A stadium full of books and an inaugural without the guest

At 4 p.m. on Friday, the inaugural day of the 38th Hyderabad Book Fair being organised at NTR Stadium here, opposite Dharna Chowk and near Indira Park, the announcer had a clear message: “Please remove your vehicles from the entrance, or the police will take care of them. We are not responsible.”

The chief guest from the State government was to inaugurate the grand event much earlier, but the bright winter sun had already brought several hundred visitors, if not thousands, and it was self-inaugurated. The parking area was nearly full and swelling towards the entrance.

The popular stadium, a favourite for local cricket where several teams often play, was transformed into a compound of white tents and green carpets housing several thousand books. The premises were named Ande Sri Praanganam, after the popular lyricist and poet.

While stall organisers continued unpacking boxes of books and workers spread out the green nylon-wool carpet, it became obvious that the fair offered something for every reader.

The first stalls, beginning at the extreme left, start with the State Library’s treasure: rare books, manuscripts, maps, documents such as education under Asaf Jahi, pictorial guides, and Braille scripts. Hyderabad-based publisher Emesco has spread out its stalls organised category-wise. There is a range of children’s book publishers. Attractive stalls include those offering handwriting and calligraphy, maps, boards and stationery, T-shirts themed on languages, magnetic bookmarks, and vast lists of fiction, self-help, and math books for children, besides free guided meditation. A dedicated stall for writers and independents is a special feature.

At the centre of the venue is a dais for guests, book releases, and brief cultural performances.

Around 7 p.m., the dais was occupied by Minister for Culture Jupally Krishna Rao, other leaders and members of the fair committee. Mr. Rao, speaking on education and books, said every youth must help their parents read and write. He added that all gram panchayats, with instructions to be issued soon from the respective department, will have a library facility.

Along the compound before the entry to Praanganam is a set of food stalls offering a quick bite.

The fair is open till December 29, from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. every day.