Posted on by Sonia Dogra

New Delhi World Book Fair 2024: A Long & Tiring Swim

Dear Reader

Are you drawn to book fairs? Of course, I hear you say. That’s a given. Book fairs are like annual pilgrimages for book lovers. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the World Book Fair held in Delhi from 10th to 18th February, 2024 at Pragati Maidan. After returning from the fair, I couldn’t help but feel like I had just emerged from a long and tiring swim in an ocean. The sheer expanse of water, its immensity and beauty, brought a sense of tranquility to my heart. However, as I dove deeper into the fair, I realized that I had never felt thirstier in my entire reading life. Trust me, swimming in a stream, river, or lake is far more rewarding in comparison.

To put it simply, the experience didn’t come close to the sheer pleasure of flipping through books in a cozy bookstore or the gratification of stumbling upon a beloved find in a second-hand bookshop. Although visually captivating, it lacked the intimate connection cherished by avid readers.

From my perspective, the event seemed to cater more to the publishers’ satisfaction rather than the readers’. It resembled a bustling trade fair, with food chains taking advantage of the large crowd. The mere volume of people indicated a potential rise in readership, yet doubts lingered as I caught snippets of conversations at various book stalls. With Harry Potter being called the quintessential ‘jaadu shaadu ki kitaab’ (a book of magics)and Ted Hughes being cited as the (anonymous) guy who abandoned Sylvia Plath whose books have some ‘insta-worthy’ quotes, I am at my wit’s end if these book fairs really achieve what they set out to. Unless it is commercial viability, which I’m sure is in plenty.

An Instagram-worthy Corner?

As I perused through the books, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed by the repetitive use of popular and marketable names. Moving from one hall to another, and from one stall to the next, I noticed a lack of representation for new and diverse voices. Finding a lesser-known book meant either knowing its title or author beforehand or sifting through disorganized shelves, only to come across a solitary copy. Yet, the presence of Lee Child’s books in every other row didn’t faze me. It isn’t a personal vendetta against him, but rather a frustration with the overwhelming prevalence of the same names throughout. Consequently, for novice readers, there was a dearth of inclusivity. It was no wonder that many sought refuge in Hall Number 5, where established authors reigned supreme and there was barely room to breathe.

The presence of an ‘international spirit’ could have been redeeming, but it was marred by the feeble representation of Bahubhashi Bharat (the theme of the fair). Additionally, I am uncertain if activities such as story-telling and writing competitions for children, fancy decors and stationery, or StickMe notes are essential for a book fair. Rather, they merely represent the sad face of new-age reading that is accompanied by so much fluff. Overall, the World Book Fair was far from being a reader’s paradise, as a one-day visit was insufficient and unappeasable.

StickMe Notes on Favourite Books and Authors

Despite my disillusionment, I made sure to bring home a little over a dozen books. How could I not! But instead of being swayed by publicity, I consciously opted for Indian authors and translations from the far-flung corners of the country. Currently, I am already halfway through my first read by Temsula Aao, titled The Tombstone in my Garden. My intention is to gradually share these captivating stories with my readers through this blog.

My current reads, besides the above, include Shattered by C. Lee McKenzie and A Swim in a Pond in the Rain by George Saunders. The first one is a YA book and while I do not read this genre, I love Lee’s story telling. The second one is a guide to short story writing called A Swim in a Pond in the Rain by George Saunders and I am taking it in slowly—a chapter a day.

Do you enjoy going to book fairs? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments section below.

This post is a part of #BookishLeague by BohemianBibiliophile.  

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54 Replies to “New Delhi World Book Fair 2024: A Long & Tiring Swim”

  1. Delhi book fair, most book fairs for that matter, have lost their charm for me. I used to love attending it as a child and also back in college. Now it is all so chaotic and commercialized. Seems like an extension of Bookstagram and not in a good way. One big marketing campaign. I rather spend time at a book store.

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  2. Book fairs ? Charvi says it all,for me, an introverted book nerd’s nightmare. Just once, we made it to the legendary Hay on Wye. Sadly, this was in a summer of the kind of floods that really should wait till autumn. First shop – book nerd’s heaven. Heading for the next, a cloudburst struck. Soaked to the skin, we couldn’t risk damagi ng books.

