Delhi Book Fair 2018 welcomes the New Year and how. The fair is happening at Pragati Maidan during 11 am to 8 pm on 6 – 14 January 2018. The theme of this year — environmental sustainability and climate change is a cause that resonates with citizens of Delhi NCR. A host of events such as book launches, discussions and Vedic chants are being held in resonance with this concept.

We reached rather early last Sunday and bought tickets from the dedicated desk they have at the Metro Station exit close to Gate 10, Pragati Maidan metro station. The crowd was still building up and we walked about half a kilometer to the venue. We boarded a shuttle bus inside that dropped us to Hall No. 7. Children’s section as well the popular fiction bargains (3 books for Rs.100) were in this hall. No wonder this hall was very populated, so much so, the visitors were bumping into each other. But everybody seemed to be on their best behavior since we didn’t hear a single swearing, cursing or quarrel. People just said sorry and moved on. No wonder books relax you they say.

We do not know how, but our over sized trolley bag got filled with what we bought from Hall 7. These included classics, little known novels, chick flicks and a cook book or two. We would have spent more than 2 hours at this hall and our stomachs were growling. Fortunately there was a Chai Point stall outside. While the tea here was from Chai Point, the other snacks and savouries were from different vendors. We fueled up with vegetable sandwiches and tea and both tasted divine.

Perhaps this mood took us to our next stop, Hall No. 11 that carried books on spirituality, religion, culture, art, religion languages and so on. This hall was relatively less congested and resonated from various chants, religious songs and light music being played at various stalls. We initially felt we would not need much time here but we were wrong. If one approaches the above subjects with an open mind, there are various treasures to be discovered and we came across a host of books on various interesting subjects. For instance, a book on aesthetics and art by the renowned artist Nandalal Bose of Indian style paintings was a surprise find at the Viswabharati stall.

The bag was overflowing and we already had packets in our hands. It was 7 in the evening and we had spent a good 5 hours plus here. The faculties had stopped registering and we beat a retreat. We walked out through Gate No. 10 of Pragati Maidan, came to the main road and thankfully found an UBER to relieve our fatigue. And this was a tad surprising since during the recent Trade Fair we had realized that any event now is a smaller affair. And yet, the Book Fair has so much to offer including cultural programs every evening. Book lovers wait with baited breath for this event throughout the year and we have happily featured past events on Delhifundos. May be because of closing down of greater part of Pragati Maidan, the Stationary Fair, that is normally a part of the Book Fair, was missing this time.

No matter what, Delhi Book Fair is undoubtedly a lovely way to spend a family day this season – a Fundo for all.