“The Chennai Book Fair, which is usually held in January, has been postponed to April because of the flood. While some publishers have been affected, many of them depend on the revenue they get at the book fair – about 50 per cent of their cash sales for the year are done here. New books get published just before the book fair and a lot of debts are due to be paid around this time. Further, people are used to buying books around Pongal – it is a habit that has been formed over several years,” said K Nagarajan, publisher of Bharathi Puthakalayam and one of the event organiser.

 

The organisers say 200 stalls have been booked so far and they expect a few more.

 

“Many visitors from various countries come to Chennai around Pongal in time for the book fair. We have had many calls from customers. People like to buy books now and many publishers and booksellers cannot wait till April,” he said. The proceeds from tickets sales will be donated for flood relief,” said R S Shanmugam, of Sri Shenbaga Pathippagam, another organiser.

 

K S Pugazhenthi, general secretary of BAPASI, said the dates of Chennai Book Fair will be announced once the Assembly election schedule is notified. 

 

“Work is on in full swing for Chennai Book Fair and the event promotion will start soon,” he said.