Assam Book Fair ends with Rs 7cr sales in 14 days, sees surge in publications related to Zubeen

Guwahati: The fifth edition of the Assam Book Fair in Guwahati concluded on Tuesday with record book sales exceeding Rs 7 crore during its 14-day run, marking a strong turnout from readers.

While books by several notable authors were sold, this year’s event witnessed a surge of interest in publications related to singer Zubeen Garg. These books proved to be especially popular among visitors, as the singer’s death led to renewed public curiosity about his life and legacy.

While there is no specific details on how many books related to the singer were sold, around 60 to 70 books written on him were there in the fair. Some of these include Mayabini Rati’r Bukut by Debojit Bhuyan, Biswa Shilpi Zubeen Garg by Dulal Mishra, and Zubeen Garg: Geet Guwa Darshonikjon by Dhrubajyoti Das and Ujjwal Bora.

“A book called, ‘Pitrir Dristit Zubeen’, that was authored by Garg’s father Kapil Thakur, drew the most attention for its most intimate and authentic portrayal of the artist’s journey,” Assam Publication Board secretary Pramod Kalita said.

The organisers said this year’s book sales figures reflected a growing reading culture in Assam. The fair was jointly organised by the Assam Publication Board and All Assam Publishers and Booksellers Association at the Khanapara veterinary ground. The fair featured over 130 stalls, with publishers from across the country.

“This year, book sales touched a record high of Rs 7.40 crore, with an average daily footfall of nearly 30,000 customers. Despite the rapid growth of the digital age and e-books, there continues to be a strong and enduring interest among readers in owning and reading physical copies of books,” Kalita said.

Kalita also highlighted that books related to novels, children’s literature, and history were particularly popular among readers, reflecting diverse reading preferences across age groups.

“The fair offered a significant and engaging space for parents, while also instilling a renewed sense of enthusiasm among students. It served as a vibrant platform for learning, interaction, and exploration. In addition, several competitions were organised during the book fair, drawing enthusiastic participation from students representing 45 educational institutions across Guwahati. These events not only encouraged healthy competition but also fostered creativity, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for books and learning among the participants,” he said.