Chennai: Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami will inaugurate the 42nd edition of book fair organised by Book Sellers and Publishers Association of South India (BAPASI) at YMCA Ground, Nandanam, between 4 and 20 January.
BAPASI has been organising the book fair every year ever since it was started in 1976. ‘The event, which is usually held for around 13 days, has been stretched by four more days for the first time this year,’ said members from the association. This has been done to to help people not face any difficult during Pongal holidays.
The organisers are expecting close to 20 lakh people this time as the fair held in 2018 saw the highest ever footfall of 12 lakh.
Around 800 book stalls will be set up, a number higher than last year. Close to 500 publishers and sellers will display books of new authors in all regional languages.
Organisers said publishers based in Delhi, Karnataka and Kerala have also wished to take part in the upcoming fair. Also, for the first time, ardent fans of the fair from neighbouring countries including Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore and Australia, have got in touch with BAPASI’s organising committee. The app that was launched last year to guide people about the fair has contributed to the increasing popularity, they said.