The 20th Nepal Int’l Book Fair is an event that occurs only once in 20 years. Organised by Global Exposition and Management Services (GEMS) and supported by Federation of Nepali Books and Stationary Business, the book fair took place at Bhrikuti Mandap Exhibition Hall where it attracted children, adults and book lovers of all sorts. 

This year, spanning from May 27 to June 4, the book fair featured myriad events such as book launches, debates, poetry recitals, discussions and competitions. For example, the programme ‘Children’s Story Writing and Recitation’ provided a competitive atmosphere for children passionate about story writing and recitation. On the other hand, Mandala Publications released the book Prisoner of Kathmandu by Charles Allen while Abhi Subedi, the prolific Nepali poet, playwright, linguist, translator and critic, gave a talk about it.

Packed with stalls from over 40 different publishers, the exhibition hall was abuzz, with people of different ages, religions, and interests looking over the books and conversing with the stall owners.

“It is amazing to see so many people attending the fair,” said GEMS director Santosh Chhetri. “Approximately 30 to 40 thousand people attended this year. The real reason why Nepali students drop out of school is that they do not have the base or affinity for writing and especially, reading. Without a knack for reading, obtaining education becomes a difficult task instead of being fulfilling and illuminating. If we want to upgrade the education system in Nepal, instilling a habit and love of reading is extremely important. This is one of the major goals of books fairs and exhibitions.”

Events as this one can play catalyst to the growth in literature, literacy, awareness and education in Kathmandu.