700 stalls to greet booklovers

Patna: Booklovers in the city have some news to cheer for as a bigger and better version of Patna Book Fair (PBF) is back in town with 700 stalls and noted publishers from across the country. CM Jitan Ram Manjhi will inaugurate its 21st edition on Friday afternoon. ‘Child awareness and women representation’ is its theme this year.
With the expected footfall close to eight lakh this time, the organizers – Centre for Readership Development (CRD) – have provided for three emergency exits.Arrangements for public address system have also been made. “Keeping in view the Dussehra stampede, we will constantly keep the visitors updated about all activities. CCTV cameras, metal detectors and private security guards will keep the crowd in check,” PBF organizing committee chairman H L Gulati said on Wednesday.
Fiction, comics, travelogues, biographies, books on competitive examinations, general knowledge, health and fitness, spiritualism, research, self help besides college and school textbooks – bibliophilists will be spoilt for choice at the fair. To give them a better browsing experience, the organizers have decided to install a map of the fair campus for the visitors to know which stall or publisher is where.
But, it’s not just the booklovers who will be in for a gala time. Theatre, art and culture enthusiasts in the city can also find programmes of interest as the Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi, is all set to bring about 600 artists to the PBF platform through various events between November 8 and 17. “Their programme ‘Deshaj’ will include dance, drama and folk arts of states such as Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Tripura, Assam, West Bengal and Bihar,” Gulati said.
‘Samaaj’, an open house discussion on social issues such as ‘save girls’, RTI, health, child labour, consumer awareness, organ donation, environment, road safety and self employment, etc, will also be held every evening. “Premiere of some offbeat regional films such as ‘The Good Road’, ‘Ghasiram Kotwal’ and ‘Aarohan’ will be held at 5pm from November 8 to 12,” Gulati said.
Sitting arrangements have been made at the free spaces for elderly visitors. “Photo exhibition and several events will be organized for kids and awards will be given on the last day on November 18. Best stalls will also be awarded by the PBF organizers,” Gulati said.