Thanks! Have a great day ahead.

Tell me

Have you ever experienced Durga Puja in Kolkata? If yes, do let us know how it was?

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