Kumbakonam to Trichy Book Fair 2026 A Slight Disappointment

Kumbakonam to Trichy Book Fair 2026 A Slight Disappointment

On 14th February, we traveled from Kumbakonam to attend the Trichy Book Fair. Unfortunately, the experience was slightly disappointing.

 

Location Confusion : 

First, we mistakenly followed the official Instagram page for location details. The page mentioned a school name, but when we searched it on Google, multiple schools appeared in Trichy.

Local people might easily find the correct venue, but for outsiders, it is definitely confusing and difficult.

If the organizers had provided a direct Google Maps link or QR code in their Instagram post, it would have been much easier for visitors.

This is not entirely their mistake — we also should have verified more carefully — but clear navigation details would help everyone.

Arrangement & Setup Issues

When we entered on the first day, the environment did not feel fully ready. Some work was still ongoing.

Inside the fair, the number of publications was limited. We heard that two or three book fairs were happening simultaneously in Tamil Nadu, which might be the reason for fewer publishers participating here.

In total, there were only around 130 stalls.

There were also very few newly launched books. The collection felt limited.

Cleanliness & Facilities – Major Concern

The most disappointing part was the basic facilities.

• The movable bathrooms were not clean and were very dirty.

• There was no proper drinking water facility inside the tent.

• When visitors tried to use the school’s official restrooms, they were not allowed.

Even school students visiting the book fair were using the same unclean bathrooms. Both men's and women's restrooms were in poor condition.

Although the book fair started on the announced date, the arrangements clearly felt incomplete and poorly managed.

This was truly disturbing.

Each Publication Given 10% Discount.

Our Book Purchases

We purchased only three books:

• Kolayudhir Kaalam

• யூதாஸின் நற்செய்தி (Yudhasin Narseithi)

• தேவதையின் மச்சங்கள் கருநீலம்

My personal Opinion :

 
But for readers from other cities, I do not recommend traveling specifically for this fair.

Overall, this book fair is not worth traveling from another city.

If you are a local Trichy resident, you can visit casually.

We missed the 2026 Chennai Book Fair, so we decided to visit Trichy. We are also planning to attend the Madurai Book Fair and are expecting the Thanjavur Book Fair announcement this year (it was not announced in 2025 as expected).

Hopefully, upcoming book fairs will be better organized.