Footfalls in World Book Fair show winter no deterrent for Delhiites

Held at Pragati Maidan, this time there are more than 1,500 stalls with 800 publishers participating. A huge rush thronged the venue during the day. 

Nidhi Mehrotra, a resident of East Delhi, dropped in at the book fair early with her 9-year-old son Manan. “We wanted to avoid the Sunday rush tomorrow, so decided to come today. Also, we have always been coming on the first day itself because more variety of books are available than the last few days,” Mehtorta said.

Sanjay Kumar who also came in along with his family from west Delhi also voiced similar thoughts. He said: “it becomes very difficult to find books of choice on Sunday. Last year, I couldn’t even enter some of the stalls as they were so crowded. So, I wanted to get the best out of the lot today itself.” 

Like every year, stalls offering children’s book appeared to be a favourite among visitors again this year. The Children’s Pavilion saw variety of short story books, syllabus books, cartoons and colour books as well as stationary products drawing a good crowd. 

“We have been coming every year. Kids love the ambiance,” Ashwini Narwal, a resident of Ghaziabad stated who came with his son and daughter.