Agartala, November 12, 2025: The 44th edition of the Agartala Book Fair, themed “Festival of Knowledge”, will be held in the first week of January 2026 at the Hapania International Fair Ground. This decision was taken today at a preparatory meeting organized in the Sukanta Academy auditorium, Agartala.
The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy, Higher Education Minister Kishore Barman, Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Deepak Majumder, Deputy Mayor Monika Das Dutta, MLA Mina Rani Sarkar, Acting Chairperson of West Tripura Zilla Parishad Biswajit Shil, Vice Chairman of the State Cultural Advisory Committee Subrata Chakraborty, and former Vice-Chancellor of Tripura University and Padma Shri awardee Dr. Arunoday Saha, among others. Secretary of the Information & Cultural Affairs (ICA) Department Dr. P. K. Chakraborty delivered the welcome address.
Speaking at the meeting, Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy said that book lovers and culture enthusiasts from across the state eagerly participate in the book fair every year. A large number of students and young readers also visit the fair. The state government’s aim is to involve people from all sections of society in this cultural celebration. He noted that the younger generation’s interest in acquiring knowledge has increased significantly and that nurturing a love for reading will help enrich them further. Referring to the patriotic slogan “Vande Mataram,” he said it played a vital role in uniting India’s freedom movement and emphasized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to promote its spirit among the younger generation.
Higher Education Minister Kishore Barman said the Agartala Book Fair is organized with the objective of inspiring students and youth to develop a stronger reading habit. He stressed the need to cultivate a daily reading practice and described reading as a joy and passion unlike any other. He added that opportunities for higher education in Tripura are expanding, with new colleges being established to meet growing demand.
Agartala Mayor and MLA Deepak Majumder stated that the state government has developed the Hapania International Fair Ground into a suitable venue for hosting major events. He noted that both footfall and book sales have been increasing in recent years and said that only under the present government has a truly grand book fair become possible at Hapania. He expressed confidence that the 2026 fair would attract even more visitors.
At the beginning of the meeting, ICA Secretary Dr. P. K. Chakraborty presented an overview of the success of the 2025 Book Fair, which featured 180 stalls with participation from publishers and booksellers from Tripura and other states. Book sales amounted to ₹1.53 crore, and 1,700 artists took part in cultural programs during the 13-day event. The government also presented 14 awards in various categories.
ICA Director Bimbisar Bhattacharjee gave a PowerPoint presentation outlining preparations for the 2026 edition. Members of the organizing committee shared their views and suggestions to ensure the successful and smooth conduct of the upcoming fair.
