Harry Potter in Calcutta

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Harry Potter in Calcutta is 2003 Indian children's fantasy novel written by Uttam Ghosh and published by Nandita Publishers. An unofficial book that features the famous character Harry Potter in a new setting, Calcutta (Kolkata), India. The book was created to fill the gap between the official releases of J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, particularly during the long wait for the fifth book, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. The story incorporates various elements from Bengali literature and culture, making it relatable for Bengali children. However, the book, along with an unauthorized Bengali translation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, was withdrawn from sale in India following legal action by J.K. Rowling's lawyers, who demanded the cessation of sales and an apology from the publishers for unauthorized use of the Harry Potter name.^[1][2][3]

The novel begins with Harry Potter traveling to Calcutta on his Nimbus 2000 broomstick at the invitation of a local boy named Junto. Upon arrival, Harry and Junto embark on various adventures throughout the city, encountering numerous characters from Bengali literature. These interactions lead them into a series of scrapes and challenges, blending the magical world of Harry Potter with the rich cultural and literary heritage of Bengal. The narrative was crafted to resonate with Bengali children by incorporating familiar local elements into Harry's adventures.

The publication of Harry Potter in Calcutta faced significant legal challenges. J. K. Rowling's lawyers demanded the withdrawal of the book from the market, citing unauthorized use of the Harry Potter name and characters, which violated international copyright laws. The book, along with an illegal Bengali translation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, was pulled from sale in India. The legal action was part of a broader campaign by Rowling and her publishers to protect the Harry Potter brand from unauthorized adaptations and imitations worldwide. This campaign has led to the cessation of several unauthorized versions of Harry Potter books in various countries, ensuring that Rowling's exclusive rights to the characters and stories are upheld.

Harry Potter in Calcutta received mixed reactions from the public and critics. The book was popular among Bengali children and readers who appreciated the incorporation of local cultural elements into the Harry Potter narrative. It sold several thousand copies before being withdrawn from the market.

• Legal disputes over the Harry Potter series#International publications