Dasara Pustaka Mela venue likely to be changed this year

Mysuru: With Dasara round the corner, book lovers are in for a bumper offer with the Dasara Books Mela (Dasara Pustaka Mela) offering to sell a whole range of books at a discounted price.

The Dasara Books Mela, which had lost its sheen due to COVID for the past couple of years, is now regaining its popularity with the display and sale of a variety of books on almost all subjects. One of the attractions this year is a selfie with noted littérateurs at designated selfie spots at the venue and playing of melodious music. This apart, there will be cultural programmes in the evenings in order to attract all sections of the readers, especially the youths.

The Dasara Books Mela this year is likely to have 50-60 stalls and the authorities have started contacting the publishers and printers well in advance, according to Kannada Book Authority Administrative Officer Kiran Singh.

Pointing out that the Books Mela was held at the Oval Grounds last year and at the CADA office premises on Sayyaji Rao Road in the previous years, Kiran Singh said that this year it has been planned to hold it at a more spacious different location. As such, the venue of the Mela is likely to be changed this year, he said.

Stating that books will be sold at a discount of 15 to 25 percent, he said that the publishers have been asked to also consider giving a special discount on books published more than five years ago. Publishers have also been told to accept online payments  for sale of books, he added.