Bhubaneswar: The 6th Odisha State Book Fair was officially inaugurated today, with around 400 stalls set up, offering a vibrant platform for literary enthusiasts and book lovers. Organized by the Department of Odia Language, Literature, and Culture, the fair features the participation of over 200 publishers and booksellers, making it one of the largest book fairs in the region. The event will run until December 17.
Eminent literary figure Shantanu Acharya, who is also a recipient of the Athibadi Jagannath Das Award, shared his perspective on the value of books. He remarked that books are an essential measure of a developed society and civilization. He also expressed his support for the fair’s role in promoting the importance of reading in contemporary times.
The inaugural ceremony also saw the release of several important books, including Shrimad Bhagavat, Odia Language in Evolution, Odia Folk Literature and Culture, and a biography of Gurcharan Patnaik, authored by Vijay Kumar Sahehari.
A significant highlight of this year’s fair is the creation of three theme pavilions dedicated to the biographies of Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab, Bhagwan Birsa Munda, and other prominent freedom fighters. Additionally, a pavilion focused on the Buddha Memorial in Odisha has been constructed.
Apart from the vast collection of books on display, the fair offers several other attractions, including a coffee corner for writers and readers to interact, a small auditorium for book launches and literary seminars, and a variety of food stalls run by Odisha Tourism Development Corporation, Millet Mission, Koraput Coffee, and Mission Shakti.
The fair also showcases stalls from various government departments, Odisha Sahitya Academy, Odisha State Museum, and many more. The Odisha Book Publishers and Sellers Association, along with the Rajdhani Book Fair, Ekamra Book Fair, and Bhubaneswar Book Fair, have all contributed to the successful organization of this grand event.
The Odisha State Book Fair is an opportunity for book lovers to explore a wide range of literature and engage in meaningful discussions about Odia culture, language, and history.