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  3. While I cannot have experienced what you have in Delhi, I think I do know what you mean. I live in a small city where book fairs are far and very limited, and the ones that do happen, do attract readers but it is still not what I see is otherwise the norm these days. But the commercialisation is no less here too, only may be in different forms and ways, and the readers? Well, the insta worthy quotes, kind of stung. Sylvia Plath is one of my favourites and I don’t like how here words are just randomly thrown around.

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  4. I too enjoy exploring book fairs and divulging the essence of so many books. I appreciate your minute speculations about the fair and how less popular writers are not given any recognition. I agree it is mainly the publishers who swag about their books with readers that are hardly kept in mind.

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  5. I understand the disappointment and frustration many readers feel when faced with a lack of diversity and representation in the literary world. It’s disheartening to see the same popular names dominating bookshelves, while new and diverse voices struggle for recognition. Your observations highlight the need for greater inclusivity and a broader range of offerings at events like the World Book Fair. Here’s to hoping for positive change and a more inclusive future for readers everywhere.

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  6. As a youngster, I have been to many of these fairs, but not so much now. This year I did think to go, but i missed it, and now reading your post, I am glad I did not go.. to me, like you, a cozy browsing experience is more soul food, as is finding that one copy of a hidden gem, than being jostled and having to stand and look at the popular books.

    Dare I say, the commercialization of books, authors, fairs, these activities (which are not about books and book reading) somehow are taking away from the magic of books and reading.

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  7. In recent years, book fairs have become rather tedious affairs. The same famous books & authors. Battling the crowds. It’s just not for me anymore. I remember book fairs years ago, where you could find treasures by small presses and little known/non-mainstream authors.

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  8. Book fairs, While they hold the promise of being literary wonderlands, filled with treasures waiting to be discovered, the reality often falls short of expectations.

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  9. How amazing you could go to the New Delhi Book Fair…had always wished to be in Delhi during book fair but it never so happens! However, this post of yours with snippets of conversations at the stalls and the titles flooding the racks has made my day…happy reading now!

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  11. From last 2-3 years I am unable to make my visit confirmed for any of the book fairs for some personal reasons. But being at the book fair is like being the midst of knowledge hut where you get the real essence and presence of book minded people and aha the fragrance of the new books… its divine

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  12. The last I went to the book fair was in 2017. I did plan this year, but it didn’t work out. I feel sorry that there was less foreign representation this time, I would have liked to expand my base. However, I find fairs and festivals very tiring, they have too many people and too mcuh noise. Havign said, I love the feel of books in one place.

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  13. *thinks* I’m trying to recall if I’ve been to one… I don’t thiiiiiink so? I have been to exhibitions though! But again, I never particularly found anything I liked or was looking for. I’m sorry this was a disappointing experience for you. 😦

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  14. I don’t enjoy very crowded places, therefore have refrained from going for the book fair in a while. I prefer my book stores. And I know if I go to a book fair I will end up buying beyond imagination, as that’s what happens when I go to a book store. MY TBR continues to mount.

    Sonia we got to catch up, since we live nearby.

    Enjoy the spring. 🙂

    Cheers

    Natasha

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  15. I love book fairs and try my best to attend one’s near me. Your post makes me want to run to one now and be surrounded by volumes and scores of good books around me. Its a euphoric feeling. Delhi, Kolkata, Jaipur, and Mumbai, hosts tonnes of great book fairs.

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  16. These events/fairs are becoming majorly about social media attention. Not to mention a money-making business for publishers
    (and looting the indie/self-published authors)
    Having said that, they do have a certain charm for the youth and I hear it’s also a good chance to meet fellow content creators

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  17. Saw a few of the common friends share this post, but sat n my fingers to wait until I finished all the blogs in Bookish League to read this one at leisure.

    Ok so New Delhi Book Fair, I think I attended it for the first time in 1999, to buy books for the community library we used to run BITS campus. I remember being overhwhelmed by the sheer volume of books at that time. Ofcourse, then lots of things changed and I havent been there anymore.

