47th Chennai Book Fair begins today

The eagerly-anticipated 47th edition of the Chennai Book Fair is set to open its doors on Wednesday at the YMCA grounds in Nandanam, Chennai. Organised by the Booksellers and Publishers Association of South India (BAPASI), this year’s fair boasts an impressive collection of over 1,000 stalls, offering a diverse range of literary treasures.In a press release, BAPASI revealed that approximately 900 book stalls have been meticulously arranged for visitors to explore. To sweeten the deal for book lovers, customers can enjoy a 10% discount on their purchases throughout the fair, making it an even more enticing opportunity to discover new reads.Acknowledging the challenges faced by stall members during previous editions, Senthilnathan, executive member of BAPASI, explained the decision to adjust working hours. “Footfall dropped during weekdays, particularly during the day, causing difficulties for stall members who had to open early. Therefore, we decided to push back the opening time,” he said.The fair will be accessible to the public from 2 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekends, spanning from January 3 to 21. This schedule aims to accommodate a broader audience while easing the logistical burden on stallholders.Noteworthy participants include the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) Department, the Tamil Nadu Textbook and Educational Services Corporation, and the World Tamil Research Centre. Thirunangai Press LLP will make its second appearance at the book fair, catering to the growing interest in environment-related books with an increased number of ecology-focused stalls.Adding a touch of culture and craftsmanship, Poompuhar, an initiative by the Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation, will feature a hall for the public to explore, promoting the livelihood of artisans. BAPASI has also organized competitions for students, enhancing the fair’s interactive and educational aspects.As Chennai welcomes bibliophiles, the