Guwahati's Upcoming Book Fair to Transform into a Major Literary Festival

The Assam Book Fair in Guwahati is set to transform into a major literary festival this year, featuring a strong presence of national publishers and an expanded program. With 135 stalls and recognition for 818 young writers, the event aims to nurture literary talent and promote Assamese literature on a national stage. Highlights include a multilingual poets’ gathering and the naming of auditoriums after cultural icons. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will inaugurate the fair, promising a vibrant celebration of literature and culture.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 23, 2025, 15:26 IST

Guwahati Book Fair: A New Era for Literature

Guwahati, Dec 23: This year's Assam Book Fair in Guwahati is poised to evolve into a significant literary festival, showcasing a robust presence of national publishers, an enriched program schedule, and notable recognition for emerging writers.

Jointly organized by the Publication Board Assam and the All Assam Book Publishers and Sellers Association, the 14-day event will commence at the Khanapara Veterinary College playground starting December 24.

According to Pramod Kalita, the secretary of the Publication Board, the fair has been scheduled earlier this year to facilitate preparations for Republic Day on January 26.

Kalita noted that the duration has been extended from last year's 12 days to 14 days, reflecting an increase in participation and visitor turnout.

“A total of 135 stalls will be established, featuring publishers from various regions, including 11 from Delhi and Haryana, 17 from Kolkata, and one each from Mumbai and Hyderabad, alongside a significant representation from Assam,” he informed the media on Tuesday.

Books arranged in stacks as workers finalize the stalls. (Photo: Kangkan Bordoloi)

Several publishers who opted for smaller stalls last year have upgraded to larger executive stalls due to strong sales in the previous edition, Kalita added.

A key highlight of this year's fair will be the recognition of 818 young writers, each receiving Rs 25,000 as a token of appreciation.

Kalita emphasized that this initiative aims to nurture young literary talent and bolster the future of Assamese literature.

“Writers under 35 are also encouraged to submit their works for the young writers’ meet,” he mentioned.

A multilingual poets’ gathering is scheduled for January 3, featuring poets from various languages including Assamese, Bodo, Karbi, Mising, Nepali, and others.

The fair will also celebrate literary heritage and cultural remembrance. The main auditorium will be named in honor of cultural icon Zubeen Garg, while two additional auditoriums will pay tribute to renowned journalist Prafulla Govinda Baruah and distinguished writer Basanta Kumar Bhattacharya.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will inaugurate the fair, with author Amish Tripathi attending as a special guest.

Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, the president of the Asam Sahitya Sabha, and various other literary figures will engage in different sessions throughout the event.

The closing day will feature prominent Odia writer and Sahitya Akademi awardee Parmita Satpathy, along with senior writers Arup Kumar Dutta and Dr Amarjyoti Choudhury.

The fair will also present the Assam Publication Board Sahitya Award to Dipak Kumar Bokakoti for his work Aishwarjya, which includes a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh, while the publisher, Bandhav Prakashan, will receive Rs 2 lakh.

Kalita stated that the organizers have consistently adhered to a book-only model, avoiding the inclusion of business or food fairs, a format that has proven successful across various venues.

This year’s emphasis, he added, is on enhancing the reading culture, providing Assamese literature with a national platform, and fostering meaningful interactions among readers, writers, and publishers.