48th Chennai Book Fair opens with 900 stalls 

The 48th Chennai Book Fair offers 10% discount on 1 lakh titles, international publishers, and free admission for students.

The 48th edition of Chennai Book Fair was inaugurated on Friday at YMCA Nandanam by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and Minister for School Education Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi.

Health Minister Ma. Subramanian, Chennai Mayor R. Priya, Deputy Mayor Magesh Kumar, and Gagandeep Singh Bedi, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Rural Development, took part at the inauguration.

The event started with a visit to the Saras exhibition of the Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women (TNCDW). It showcases that women from different regions made by hand. This was followed by the official launch of the 48th edition of the book fair, and unveiling of the statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Thiruvalluvar, and V.O. Chidambaram Pillai.

With around 900 stalls that provide a 10% discount on all books, the fair showcases a wide selection of literature. According to S.K. Murugan, secretary of Booksellers and Publishers Association of South India (Bapasi), around 1 lakh titles are on display this year. “We have focused on children’s books, especially those covering general topics beyond school curriculum, as they have been in high demand,” he said.

Dedicated relaxation rooms for readers, participation of international publishers, the American Center booth for student exchange, and a Japanese stall on positivity, are new to the fair this year. To encourage young readers, over 10 lakh free admission tickets have been provided to school and college students. The fair also includes painting and oratory competitions.

The stalls will remain open from 11 a.m. to 8.30p.m. on holidays and from 2.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. on weekdays. “This year, we have introduced a variety of translated works and books by new authors to cater to the different interests,” Mr. Murugan said.

To accommodate readers celebrating Pongal in their hometowns, the fair commenced earlier than usual. It will conclude on January 12, 2025.