Ukraine Makes Historic Debut at the 49th International Kolkata Book Fair

Kolkata is witnessing a significant milestone in its cultural calendar as Ukraine participates for the first time in the 49th International Kolkata Book Fair (IKBF), bringing its rich literary and artistic heritage to one of the world’s largest cultural gatherings of books, ideas and exchange. The war-torn nation’s official presence at the Book Fair, held at the Salt Lake Central Park ground from 22 January to 3 February 2026, marks a moment of literary diplomacy and cultural connection, offering visitors a chance to engage directly with Ukrainian literature, art and intellectual discourse. Ukraine’s pavilion showcases a vibrant selection of books and cultural materials that highlight the nation’s identity, creativity and resilience, including works on Ukrainian history, culture, travel and children’s literature. The stall also features Petrykivka folk art, a traditional decorative style, and QR codes linking to Ukrainian historical content — making it a visually engaging and educational experience for fair-goers. "A notable draw at the pavilion is the Bengali translation of works by Taras Shevchenko, the iconic Ukrainian poet and artist, translated by Mridula Ghosh, which has attracted steady interest from visitors exploring international poetry and world literature," said, Volodymyr Prytula from the Embassy of Ukraine. Ukraine’s participation comes against the backdrop of a broader international lineup that includes more than 20 countries such as Australia, Germany, the UK, France, and China, the latter returning after a 15-year hiatus. Argentina has been designated as the theme nation for this edition of the fair, further expanding the global reach and diversity of the event. While global geopolitical challenges persist, the proximity of the Ukrainian and Russian stalls on the fairground has been remarked upon by visitors and commentators alike as a poignant symbol of cultural exchange and coexistence, where literature and art offer a peaceful platform for dialogue