The Bengaluru Poetry Festival is set to return for its eighth edition, promising another immersive journey into the world of words, music, and artistic expression. Presented by the well-known cultural hub, Atta Galatta, this two-day celebration will break beyond traditional language confines, offering a diverse blend of poetry performances, music-poetry explorations, immersive workshops, and a dedicated storytelling festival for children.
Spanning seven previous years, the festival has become a significant event on India’s cultural calendar, with over 450 poets from various regions gracing its stages, reflecting the rich tapestry of India’s literary diversity. This year’s lineup continues this tradition, featuring over 50 poets, artists, and musicians ready to share their talents with an eager audience.
One of the much-anticipated highlights includes an engaging conversation with renowned music maverick Shankar Mahadevan, known for his innovative blend of classical and contemporary music. The event will also host a unique interpretation of poetry through dance, presented by the Bendre Project. This intricate dance performance will offer a new lens through which to appreciate the poetic works of Kannada lyric poet Da Ra Bendre, brought to life through the art of Bharatnatyam.
Subodh Shankar, the co-founder of the Bengaluru Poetry Festival and Atta Galatta, shared his vision for this year’s event. “This year, we aim to explore poetry through the eyes of singers, songwriters, musicians, and lyricists,” he stated, emphasizing the festival’s broader artistic scope. He added, “We will see poetry intertwined with other art forms, particularly in showcasing the life and works of Da Ra Bendre through a Bharatnatyam dance performance by the Bendre Project.”
Adding to the festival’s intellectual offerings, Sadhana Rao, a research-led writer, and art curator, will delve into the academic study of music’s poetic dimensions. She will explore the ethos of poetry embedded in Hindi film songs, providing attendees with a deeper understanding of the lyrical mastery involved in Bollywood’s musical creations.
Another notable session will be moderated by Preeti Das, a storyteller, theatre person, and stand-up comic. She will lead a discussion with Gujarati singer and poet Saumya Joshi. Joshi gained considerable attention last year with his song “Khalasi,” which sparked significant discussion on social media.
. “He is the reason many of us entered the world of theatre. As a contemporary poet and lyricist, he has been a major voice in addressing a wide range of issues from gender to caste politics in the theatre space,” said Preeti. Notably, Joshi contributed as a writer and lyricist to the national award-winning Gujarati film, Hellaro, which portrays garba dance as a form of rebellion.
The festival isn’t just for adults; it also hosts a parallel Children’s Festival. Subodh emphasized the importance of involving young generations, “Each time we organize a festival, we ensure there are numerous programs for children. Investing in today’s children is crucial as they are the poets, writers, and audience of tomorrow,” he explained. Preeti will also perform at the Children’s Fest, where she will narrate the story of “The Khalasi who Ate Khakra,” a tale of a sailor’s love for khakras. “Through this story, I aim to celebrate the idea of leftovers or recycled foods that have become comfort food, often associated with our grandmothers’ kitchens,” Preeti shared. Her storytelling will be a multi-sensory experience complete with khakras for the kids, aiming to engage their senses wholly.
Among other engaging sessions, author, and illustrator Vaishnavi Giri will present a session titled “Into the Wild,” which highlights the fragile ecosystem of the Sunderbans. “India’s segmented forests each have their own unique importance. The Sunderbans, often overlooked in children’s literature compared to the deserts of Rajasthan or Gujarat, is a vital ecological region,” said Vaishnavi. She continued, “Preventing major floods and housing the world’s most extensive mangrove forest, the Sunderbans’ unique ecosystem—home to the majestic Bengal tiger—offers a fascinating narrative for young minds.”
As the festival approaches, the excitement grows for what promises to be a thought-provoking and inspiring experience, celebrating the profound art forms of poetry, music, and storytelling. The Bengaluru Poetry Festival 2024 is not just a meeting of words and melodies but a rich interplay of cultural expression and artistic endeavors, inviting participants of all ages to immerse themselves in its vibrant offerings.
