The 14th Dibrugarh Book Fair witnessed a massive turnout on Sunday, the third day of the 10-day event, with thousands of book enthusiasts flocking to the historic Chowkidingee playground. The fair, which began on December 12, saw a huge rush of visitors across all age groups, eager to browse and purchase a wide range of titles, from Assamese literature to English bestsellers.
The fair, organised by Milanjyoti Sangha in collaboration with the All Assam Book Publishers and Sellers Association, has successfully drawn a large and diverse crowd. Book lovers were seen carrying stacks of purchases, which included Assamese novels, short stories, fiction, and serious literature, alongside popular fiction and non-fiction titles in English.
The fair, which features nearly 100 book sellers and publishing houses from across India, has also served as a major cultural platform. Several new books were released over the first three days, adding fresh titles for readers to explore. This year’s participation includes prominent institutions like Sahitya Akademi, Penguin and National Book Trust along with numerous publishers from m Delhi, Kolkata and across Assam.
Organising Secretary of the Dibrugarh Book Fair, Nirode Kumar Dutta, expressed satisfaction with the overwhelming public response.“The response of the people were very encouraging. It confirms the deep-rooted love for literature in Dibrugarh, proving that the importance of physical books remains undiminished despite the digital age. We have seen sales exceeding our expectations on Sunday,” Dutta said.
The fair, which features nearly 100 book sellers and publishing houses from across India, has also served as a major cultural platform. Several new books were released over the first three days, adding fresh titles for readers to explore.
The literary spirit was further augmented by significant cultural events on Sunday. The Greater Dibrugarh Press Club organised an art competition at the fair in memory of four deceased journalists of Dibrugarh: Hermaba Bordoloi, Aditya Saikia, Sanjib Nandy, and Hari Binod Verma. The competition drew an enthusiastic participation of over 400 students.
In the evening, a well-attended poets’ meet provided a platform for literary discussion, featuring noted poet Pranab Kumar Barman.
The large turnout appears to validate the positive assessment of celebrated litterateur Anuradha Sharma Pujari, who inaugurated the fair, stating that the allegation that younger generations do not read books is not true.
A young book lover holding a newly purchased Assamese novel, shared her excitement.“There is nothing like the smell of a new book. I was looking for this specific novel, and the variety here is amazing. This rush shows people still prefer holding a book. I bought an Assamese translation of a classic and a book of short stories. It feels different to connect with local literature right here,” she said.
A student at the Penguin Book Stall, also lauded the event. “I come to the book fair every year whenever it is held. It is an investment for the mind. Seeing so many people, especially youngsters, buying books is very heartening for the literary culture of Assam,” he said.
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