The Publication Board has released 40 new books at the fair
GUWAHATI: The 33rd edition of the book fair has opened in the city with resounding success, drawing in visitors from all over the region since it was opened on December 30 last year.
For nearly two consecutive years, book lovers have been missing this gathering as the fair could not be held because of violent protests over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act in 2019 and last year the novel coronavirus dashed hopes of all publishers, printers and readers. The fair will conclude on January 10.
Pramod Kalita, secretary-general of the Publication Board Assam said they had feared turnout would be poor because of the ongoing pandemic, but the footfall has surprised them. He told TOI that books worth around Rs 4.5 crore have been sold already. “Books worth around Rs 9 lakh were sold at the board’s stall itself,” he added.