Asim Bando's KOLKATA BLOG

The media exposed with the explosive statement of Guild that the power cut at Kolkata Book Fair this evening at the time of press meet was deliberate as the time of next programme was already up. But the question is, there might be other substitutes to end the said programme. Eminent writers of Kolkata also expressed their views that the awkward situation might be averted. Although the power cut was only for a minute, it was not desired. Later, the eminent ex Pak cricketer Imran Khan delivered a lecture in memory of recently departed cricketer of India - Pataudi. Imran said, Pataudi was his idol. And he learnt how to play test cricket with patience, tolerance and total skill from Pataudi. Imran also said that excessive play of 20-20 cricket is the main cause of failure in test cricket for Indian cricketers. The short over cricket only for entertainment and money but test cricket is the original cricket we should play well. Sharmila Tagore later delivered the thanksgiving

Kolkata Phul Mela or 9th Flower Fair 2012 inaugurated today at Eden Gardens. The fair will remain open till 30 January. -- A. B.

It's winter, and bird fair is here in the city of joy. Crowded bird fair just ended on 24 January at YMCA Hall of Vivekananda Road in north Kolkata where more than hundred exotic birds were exhibited by the courtesy of Calcutta Bird Breeders' & Lovers' Association. Amongst them, some rare species of Macaw and Kakatua were the main attractions of the visitors. A fresh Bird Fair is now running at Santosh Mitra Square in central Kolkata. -- A. B.

Italian journalist, author and columnist Beppe Severgnini inaugurated the 36th Kolkata International Book Fair (Boi Mela) yesterday. The function started with the signature tune written by Anindya Chattopadhyay and Chandril Bhattacharya, composed by Shantanu Moitra and sung by Koushiki Deshikan and Monali Thakur with unique hand-shadow by Amar-Sabyasachi. Then Kolkata Music Academy's orchestra played compositions of Vivaldi. Beppe Severgnini said, the passion of two cities are same, India was the focal theme of 2009 book fair in Italy - and now Italy is the focal theme of 2012 Kolkata Book Fair. A 6-day long literary meet will run from 26th January at the fair. -- A. B.

Inauguration of 36th International Kolkata Book Fair 2012 today at Milan Mela ground in Kolkata. Focal theme of this year's book fair - country Italy. At international level Britain, Vietnam, USA, Indo-Latin American Association, Spain, Turask, Peru, China, Apple Publishing International, Japan, Israil and gigantic Bangladesh pavilions will be there. A 6-day long literary meet would be the main attraction of book fair where eminent writers of national and international fame will discuss about the present status and future of books. Bengali version of Severgnini's La Bella Figura will be released on this occasion. The Bengali version of this book is called Chhokher Aloy Italy. This years book stalls have been reduced to 782 from 842. The event would witness the Guild pay tribute to Swami Vivekananda. A children's pavilion would be dedicated to Sukumar Roy, to mark his 125th birth anniversary. The book fair would be inaugurated by Italian journalist, author and

Fish fair at Keshtopur, Bandel near Kolkata. Various sizes, various species of fishes on sale now to attract prospective customers. -- A. B.

The 3-day long Kolkata Pet Fair 2012 (13-15 January 2012) closed today with much fanfare and joy. It was running at Park Street. So many native and exotic species of birds, animals and fishes exhibited at the fair. -- A. B.

Joydeb-Kenduli Mela running from this auspicious Makar Sankranti for 3 days at the riverbank of Ajoy of Joydeb in Birbhum district of Bengal. A flavour of rural fair alongwith live performance of Bauls are the main attractions of this mela. Many changes occurred in this year's fair - about 40% stalls and 'Aakhra' of Bauls shifted at the sand bank of river Ajoy, so the village may spare some space for day-to-day works. Moreover, the riverbank provided 'moram' road. Increased the number of lavatory and drinking water tube-wells. Lights, securities and administrative amenities provide this year for 7 days in spite of 3 days only. About 500 police personnel including females provided at all the 3 watch towers and 6 police booths in the fair. A details guide map of the mela also being provided this year. As a whole, Joydeb mela is running with changed and enhanced facilities this year.-- A. B.

The 35th Kolkata International Book Fair ended a few minutes ago tonight. USA was the theme of this Book Fair. According to the organiser, about 1.4 million people visited the fair and worth of rupees 14 crore of books sold this year. It is 10% to 12% more than the last year's Book Fair. Therefore, this year's Kolkata Book Fair can be called a grand success. Next Kolkata International Book Fair will be held from 25 January to 8 February, 2012 at the ground of Milan Mela of Kolkata.-- A. B.

-- A. B. Kolkata Book Fair 2011 opened today for the public.

19-22 January 2011 Venue : Eden Garden, Kolkata.