Agartala, Tripura, 2nd of January, 2026 : With The Initiative of Information & Cultural Affairs Department Government of Tripura 44th Agartala Book Fair 2026 has been organized at the International Fair Ground, Hapania on Friday (2nd January, 2026). In the presence of many distinguished dignitaries Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has inaugurated the 44th Agartala Book Fair 2026 by lighting the ceremonial Lamp.
The theme for this year’s 44th Agartala Book Fair-2026 is “Vandemataram”.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of 44th Agartala Book Fair 2026 Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha said that there is no shortcut in life and everyone must read every day; this is the only way to achieve everything. He said that a book is a bridge that fulfills the gap between physical and mental structure, helps to know the unknown, and leads to knowledge.
He mentioned that this year’s book fair theme is Vandemataram.
“Pen is mightier than the sword. Every day we are creating a page. We must read books beyond school textbooks. Our brain is the most powerful library. There is no shortcut. We must read every day, and this is the only way to achieve everything. Our children must be encouraged to read books so that their vocabulary will be strong, their writing can improve, and their thoughts and consciousness can expand. The more we read, the better it is for us. There is no topic on which people cannot write,” Chief Minister added.
Dr. Saha also said that everyone must continue practicing writing, which can later be turned into a book.
Highlighting the occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Saha remarked that Agartala Book Fair is recognized across India and the world. Earlier, many people used to come here from Bangladesh, but due to the current situation, they are not coming. It is anticipated that this year’s book sales will surpass last year’s record. We have decided to adjust the dates and timings of the book fair because students are busy with exams and studies, so that footfall will increase. A book is a bridge that fulfills the gap between physical and mental structure, helps to know the unknown, and leads to knowledge. Books also help people move from darkness to light and find the truth.
He added that earlier, books were gifted during programs, but this practice had stopped.
“We must revive this tradition in a new way. A book will never betray people. One should dedicate a particular time to reading books and make it a habit. Keeping every aspect in mind, we have decided to hold the book fair here at the International Fair Ground in Hapania,” Chief Minister also added.
The distinguished guest at the event, Hon’ble Deputy Speaker of Tripura Legislative Assembly Ram Prasad Pal state that none of us can live without books. Books lead us from darkness to light. Books are the soul of humanity. The more we engage with and practice reading books, the more we can enrich ourselves.
Secretary of Information & Cultural Affairs Dr. Pradip Kumar Chakraborty delivered a welcome address at the inaugural session of the 44th Agartala Book Fair-2026. He said that a book fair is a confluence of knowledge, culture, and joy. He noted that book sales at the Agartala Book Fair held at the Hapania International Fairground have been increasing every year. In the 2024 book fair, books worth ₹1.47 crore were sold, while last year the sales amounted to ₹1.53 crore. He expressed hope that book sales would increase further this year. He also informed that a total of 183 stalls have been set up at the 44th Agartala Book Fair.
During the event, the Chief Minister along with the distinguished guests unveiled the souvenir of the 44th Agartala Book Fair and the cover of Gomati.
After the inaugural ceremony, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha released two books by Professor Satyam Roychowdhury, Founder the founder of Techno India University at the ‘Kabi Sammelan’ and Book Release Stage. The Chief Minister also inaugurated a photography exhibition organized by photojournalists at the book fair. In addition, he inaugurated a special health awareness and health check-up stall set up by the National Health Mission, Tripura.
Amidst the distinguished dignitaries participants there were Hon’ble Mayor of Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) and MLA Dipak Majumder, In-charge Sabhadhipati of West Tripura Zila Parishad Biswajit Shil, Vice Chairman of the State-level Cultural Advisory Committee Subrata Chakraborty, former Vice-Chancellor of Tripura University and Padma Shri awardee Dr. Arunoday Saha, Eminent writers Naresh Debbarma and Milan Kanti Dutta, MLA Minarani Sarkar, Director of Information & Cultural Affairs Department Bimbisar Bhattacharjee, and many other distinguished dignitaries were present in the inauguration ceremony. The fair will continue till January 14, 2026.
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