Every literary genre that you can think of finds space at the 19th World Book Fair

Every literary genre that you can think of finds space at the 19th World Book Fair

Just like the recently concluded auto show, the World Book Fare (WBF) is one of the most eagerly awaited annual events especially for those who've grown up with novels, magazines, books and journals. And the show gets grander and grander with every passing edition. Now wonder why even the hype swells. To find out what's special this year, we visited the exhibition and came out with a piece of advice, rather two -- don't visit the place in a hurry and leave your high heels at home because the expo is spread over an area of 42,000 sq feet.u00a0

Pics/ Subhash Barolia

>>Bada hai to behtar hai
Stretched out across various halls and foyers, the fair organised by National Book Trust (NBT) has 2,400 stalls and stands that would exhibit and sell books covering a wide range of topics like science and technology, multimedia, humanities, sports, children, devotion, better yourself books and many other. There are approximately 2,000 participants from 15 countries. Also, international bodies like International Labour Organisation, World Health Organisation and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation will be a part of this nine-day ongoing show.

>>Run up to the games
As we walked down the sports pavilion, we could not help ourselves but stop to admire the history of street games in India, which has been brought to life by a series of live demonstrations and excerpts from Mulk Raj Anand's book 'Some Street Games Of India'. The books that are part of this pavilion are for display only. We spent a few moments browsing through books on life of MS Dhoni, fitness and sports. Also available are books that tell you the schedule of other book related events happening this year with a regionwise division.

>>Peace proceedings
Another interesting pavilion is the one on world peace that houses a variety of books on similar topics. There is an interesting autobiography of preacher Prem Rawat and a host of chants and hymns audios in the CD section where prices start from Rs 50. The low price publications too drew our attention. Those with a penchant for foreign languages would love the foreign podium. There is also an entire kids' section where your tiny tots can chose from a range of options like books and DVD's. There are specialised kiosks like 'Juniors at Home', which offer personalised online tutorial classes for children in classes three to six.

>>Nehru tales
Most of us know him as the architect of 'New India' whose fan following was strongest amongst the kids. Yet, there is a sea of information that needs to be read.u00a0 So an entire pavilion with books and audio-visual presentations has been dedicated to the leader.

Thumbs down
The overdose of easily available books on competitive exams.
The food joint is a waste. Carry your own lunch box.
The stinky restrooms.

Thumbs up
The Jawaharlal Nehru podium.
The Bible podium.
The neat Sport kiosks with the flower arrangement seating style.

World Book Fair
On till: February 7
Where: Pragati Maidan
Timings: 11 am to 8 pm