Mon Nov 03 18:17:13 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article based on that information:
Summary:
The 49th International Kolkata Book Fair (IKBF) will be held from January 22nd to February 3rd, 2026, at Boimela Prangan, Karunamoyee, Salt Lake, Kolkata. Argentina is the theme country for this edition, marking their first participation in the fair. The fair, inaugurated by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is the world’s largest attended non-trade book fair, attracting 2.7 million visitors and generating ₹23 crores in sales last year. Numerous countries and Indian states will participate. Organizers are also seeking archival photographs from the fair’s first two decades (1976-1996) to commemorate the upcoming silver jubilee of the fair in 2027.
News Article:
Argentina to Take Center Stage at 49th International Kolkata Book Fair
Kolkata, India – November 3, 2025 – The International Kolkata Book Fair (IKBF), the world’s largest attended non-trade book festival, is gearing up for its 49th edition, organizers announced today. The fair will be held from January 22nd to February 3rd, 2026, at Boimela Prangan, Karunamoyee, Salt Lake, Kolkata.
This year’s focal theme country is Argentina, marking the Latin American nation’s debut appearance at the renowned book fair. Organizers expressed their belief that Argentina’s presence will significantly strengthen bilateral cultural ties between the two countries. Mr. Andrés Sebastián Rojas and Mrs. Anandi Queipo Riavitz from the Embassy of Argentina in India attended the launch ceremony.
“We are thrilled to welcome Argentina as our theme country for the 49th IKBF,” said an official spokesperson. “This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Argentinian literature and culture to a vast audience.”
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to inaugurate the event, which is expected to draw authors, artists, scholars, and poets from around the globe. Last year’s fair attracted an impressive 2.7 million visitors, generating ₹23 crores in sales.
Alongside Argentina, the fair will feature publishers and exhibitors from countries including Great Britain, the USA, Germany, Australia, France, Spain, Peru, Colombia, Japan, and Thailand, as well as representation from numerous Indian states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and many more.
As the IKBF approaches its silver jubilee in 2027, organizers have launched a special initiative to collect archival photographs from the fair’s early years (1976-1996). The best ten photographs will be awarded and displayed at the 2026 fair, and are intended for inclusion in a commemorative 50-year anniversary publication.
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