Bibliophiles can rejoice as the New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF) is back to serenade Delhiites with the written word. However, space for the fair, which will be held from January 6 to January 14, has been reduced to half this year, as work on the redevelopment of Pragati Maidan continues. Nevertheless, there is still much to enjoy, as the fair attracts authors, poets and bibliophiles from across the world.
The nine-day-long exhibition will be held from 11 am to 8 pm each day.
The NDWBF, which is organised every year by the National Book Trust, will now be spread across around 20,000 sq mt as opposed to an area of 40,000 sq mt whic was given for the 2017 fair. Hall number 7A to H, 8,9,10,11,12, and 12 A will host books from 9,000 writers across 1,600 stalls.
The Indian Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) which is at the helm of affairs of Pragati Maidan, is revamping it into a world class convention/exhibition centre.
Owing to the construction work going on there, India International Trade Fair (IITF) too was held at smaller scale last year.
The main theme for the book fair this year is environment and climate change. Keeping in mind various problems faced by people due to rapidly transitioning atmosphere, the NBT will spread the message of conservation of environment using banners and posters.
The European Union is the guest of honour this time for the NDWBF, hence European books will be the flavour of the event. Corners A, B and C in Hall Number 7 will have Focus Book Corner with publications of different genres including fiction, horror, non-fiction, poetry, politics, literature among others, all written by European authors.
A Children’s Pavillion has also been set up to promote reading among children.
Meanwhile, tickets for NDWBF will be available across 50 Metro stations including Kashmere Gate, Pragati Maidan, Rajiv Chowk, and Delhi University. Tickets can also be bought from gate number 1 and 10 at Pragati Maidan as well as online. They cost Rs 30 for adults and Rs 20 for children under the age of 15 years. Entry is free for senior citizens.