Chennai Book Fair 2027 (50th Edition): Dates, Venue & Tips
The 50th Chennai Book Fair is scheduled for 7–19 January 2027 at the YMCA Grounds in Nandanam, according to the organiser, the Booksellers and Publishers Association of South India (BAPASI), which unveiled the golden-jubilee logo in late September 2026. It is the largest book fair in South India and the biggest annual event for Tamil publishing. The fair began in December 1977 with 22 stalls at a school on Anna Salai and has been at the YMCA Grounds since 2013, except in 2016. The 49th edition, from 8 to 21 January 2026, had more than 1,000 stalls. Expect long aisles of Tamil and English publishers, children's and educational books, religious and regional-language stalls, and discounts at most counters; an open-air stage hosts speeches, debates and author sessions each evening, and a food court runs alongside. Daily timings and the entry fee for 2027 had not been published when this page was last updated; in past years the fair has charged a small entry fee and stayed open until about 8:30 pm. Nandanam metro station is a short walk from the gate. This page lists the fair, book launches, author talks and literary events around it.
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Good to know
- Go on a weekday afternoon. Weekends and the Pongal holidays (14–17 January) are the most crowded days.
- Take the Blue Line to Nandanam. Parking on Anna Salai is very limited and the ground's car park fills early.
- Carry a tote bag and some cash. Most stalls take UPI, but the network inside the ground can be slow at peak hours.
- Publishers' own stalls usually discount their titles; ask at the counter, and compare before buying from a general bookseller.
- The ground is open and dusty. Wear closed shoes, and carry an umbrella in case of a late shower.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Chennai Book Fair 2027?
The 50th Chennai Book Fair is scheduled for 7–19 January 2027, according to BAPASI's announcement in September 2026.
Where is the Chennai Book Fair held?
At the YMCA Grounds (YMCA College of Physical Education) on Anna Salai, Nandanam. Nandanam metro station on the Blue Line is the nearest.
What are the timings and entry fee?
The 2027 timings and entry fee had not been published at the time of writing. In past years the fair has charged a small entry fee and stayed open into the evening; check BAPASI's announcement before you go.
How big is the fair?
The 49th edition in January 2026 had more than 1,000 stalls. The first fair, in 1977, had 22.
Who organises it?
The Booksellers and Publishers Association of South India (BAPASI), which has run the fair since 1977.
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