Boiparay Boi Utsab Commences with a Strong Start – Highlights from the Inauguration

The Boiparay Boi Utsab has been set up at College Square Ground (Vidyasagar Udyan), a historic venue that naturally draws book enthusiasts, making it a vibrant hub for literary lovers. Organised by the Publishers and Booksellers Guild with the support of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, the event runs from 1st April 2025 to 7th April, 2025, welcoming visitors daily from 3 pm to 8 pm.
Featuring around 55 stalls and 70 publishers, the festival showcases an extensive collection from both Bengali and English publication houses, offering a diverse literary experience.
The festival was inaugurated by eminent author Shri Sanjib Chattopadhyay, alongside distinguished guests including Shri Debashish Kumar, Member, Mayor-in-Council, KMC; celebrated poets and writers Shri Joy Goswami, Shri Srijato Bandyopadhyay, Shri Subodh Sarkar, Smt. Binta Roychowdhury, Smt. Suparna Dutta, Councillor, Ward No. 40; Shri Tridib Kr. Chatterjee, President, Guild; and Shri Sudhangshu Sekhar Dey, Honorary General Secretary, Guild.
With its rich literary offerings and a stellar lineup of literary personalities, Boiparay Boi Utsab promises to be a paradise for book lovers, fostering a deep appreciation for reading and literature.
Sanjib Chattopadhyay referred to this Boimela as ‘Boi Parbon’ because, much like the fair itself, a book festival often involves extensive planning and meticulous arrangements. Till now, he has made a significant contribution to literature by authoring around 20 lakh books.
The Boiparay Boi Utsab began in 2013 at the behest of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal, Smt. Mamata Banerjee. Initially launched as the Nababorsho Boi Utsab, it was later shifted to Basanta Kal and renamed Basanta Boi Utsab to avoid the extreme summer heat. However, as this coincided with the International Kolkata Book Fair, another adjustment was made. Since Chaitra marks the end of the Bengali year and transitions into Nababorsho, yet does not fully embody spring, the festival evolved into its present form. Steeped in literary heritage, Boi Para—Asia’s most historic book district—owes its legacy to luminaries of the Bengal Renaissance. More than two centuries ago, Vidyasagar played a pivotal role in shaping this vibrant hub of knowledge and culture. In response to the esteemed request of our Hon’ble Councillor, Suparna, we warmly invite all book lovers to partake in this grand celebration. With the enthusiastic participation of College Street’s publishers, the Boiparay Boi Utsab promises an enriching and unforgettable literary experience.