January 7, 2026 — The 44th edition of the Agartala Book Fair, currently underway at the Hapania International Fair Ground, is struggling to find its rhythm as a severe cold wave keeps bibliophiles indoors. What was intended to be a vibrant literary celebration has turned into a quiet affair, leaving publishers and stall owners grappling with record-low footfall and mounting frustration.
Weather vs. Literature
While the state government advanced the fair to early January to avoid a clash with school examinations, the decision appears to have backfired. The biting winter chill has become a formidable deterrent for families and students alike. Even the diverse cultural lineup—featuring poetry recitations, debates, and musical performances—has failed to draw the usual crowds, with many venues remaining largely vacant during peak evening hours.
The Struggles of the Clock
Publishers from both Tripura and Kolkata are vocal about their dissatisfaction, specifically targeting the current operational hours.
- The 1 PM Start: Stall owners argue that the early opening is unproductive, noting that visitors rarely arrive before 3:30 PM.
- The 9 PM Finish: By 7:30 PM, the fairground begins to empty as temperatures drop further. By 8 PM, the premises are virtually deserted.
“There is no logic in keeping the stalls open until 9 PM when the grounds are empty by 8,” stated one prominent publisher. “We are sitting in the cold for hours with no customers to serve.”
Current Trends at Hapania
On Tuesday, the fifth day of the fair, a slight surge in visitors was observed around 6:30 PM. However, in a disappointing trend for the literary community, the majority of the crowd was seen gravitating toward the food court rather than the book stalls.
In response to these conditions, a large section of the publishing community has formally demanded that the fair’s closing time be moved up to 8:00 PM to account for the weather and the safety of the staff.
As the cold wave persists, the organizers face a difficult choice: stick to the schedule or adapt to the reality of a winter-chilled Agartala.
