Delhi's Sunday book market thrives on popular demand

A narrow road stretching about 1.5 kilometres swarms with people of all ages.

Derelict buildings peer down from either side with crowds jostling and cycle-rickshaws snaking their way through inching traffic.

That's Sunday book market at Daryaganj in Old Delhi spilling with books of all subjects and hues.

The more than three decades-old market is the only source of income for many of its 200 pavement booksellers.

Not all books sold here are second-hand, but they are cheaper here. Old Delhi may be the last place you think of driving down to for a browsing-buying trip, but some books, which are difficult to find in usual bookstores, are easily available.

Youngsters comprise the majority who visit Daryaganj to buy books, whether it is students preparing for MBA entrance, architecture students, or literature students.

Sellers have also started stocking competitive exams and guide books as they are much in demand.

A group of architecture students look for journals and magazines on design and planning, which they consider are very expensive at regular bookstores.

"I am an architecture student and have to consult several journals. However, I cannot afford to buy brand new books all the time, so I regularly come here to buy books. These are sometimes worn out and have no covers, but they are of immense help," said a young customer, Avinash Gupta.

Customers are sometimes surprised to find the latest bestsellers sold at lower prices than at usual bookstores in the city.

Says Miyan Noor-e-Ilahi, the oldest person doing business on the pavement, "I buy these bestsellers directly from the company and sell them with a lower profit margin than any other bookstore. The books are not inherently cheaper. But I share my profit with my customers."

Several regular book enthusiasts seeking value for their money make a beeline for Ilahi's books.

"They come to me with the belief that the selection here is good. And I make sure I buy the books that the customer would like and can also afford," Ilahi said.

The source of these books is generally publishers who are unable to sell the old editions. They sell them to these pavement booksellers at cheaper prices.

According to a bookseller, Nitin Sharma, "Many foreigners buy books from here and since they do not wish to carry them after reading, the books are either exchanged or resold at much lesser price. Also, customers with old books lying at home sell them to us."

Says Subhash Chandra Agarwal, President, Sunday Book Bazaar Patri Welfare Association, "The book market is a much-visited place in the capital thriving on popular demand. But it needed some kind of linguistic classification as well as an exchange zone."

He admitted that the place needed to be a little more organised. And plans were afoot to setting up permanent stalls for booksellers.