World Poetry Day

Celebrating the Power of Words

Poetry is as old as language itself.Early humans used rhythmic speech, chants, and song-like structures to tell stories, pass down traditions, and invoke the divine. Poetry gives life to the thoughts and resonates with the individual’s feelings. World Poetry Day, celebrated annually on March 21st, established by UNESCO in 1999. The observation acknowledges the unique ability of poetry to capture emotion and preserve linguistic diversity. Poetry has flourished across civilisations for millennia, and many poets have left a lasting impact on world literature. India has a rich and diverse poetic tradition spanning thousands of years, from ancient Sanskrit poets to modern literary icons. Bharata’s Natyashastradefines poetry (kavya) as “word and meaning combined harmoniously.” Throughout history, poets have used their craft to address social issues, protest injustices, and advocate for peace. It has been used as a form of therapy, helping people navigate grief, trauma, and joy. World Poetry Day celebrates individuals with extraordinary talent and the ability to express and put words to the thoughts of many.

Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquillity.
William Wordsworth

Poetry is as old as language itself. Early humans used rhythmic speech, chants, and song-like structures to tell stories, pass down traditions, and invoke the divine. Poetry gives life to the thoughts and resonates with the individual’s feelings. When the poet gives life to the thoughts in the text, it echoes the feeling and joy that emanates. Poetry has been a fundamental aspect of human expression for centuries, perhaps starting when humans expressed themselves orally. It serves as a means of storytelling, emotional expression, and social commentary. Over the period, poetry has continually evolved, reflecting the spirit of different ages and cultures. World Poetry Day, celebrated annually on March 21st, established by UNESCO in 1999. The observation acknowledges the unique ability of poetry to capture emotion and preserve linguistic diversity.  

Poetry has flourished across civilisations for millennia, and many poets have left a lasting impact on world literature. How can one forget Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet? The Romantic Lines of William Wordsworth.

India has a rich and diverse poetic tradition spanning thousands of years, from ancient Sanskrit poets to modern literary icons. Vedas,  a collection of Sanskrit hymns from ancient India. Valmiki, often referred to as “Adi Kavi” (first poet), composed the Ramayana, Vyasa (written Bhagavad Gita), Kalidasa (known for works like Meghaduta, Shakuntala, and Raghuvamsha), Tulsidas (Ramcharitmanas),  Kabir (popular for his dohas (couplets)) and Mirabai (known for her devotional songs dedicated to Lord Krishna). In more recent times, Rabindranath Tagore, famous for Gitanjali, has the privilege of two nations adopting poems written by him (Jana Gana Mana (India’s national anthem) and Amar Sonar Bangla (Bangladesh’s national anthem). Subramania Bharati (a Tamil poet and nationalist), Sarojini Naidu (Known as the “Nightingale of India,” she wrote poetry on themes of nature, patriotism, and love) and Harivansh Rai Bachchan. Guljar and Javed Akhtar are recent poets whose lyrics are on the lips of many.

Ancient Indian scriptures regard poetry as a divine art deeply intertwined with spirituality, philosophy, and aesthetics. The Upanishads use poetic verses to express mystical and philosophical truths. Poetry in India has been seen as a means of preserving wisdom, expressing devotion, and inspiring human emotions. Bharata’s Natyashastradefines poetry (kavya) as “word and meaning combined harmoniously.”

The Bhakti movement (starting around the 6th century CE) produced devotional poetry by saints like Kabir, Mirabai, and Tulsidas, emphasising poetry as a way to connect with the divine.

There are several prestigious awards recognising excellence in poetry worldwide. Nobel Prize in Literature, While not exclusive to poetry, several poets have won, including Rabindranath Tagore. Sahitya Akademi Award for Poetry, given by India’s National Academy of Letters, to outstanding literary works in various Indian languages.

Throughout history, poets have used their craft to address social issues, protest injustices, and advocate for peace. It has been used as a form of therapy, helping people navigate grief, trauma, and joy. Social media platforms allow poets to share their work, engage in discussions, and connect with poetry lovers worldwide.  

World Poetry Day celebrates individuals with extraordinary talent and the ability to express and put words to the thoughts of many.  

Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought, and the thought has found words.
Robert Frost

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