    Nowadays I go to Sharjah Book Fair (because that is the only book fair that has books from India and English here). The book fair is not very large (atleast as compared to New Delhi), but it does offer books that otherwise I would have had to lug from India, specifically Indian authors I would not found in the bookstores here. Another charm is ofcourse author sessions (they are free and sometimes you have amazing writers)

    But I totally get what you are saying about food corners and kiddie areas. One of the biggest disappointments in the book fair has been NBT & Sahitya academy’s stall which never has any books or (even people ) for that matter.

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    1. On the contrary, NBT does well in Delhi. I like their collection too when it comes to early reader books. It’s the ‘un-bookish’ atmosphere of this book fair that didn’t work for me.

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  18. I’ve been to this fair once and it was so hectic. It was chaotic, crowded and absolutely exhausting: simply put, an introverted booknerd’s nightmare. I think it’s a good place if you’re interested in buying books but I didn’t find any huge discounts there either which made em question the whole point of the fair. Like you said, there wasn’t much close interaction with fellow readers so it was hard for me to enjoy the fair in any aspect.

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  19. A very thoughtful observation on book fairs Sonia. I’m a bit on the fence because on one side, I do understand why the gimmicky photo booths and post-it walls are important. But I also understand what you’re saying about inclusivity and diversity of books and genres. I haven’t been to a book fair but I get the sentiment of browsing through titles and picking up one that may interest you. I do that with my Kindle today 🙂

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  20. I haven’t been to a book fair in decades. While I can imagine what an ocean it must feel like, I prefer a quiet book store, tucked away in some corner of a street (and not in a mall), with nothing but just books to pick, cozy corners with tiny stools to sit on while pouring over the books or deciding which to pick, and yes, a friendly book shop owner who could recommend a book that you are sure to fall in love with!

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  21. I remember looking forward to the book fair which used to happen once a year in our small B town. I could devour Russian books, thanks to the fair. But those were the days when there was no amazon and hardly any commercialization of books and book fairs. A book fair was our only means to get hold of diverse books. Things aren’t the same any more.

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  22. Delhi book fairs were indeed a charm for me when I was in Delhi. Looks like it’s different now. I remember buying books and books for our school library. There used to be so much variety and we couldn’t even manage to go through more than half of the display!

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  23. I kind of agree with you here. I visited it too on the penultimate day and early in the day and yet crowds were swirling with hardly any space to stand and browse a book, one would get shoves and elbows. No mouth-watering discounts ( One of the reasons for visiting is to get to see many books in one place and probably get good discounts too).

    My best buys were from Bookchor which sells used books, here it was less crowded and I managed to get many good books for less than half the price.

    The BJP national convention and VIP movement and the long detour to exit made it worse.

    This book fair could have been managed better. I might avoid going next year.

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  25. “Unless it is commercial viability, which I’m sure is in plenty.” What other reason for a ‘fair’? Finding that one book that pleases all the senses is so important, yet how can you find pleasure when all your senses are being assailed by the crowds?

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  26. I’ve never attended one. And I’m convinced by your feelings that I’m not missing much. I’d feel lost in one such as the one you attended.
    Thanks for sharing your thoughts on attending one.
    But you did spend money. Wow. How many books! How could you not, right? Thanks, Sonia.

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  27. A good friend of mine worked in the publishing industry, and her stories about book fairs made it clear they were all about the industry and not for readers. It’s such a shame.

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  28. I didn’t expect to see a post like this mirroring my own feelings almost exactly. I am pleasantly surprised! Wrote an article abt it couple of days ago and is now under submission. Funny how we feel alike about this book fair “business.”

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  31. Interesting insight to a book fair. I’ve never been to one, and this post makes me wary of even attending one (unless I could get my book into a fair).

    Certainly, there are gems of books out there, but maybe they don’t have the right connections to reach a wider reader base. We hope to find such in book fairs but end up watching the same old or new titles backed by wider publicity and marketing campaigns.

    A great post!

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