Kolkata, September 22, 2025 — On the sacred morning of Mahalaya, Kolkata once again proved why it remains the creative soul of Bengal. The city bustled with energy, anticipation, and cultural pride as Oikkyotan, an emerging publishing house, hosted a remarkable literary festival that brought together writers, poets, and readers from every corner of Kolkata. This was not just any book launch — it was an event that celebrated the past, present, and exciting future of Bengali literature.
Mahalaya and Kolkata: A Perfect Harmony of Culture and Literature
Mahalaya marks the beginning of Devi Paksha and ushers in the Durga Puja festivities in Bengal. In Kolkata, Mahalaya is celebrated with iconic Chandi recitations, early morning rituals, and now, thanks to Oikkyotan, a grand celebration of the written word. This year, Oikkyotan’s event stood out for its scale — with the launch of 28 new books, a testimony to the city’s thriving literary movement.
An Evening of Literary Splendor
The event began with great enthusiasm at a central Kolkata venue, decorated with festive colours and the evocative white blooms of kash flowers. Nearly 200 literature enthusiasts gathered for an evening of poetry, reflection, and community.
Highlights of the event included:
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Grand launch of 28 new Bengali books
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Poetry recitation session by acclaimed and emerging poets
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Felicitation ceremony honouring leading contributors to Bengali literature
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Inspiring keynote speeches by distinguished guests
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Vibrant interaction between writers, readers, and publishers
Oikkyotan’s initiative is both a tribute to timeless Bengali literary traditions and a platform for fresh, modern voices to shine.
Honouring Literary Luminaries and Emerging Voices
The Guest of Honour, celebrated poet and researcher Sudip Chandra Halder, was welcomed with a traditional uttoriyo and presented with the Sharad Samman — a recognition of his outstanding contributions to Bengali literature. His keynote speech reminded everyone why Mahalaya is not just about religion but about Kolkata’s vibrant cultural tapestry:
He urged young writers to take up the mantle of preserving and evolving Bengal’s literary legacy, cautioning that while technology offers immense possibilities, it’s vital not to lose the essence of literature in a digital world.
Special guests Professor Tabarak Ali and Poet Sultana Parveen echoed that sentiment. Professor Ali expressed joy at seeing so many young people passionate about literature in a high-tech era. Poet Parveen, emotionally moved, praised the dedication and creativity of the city’s next generation of writers.
Celebrating Bengali Literature’s Present and Future
The launch of 28 new books highlighted the unwavering pulse of Bengali literary creativity. The event provided a platform for voices like Riyali Basu, Nilima Mondal, Soumi Sarkar, Debasish Roy, Moumita Guria, Biprokash Das, and others, whose works are shaping Kolkata’s dynamic literary landscape.
Key points for attendees and readers:
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Oikkyotan’s curated collection features both poetry and prose
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Young writers presented new works reflecting contemporary Bengali life
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Senior writers mentored and encouraged the new generation
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The evening ended with warm conversations and the promise of future collaborations
A City That Still Thrives on Literature
Kolkata’s identity as a literary capital shines brightest during festivals like Mahalaya. Oikkyotan’s event seamlessly blended tradition with modern creativity, underscoring how literature is both heritage and ever-renewing inspiration in Bengal’s cultural heart.
Sangbad Sahu, head of Oikkyotan, closed the event with a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the supporters, writers, and readers who fuel Kolkata’s unique literary spirit.
Conclusion: Why Mahalaya Matters for Bengali Literary Culture
The Mahalaya 2025 book launch was more than a publishing event; it was a celebration of Kolkata’s literary heartbeat. Through Oikkyotan’s bold efforts, 28 new books and a gathering of writers and readers sent a powerful message: Bengali literature is evolving, alive, and ready for a new era.
As Kolkata welcomes the goddess Durga this season, it also embraces new literary voices and ideas, proving once more why it stands tall as a beacon of culture and creativity in India.
This event demonstrates the timeless value of literature — connecting people, shaping thought, and strengthening the cultural foundation for generations to come.
