Ekushey Boi Mela 2026: How to buy books you will actually read

Although later than usual, the Ekushey Boi Mela is back. For many of us, visiting the fair is a yearly ritual marked by excitement, memories, and the joy of discovering new reads. We make wish lists, follow new releases, and look forward to exploring the stalls.

This year, however, the fair coincides with Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr -- a period when household expenses naturally increase. Many families will be spending a large part of their budgets on Eid shopping, travel, food, and other essentials. On top of that, avid readers will likely also set aside money for special Eid publications from national newspapers.

With so many expenses at once, the money available for books this year may be limited. This makes careful planning more important than ever. Thoughtful choices will help you enjoy the Boi Mela without stress and ensure that every book you buy is truly meaningful and worth keeping.

Here are some simple but important things to keep in mind.

1) Don’t buy a book just because it’s popular

Every year, a few titles dominate conversations -- trending on social media, displayed prominently at major stalls, and carried by readers across the fair. This visibility can create a quiet pressure to pick up the same books, even if they don’t truly interest you.

Before buying, take a moment to pause. Read a few lines from the opening pages or a passage from the middle. Notice the tone, subject, and style. Ask yourself honestly: Does this book genuinely appeal to me, or am I just following the hype? Choosing books that truly interest you will make the reading experience far more satisfying.

2) Buy books you will read soon

It’s easy to buy books with the comforting thought that you will read them “someday.” More often than not, these books end up untouched for years, as the initial excitement fades and they quietly gather dust.

Instead, focus on your current interests and reading habits. What subjects or genres are you genuinely curious about right now? Which books are you likely to pick up in the next few weeks? Choosing for your present self -- rather than an imagined future reader -- greatly increases the chances that the book will actually be read and enjoyed.

3) Support your favourite writers, but wisely

Seeing a beloved author or their new release can spark a strong urge to buy everything they’ve published. Supporting writers is important, especially in a literary ecosystem that relies on readers’ engagement.

However, meaningful support doesn’t mean buying multiple titles at once. Choosing one book that genuinely interests you, reading it carefully, and recommending it to others can have a deeper, longer-lasting impact. Thoughtful support benefits both the author and your own reading experience.

4) Check the quality of the book

Books released for the fair are sometimes produced under tight deadlines, which can affect their editing, printing, or binding. Since books are meant to last, it’s worth taking a few moments to examine them carefully.

Hold the book, flip through several pages, and check the clarity of the text and the sturdiness of the binding. A well-made book not only lasts longer but also makes reading more enjoyable. Investing in quality is often wiser than buying several poorly produced volumes.

5) Decide your budget before you go

The festive atmosphere of the fair -- the crowds, the lights, and the endless rows of books -- can make it very easy to overspend. One unplanned purchase often leads to another, and soon your total goes beyond what you intended.

Before entering the Boi Mela, set a clear spending limit that feels comfortable. Keeping track of your expenses will help you enjoy the experience fully, without the stress or regret of overspending.

6) Mix fun reading with thoughtful reading

Reading for pleasure is important, and there’s nothing wrong with picking books purely for entertainment. At the same time, the fair is a great opportunity to discover works that broaden your knowledge, challenge your perspective, or introduce you to new ideas.

Try to create a balanced selection -- perhaps a novel for relaxation alongside a nonfiction that deepens your understanding. This mix keeps reading both enjoyable and intellectually rewarding.

7) Consider buying books as gifts

This year, since many people will be returning to their hometowns for Eid a few days or weeks after visiting the book fair, buying books as Eid gifts for loved ones can be a thoughtful idea, especially for the little ones in the family, who may discover the joy of reading through such presents.

A shared book often brings more joy than one kept solely for personal use. Books also tend to circulate beyond their original owner, reaching multiple readers over time. In this way, a single purchase can help nurture a broader culture of reading.

8) Remember why Ekushey Boi Mela matters

Amar Ekushey Boi Mela is more than just a fair; it is deeply connected to language, history, and cultural identity. Visiting the fair is a way of taking part in a tradition that celebrates literature and intellectual life.

Choosing books thoughtfully honours that deeper significance. The true value of the fair lies not in the number of books you carry home, but in the ideas, stories, and insights that stay with you long after the event ends.