Chennai Book Fair 2026: The Chennai Book Fair 2026 is gearing up to be one of India’s biggest literary festivals, bringing together readers, students, publishers, authors and global literary professionals. This year features two major events — the 49th Chennai Book Fair (BAPASI) for the general public, and the 4th Chennai International Book Fair (CIBF) for global publishers and trade visitors. Whether you’re a book lover or a publishing professional, this guide covers everything you need to know: dates, tickets, stalls, registration, and what to expect at both fairs.
49th Chennai Book Fair (BAPASI) Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | 49th Chennai Book Fair 2026 (BAPASI) |
| Organiser | BAPASI – Booksellers’ and Publishers’ Association of South India |
| Location / Venue | YMCA Ground, Nandanam, Chennai |
| Dates | January 2026 (Exact dates to be announced) |
| Entry Fee | Usually ₹10–₹20 (Expected similar in 2026) |
| Timings | 11 AM to 9 PM (expected schedule) |
| Total Stalls | Expected 1,000+ stalls |
| Main Attractions | Book stalls, author meet-ups, children’s zone, workshops, literary sessions |
| Special Programs | Book releases, cultural events, award ceremonies |
| Organiser Website | bapasi.com |
Stalls & Visitor Turnout
The fair is expected to feature around 900–1000 stalls, similar to last year.
In 2025, the fair recorded:
- Over 20 lakh visitors
- Nearly ₹20 crore in book sales
The 2026 edition aims for even higher footfall, with special sections for children, competitive exams, Tamil literature, and new releases.
Daily Events & Cultural Programs
Visitors can enjoy:
- Author talks and interactions
- Literary discussions
- Celebrity sessions
- Poetry and storytelling events
- Cultural shows
- Reading-awareness programs
These events help promote reading among all age groups.
Chennai Book Fair 2026 Tickets & Pricing (BAPASI)
| Ticket Type | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Day Pass | One-day entry + 10% discount on books | ₹10 |
| Season Pass (All Days) | Entry for all 13 days + 10% discount | ₹100 |
| Student Entry | Free entry for students with valid ID | Free |
Ticket site
- Offline: Counters at the venue
The season pass offers maximum value for frequent visitors.
What to Expect at BAPASI Book Fair 2026
Wide Range of Books
- Tamil and English literature
- Children’s books
- Academic and competitive exam guides
- Science and technology books
- Regional and international titles
Special Sections
- Children’s activity zones
- New book releases
- Rare book collections
- Dedicated publisher displays
Visitor Facilities
- Food court
- Seating and rest areas
- Drinking water
- Parking spaces
- Wheelchair-friendly pathways
Better Crowd Management
Expect improved stall layout and smoother navigation.
Venue
4th Chennai International Book Fair (CIBF) 2026
Dates
January 16 – January 18, 2026 (3 days)
Venue
Kalaivanar Arangam, Chennai
Purpose of CIBF
The event is designed to promote:
- Publishing trade
- Rights exchange
- Global book deals
- Translation partnerships
- International cultural exchange
It is one of India’s fastest-growing B2B publishing fairs.
Highlights of CIBF 2026
- Participation from more than 100 countries
- Frankfurt Book Fair as Guest of Honour
- International publishing conferences
- Sessions on illustration, translation, and design
- Workshops by Bologna Children’s Book Fair
- Turkey’s TEDA translation grant seminar
- Iranian-led illustrated textbook workshops
- A dedicated Illustrator Wall showcasing Tamil artists
CIBF Registration & Entry
For the first time, CIBF will be open to the public. Entry is:
- Free of cost
- Based on online registration
- Open for trade visitors, students, and general readers
Registration details will be available on official CIBF and TN government portals.
BAPASI vs CIBF 2026
| Feature | BAPASI Book Fair | CIBF 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Audience | Public readers | Publishers, agents, trade professionals |
| Dates | Jan 7–19, 2026 | Jan 16–18, 2026 |
| Venue | YMCA Ground | Kalaivanar Arangam |
| Entry Fee | ₹10 / ₹100 | Free |
| Focus | Books, reading, stalls | Rights, publishing trade, global exchange |
| Events | Cultural & author sessions | Workshops & international conferences |
How to Attend
For BAPASI Book Fair
- Visit bapasi.com
- Choose your preferred pass
- Complete payment
- Show the e-pass at the gate
For CIBF
- Visit the official registration link
- Fill in your details
- Receive your digital entry badge
- Show the QR code at the venue
Food, Travel & Accessibility
Travel Options
- Metro: Nandanam Metro Station (walkable to YMCA Ground)
- Buses: Regular MTC connectivity
- Parking: Available at venue
- Ride-share: Uber, Ola, autos easily available
Food
Expect South Indian meals, snacks, beverages, and children-friendly food options at the venue’s food courts.
Why Visit the Chennai Book Fair 2026
- One of South India’s largest book festivals
- Huge discounts on books
- Perfect for students, families, teachers, and book lovers
- Strong support for Tamil literature and authors
- International exposure through CIBF sessions
- Chance to explore new genres and rare collections
The 2026 edition promises a richer cultural and literary experience.
FAQs
1. When will the 49th Chennai Book Fair 2026 take place?
The fair is expected to happen in January 2026. BAPASI will officially announce the exact dates closer to the event.
2. Where is the Chennai Book Fair 2026 happening?
The event will be held at the YMCA Ground, Nandanam, Chennai, which has been the traditional venue for many years.
3. What is the entry fee for the book fair?
The entry fee is usually ₹10–₹20 per person. The 2026 fair is expected to follow similar pricing.
4. What are the timings of the fair?
The fair generally operates from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day during the event period.
5. How many stalls will be there in the 2026 fair?
Visitors can expect 1,000+ stalls featuring Tamil, English, and multilingual publishers.
6. Is the Chennai Book Fair suitable for children?
Yes. There is a dedicated children’s book zone, activity area, and storytelling sessions.
7. Can I buy books online from the fair?
Many publishers now support online ordering. However, the full fair experience—including discounts—is best enjoyed onsite.
8. Are food stalls available inside the venue?
Yes, BAPASI typically provides a food court with multiple food stalls and refreshments.
9. Is parking available at YMCA Ground?
Limited parking is available. Visitors are encouraged to use public transport or cab services during peak hours.
10. Do publishers offer discounts at the fair?
Yes, most stalls offer 10%–50% discounts, and some give special fair-only offers.
11. Is there free entry for students?
Some years include special student days with free or discounted entry. Details for 2026 will be announced by BAPASI.
12. Are author interactions or events part of the fair?
Yes, the fair hosts author meet-ups, panel discussions, workshops, cultural programs, and book launches.
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