Calcutta is a strange place.People here like to make castles in the air,all the time.At every street corner young men are found discussing threadbare matters that are none of their sweet business.People like to appear wise,some actually are.And to be truly wise you need to read a great quantity of books.And what better place to purchase useful books than the famed Book Fair.Held every year on the Maidan between Republic day and 15th February its a fiesta of books,idle gossip and useless socializing.Very few people visit the book fair to buy books.A large majority is present to show off fashionable clothes,eat junk food and engage in all kinds of posturing.A theme is chosen every year.But no one seems to be bothered.People from all over the city and beyond visit the fair like a ritual.As the title suggests its like an infectious disease.If your neighbour has visited,you must too.But this is so far as the attendance is concerned.From the publisher’s point of view its a great opportunity to exhibit his goods-chiefly books,CDs and their like.The serious buyer faces a great problem-there is so much to buy.The book fair is a massive platform for the so-called little magazines-publications that are supported by moderate and meagre budgets.The 31st Book fair was really no exception.It was a godsent opportunity to talk shop with friends,to eat street food and perhaps meet beautiful girls.But that as they say is another story.