About the fair
Started in 1996 by the late Sri Purnedu Mishra and run by a group of women.
A different kind of book fair.
Kalinga Book Fair is a totally different kind of venture taken up exclusively by a group of women, concentrating on books for all age groups.
It was started by the late Sri Purnedu Mishra, speaker, writer and organiser, with lots of hope and dream for the literary world. The exhibition began with the name Sishu Mahotsav, with the dream of building a wonderful children's library in the city.
The fair gathered only 12 stalls in its first year. Today it hosts 200+ stalls from all over India, with a footfall of more than 10 lakh every year.
We are making the best effort to provide the ultimate platform for book lovers, book sellers and academic institutions.
It started with children.
The fair began as a children's festival with the dream of a wonderful children's library for the city. The children's festival is still part of the fair today.
Books for all ages
Children, students, families and collectors find books here.
Reading culture
Bringing readers and books together every year in the capital.
Odia literature
Felicitating writers across novel, short story, poetry, translation and child literature.
Children's festival
Sishu Mahotsav keeps young readers at the centre.
What the fair stands for.
Books for all age groups
From the start the fair has concentrated on books that every age group can enjoy.
Vision and varieties
A theme from an earlier edition: vision and varieties are ways of expression.
Nurturing young readers
Sishu Mahotsav and its prizes encourage children to read and take part.
Honouring Odia writers
Writers are recognised every year across five literary sections.