|
Kolkata Bookfair 2008 at last |
The Kolkata Boi Mela 2008 wore a deserted look on Sunday (2nd March).
Books remained in the background as heaps of plywood, plastic and other construction material took centrestage at the Salt Lake stadium. With nearly half the stalls still under construction, scores of visitors returned disappointed. Even the organisers admitted that it has been far from an ideal beginning and could turn out to be the mostly poorly attended book fair ever.
Like last year, the organisers have sought an extension of the fair. But it is unlikely to be granted. "Since the fair is being held in the period between the Madhyamik and the Higher Secondary exams, chances of an extension are slim. The footfall has been disappointing, but once all the stalls are ready, attendance is bound to improve," said Saumitra Lahiri, a member of the organising committee.
None of the six entrances to the fair are ready. Entry was made free on Sunday to draw in the crowds. "Even the temperature has suddenly shot up. As it is, the venue is a little off the way," added Lahiri. But some claimed that the sales figures were encouraging. "So far, we have got few visitors but nearly all of them have bought books," said Sudhangshu Dey of Dey's Publishers, who is also a member of the committee.
|
