New Delhi World Book Fair’s French, Tribal Connection

With French writers, world literatures, folk traditions, writing workshops and children’s competitions, the New Delhi World Book Fair, scheduled from February 4 to 10, has packed in something for everyone. While the Guest of Honour country, France, has planned some exciting events around its ever so popular literature and cinema, the fair’s theme this year focuses on the rich literary legacies of India’s lesser known languages and cultures. That’s not all. For the first time ever, the book fair has organised exclusive author corners for you to meet and interact with some of your favorite writers.

Here’s your quick guide to the fair. Make sure you note the hall numbers – you don’t want to waste your time finding your way around Pragati Maidan.

Guest of Honour: France Hall 7

Take a virtual trip to France as you catch authors Tahar Ben Jelloun, Kenizé Mourad and Dominique Siguad, or watch screenings of acclaimed French films such as L’Autre (The Other), Asterix and the Vikings and La Princesse de Montpensier (The Princess of Montpensier). Aspiring writers should register for the writing workshop by journalist and writer, Dominique Sigaud. Lock your French connection with some lip-smacking French delicacies served at Le Bistrot.

Folk Heritage Hall 7E

Delve into India’s literary wealth with a series of events planned around the fair’s theme, ‘Indigenous Voices – Mapping India’s Folk and Tribal Literature’. Apart from exhibits of books on folk and tribal traditions, art and crafts, there will be a number of music and dance performances, workshops and panel discussions on oral and translated literatures from various Indian regions and languages.

Author Corners Halls 1A, 1R, 2-5

Take away signed copies of books as you meet authors from around the country and hear them talk about their works and lives. More than 75 writers and literary personalities from English, Hindi and other Indian languages will be participating in the New Delhi World Book Fair. Some of the authors to watch out for include, Rahul Bhattacharya, Anuja Chauhan, Paro Anand, Rahul Pandita, Anjum Hasan, Jeet Thayil and Amitabha Bagchi.

Children's Section Halls 7 and 18

Kids and young readers must go to Hall 7 for skits, puppet shows and sessions with writers and illustrators. Parents too should attend workshops on their role in promoting the habit of reading amongst their children. Hall 18 would be hosting children’s activities such as the Young Author Hunt and Storytelling by Michal Malinowski.

Book Shopping

Last but definitely not the least, after attending all these sessions, workshops, readings and panels, lose yourself in endless rows and stacks of books spread across halls. Explore the world of prose, poetry, drama and dreams in Indian as well as foreign languages. Take advantage of the discounts offered by most publishers during the fair and come back home with a whole new collection of books.