Chennai is set to host the 49th edition of the Chennai Book Fair at the Nandanam YMCA Grounds, running until 21 January. The event will be inaugurated by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Thursday.
Recognised as one of South India’s premier literary gatherings, the annual fair operates daily from 11 am to 8:30 pm, offering free entry to the public. This year’s fair features a record 1,000 stalls, making it one of the largest in its nearly five-decade history.
The fair draws publishers not only from Tamil Nadu and across India but also from countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. Their participation highlights the growing global reach of Tamil literature.
Major international publishing houses like Penguin and HarperCollins have also set up stalls, providing readers access to a diverse range of Indian, regional, and international books.
All books at the fair are available at a minimum discount of 10%, which has made it particularly popular among students, researchers, educators, and avid readers.
Beyond book sales, the fair hosts evening sessions featuring lectures, discussions, and interactive events with prominent scholars, authors, and thinkers from various fields.
A notable feature this year is a dedicated hall for children, aimed at encouraging reading habits from an early age. Additionally, a special section is allocated to a ‘queer’ publishing house run by transgender individuals, reflecting a progressive and inclusive approach within the literary community.
To ensure visitor convenience, organisers have arranged a free mini-bus service between the fair venue and Saidapet bus stand.
With its extensive scale, international involvement, and inclusive initiatives, the 49th Chennai Book Fair is poised to reinforce the city’s status as a vibrant hub for books, ideas, and intellectual exchange.
Leave a Comment