From Bibhutibhushan to Bookstagram: Tradition meets Trend at the Book Fair

🖊️Somdatta Thakurta

From timeless Bengali classics to contemporary romance novels propelled to fame by “Booktok” and “Bookstagram”, the 49th International Kolkata Book Fair, 2026, offers something for every kind of reader. The diversity of genres is matched by the diversity of its visitors – from young adults to elderly readers – making the fair a fascinating cross-section of reading culture.

While some visitors linger quietly in the classics section, others move briskly between shelves stacked with viral titles. On one end, works like Pather Panchali draw readers in through their quiet intimacy with nature, simplicity, and emotion. On the other, New York Times bestsellers by popular authors such as Ana Huang, Elena Armas, Ali Hazelwood, and Emily Henry are swiftly picked up by the loyal readership their romance novels have cultivated.

The influence of social media and screen adaptations on today’s reading habits is visible right on the bookstall shelves. A young girl shared that after watching the newly released film adaptation of People We Meet on Vacation, she came to the book fair to buy the original novel.

Women between the ages of eighteen and thirty-five continue to dominate the readership of popular genres like romance, thriller, and “romantasy”. Series such as Ana Huang’s Twisted and Kings of Sin, along with Holly Jackson’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, have emerged as clear fan favourites. They were spotted on numerous bookstalls. From swoon-worthy grand gestures to morally grey male characters, these novels continue to capture young readers’ imaginations.

The book fair also brings together contrasting reading worlds under the same roof. At one stall, two completely different genres were spotted on adjacent shelves – classic Bengali literature placed right beside contemporary romance. In another moment, a mother and daughter were seen choosing very different books from the same stall: the mother browsing through The Home and the World, while the daughter excitedly piled up copies from Tahereh Mafi’s Shatter Me series.

Though younger readers are increasingly drawn to the bright, colourful covers of contemporary romance novels, classic literature continues to hold its ground. Booksellers note that the rise of Booktok-driven trends has not led to a decline in timeless works; traditional Bengali literature still attracts readers across generations. At the International Kolkata Book Fair, viral romances and enduring classics share the same shelves and stalls, making the fair a meeting ground of generations, tastes, and storytelling traditions—proving that while reading habits may shift, the love for literature in all its forms continues to thrive.