What Is It?
From slam sessions and open mic nights to workshops and readings, poetry has been slowly gaining a following in the city. That is what led Lakshmi and Subodh Shankar {who run Atta Galatta} to conceptualise Bangalore's first ever festival dedicated to poetry — Bengaluru Poetry Festival. Collaborating with city-based groups like Airplane Poetry Movement, Let Poetry Be and Poetry At The Park, they are all up for encouraging the local community of poets as well. Apart from the highlight of having almost 50 artistes who will be part of the two-day festival, look out for performances, workshops and much more.
Who Is It For?
Ask festival director, Shinie Antony, and she'll tell you "the festival is for those who read, write and breathe poetry". But, even if you aren't too keen on poetry, two days of great poems, engaging workshops and sessions might just convert you.
Why Should I Go For It?
Going by the lineup of artistes which includes the likes of Javed Akhtar, Piyush Mishra, Radha Thomas and Varun Gandhi, there's definitely going to be plenty of beautiful poems to sit back and enjoy. And that's not all. Ever wondered about the craft of translating poems or even setting poetry to music? Well, then, the festival has interactive sessions covering these aspects and more. While poet and playwright, Mamta Sagar will be curating the Kannada poetry section, there are also workshops on topics as diverse as publishing and Hindi poetry. Your little ones also have quite a lot in store; think workshops that explore poetry through national heritage, music or even history.
When: Saturday-Sunday, August 6 and 7
Where: The Leela Palace, 23, Old Airport Rd, ISRO Colony, Domlur
Price: Entry free
Timings: 9.30am - 7.30pm
Contact: +91 9632510126
Find the event on Facebook here.
Check out their website here for the entire schedule.
Feature Photo: Bengaluru Poetry Festival