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In Dergaon, a significant event took place on November 15. The foundation for the upcoming Golaghat Book Fair and Literary Festival was set. This exciting event is scheduled from November 29 to December 6 at the Golaghat Samannay Kshetra. A large crowd witnessed the installation of the laikhuta, a traditional ceremonial pillar, marking the beginning of the fair's preparations.
Khumtai MLA Mrinal Saikia played a key role in the ceremony. He expressed confidence that the book fair would be a great success as people from the place will be involved in the event. Mr. Saikia emphasized the importance of maintaining the true essence of a book fair. He advised the organizers to focus more on books and less on commercial stalls.
The event started with a warm welcome for Saikia, featuring traditional gayan-bayan performances. The function also saw the presence of the District Commissioner (in-charge), Damodar Barman, as the chief guest. The program was efficiently managed by Diganta Kumar Bhuyan, the President of the organizing committee. Dwipen Dutta, heading the Paschim Golaghat branch of Asam Sahitya Sabha, chaired the function.
The book fair is a collaborative effort. It's being organized by the Paschim Golaghat branch of the Asam Sahitya Sabha, along with the Assam Publishers and Book Sellers’ Association, the Golaghat district administration, and other groups.
A highlight of the inaugural day on November 29 will be a performance by 5,000 children. They will present a famous song, "Pohar bisari jau," composed by Seuj Konwar Poragdhar Chaliha. There's a buzz that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma might inaugurate the fair.
The book fair isn't just about books. It will include a variety of activities like competitions, discussions, literary programs, and special felicitations. There's also a 'sahitya adda', exhibitions, and more. In a significant move, the Braille version of Hemkosh will be available for visitors. Additionally, a model of the NRL's bio-refinery will be displayed.
Special days like 'Narir Din', 'Shishur Din', and 'Sukapha Divas' will be observed during the fair. However, in keeping with its focus on literature, only book stalls will be set up, with no room for other commercial stalls.
Book publishers from across Assam and even from Kolkata, Delhi, and Haryana are expected to participate. This fair is shaping up to be a major event for book lovers and the culturally inclined.
