The Calcutta Book Fair has always been more than just books. It is an experience hard to express in words. There is a certain something quintessential about Calcutta Book Fair that tugs at my heart and sucks me in. I always end up making nothing less than half a dozen visits every year, promising not to return until next year. Why you ask ? This time to steal words from the magnum opus – Godfather, where Sollozzo says “I don't like violence, Tom. I'm a businessman; blood is a big expense.”. To which I would say “I like books Tom, but they are a big expense !” :)
The fair bring under it’s ambit not just books, but other art forms as well. There are artists, craftsmen, handicrafts, women folks selling and showcasing their appliqué embroidery skills and philatelists to just name a few !
The portrait artist was momentarily away from his desk (er chair!)
The artist in the picture is a young man named Dilip Paswan, who now has been coming to the Book Fair for the last 15 years. He now works in the state of Tripura, but comes down to Calcutta every year during the fair. Such are old habits, that never die !
Refreshments anyone ?
Rest area / Lovers boulevard at fountain of love !
In honor of কবি গুরু !
Above, the lone আনন্দ মার্গী (Ananda Margi) who has meandered away from his booth
Poor man’s Disneyland !
Finally above is the booth for the CPM mouth-piece !
I hope to have rekindled a child like joy of visiting Calcutta Book Fair on your next trip eastward ! If you think I have struck a chord, here is presenting a song that will remind you of your home, your friends, your old flame, and finally your city. Salud !
Thanks so much for the the great write up and the wonderful pictures, Vineet! You certainly have tugged at my heartstrings.... wish I could say "I'm leaving, on a jet plane.." right away to go visit the fair. I loved visiting it when I lived in Cal, when the maidan used to be the venue, and stalls were limited to books and food. Looks like it's manifested itself into a mega event now, though, just like everything else! When we were in Cal last I was astonished to see how big Kali Puja had become (not having been in Cal during the pujas in some 15 odd years), with pandals, lights, music and the works. I remembered it as mostly a puja celebrated in the confines of one's home or in temples. More the merrier, I guess.
ReplyDeleteRita, thank you for your kind words.I am glad to have rekindled some emotions in you. Feels like a job well done :). Boi-mela has manifested quite certainly. However, I am glad that we let Maidan be. For the love of it, it certainly is for greater good. Maidan truly are the lungs of the city, which we trample with disdain !
ReplyDeleteYou are right, by the same token Kali puja has magnified quite a bit.
Irrelevant may be but sadly though so has the underbelly of the city. Reminds me of Travis Brickle's words from the Martin Scorsese classic "Taxidriver" - All the animals come out at night - whores, buggers, queens, fairies, dopers, junkies, sick, venal. Someday a real rain will come and wash all this scum off the streets" !
Yep, Kol Book fair is always refreshing - no matter what ... Thanks Vineet.
ReplyDelete@Finetuner, thanks for your appreciation !
ReplyDeleteGreat pics Vineet. Because of the newness of the layout, I could not find any of what you have captured here. Lost patience I guess with the glitz and glamour.
ReplyDeleteHey Vineet Arora, Long time, how you been? IndiBlogger is coming back to Kolkata, our favorite city after very long time. Its been 2 years. And we cant wait to see you thereDid you sign up for Kolkata IndiBlogger Meet If you haven't already, do sign up today, Only 200 seats available. Entry is free with loads of fun. Cheers,
ReplyDeleteVineet
IndiBlogger Team
Hey Vineet,
ReplyDeleteWe share two things between us. One is our name and secondly love for blogging ! I have already signed up and am looking forward to meet up all of you blokes :)
Long time I miss your blogs. Are you okay?
ReplyDeleteI liked your last Durga puja coverage.This time checked and surprised that you are off the net for long.Here are my offering to one of Guru on Blog Narrative at the end of Durga Puja.
http://indian-writer.blogspot.com/2011/10/durga-puja-in-gujarat-2011-famous.html
http://indian-writer.blogspot.com/2011/10/durga-puja-aasche-bachar-aabar-hobe-hip.html
Shub Vijaya
Goutam Moitra
Chartered Accountant
Ahmedabad
Dear Goutam da,
ReplyDeleteThank you for writing to me. Yes, I am ok. It is just that I have been very busy with work and have had no time to write. I am trying to rekindle my passion for blogging. You will see a few posts soon. Thanks for sending me those links, I will check them out and yes a very belated Shubho Bijoya to you as well!
- nkob!