On a balmy evening in Koramangala, a cocker spaniel named Zac circles between poetry lovers debating poets as diverse as Sylvia Plath and Mary Oliver, over snacks and Sulaimani tea. Across Bengaluru, similar gatherings are fuelling a quiet poetry renaissance. From intimate reading circles to larger communities, poetry collectives are offering residents a rare connection in an increasingly fragmented world.Bengaluru’s poetry scene is experiencing a significant resurgence, with numerous communities being alive, driven by social media. As the world gets faster, more capitalist, and inhuman, and with the advent and acceleration of AI, people are turning towards poetry to reconnect with others as well as themselves, notes Namratha Varadharajan of Alt_Poetry. “They are using poetry as a medium to make meaning from the chaos all around,” she says.For many participants, these gatherings offer something increasingly rare: the freedom to share unfinished work, exchange feedback and discuss literature without the pressure of competition. Finding Purpose Through Mary Oliver Amid the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Shilpi, a STEM educator from Whitefield, often finds herself returning to Oliver’s celebrated lines: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”The 40-year-old, who is a poet, regularly attends poetry gatherings such as Bangalore Poetry Circle and Ekta’s Gatherings and open mics across the city. “It’s not about competing or proving who’s a better writer. It’s about listening, learning from each other and encouraging one another,” she says.Dog As A Group Mascot Poetry with Zac provides a safe space for shy writers to find their voice, fostering creative expression and discussions on English poetry.Nearly a decade old, it offers participants not just discussions on verse but also the company of its beloved mascot, a cocker spaniel named Zac. Discussing his dog, poet Pramod Shankar, who hosts these meetings, says: “I usually say I’m his human rather than saying he is my Cocker Spaniel.”Meetings begin around sunset, with books stacked on tables, and tea in mugs, as participants take turns reading poems that have moved them. Zac wanders through discussions and has become something of a celebrity among regular attendees.Abhishek Ghosh, an attendee, says Zac is so much fu Poetry with Zac provides a n to be around, and the host’s huge poetry collection is an added attraction. “I love the vibe of the place. Members can read from a pile on the table,” he says. Making Events Inclusive & Affordable While Poetry with Zac thrives on intimate conversations among a handful of regulars, larger collectives are taking poetry to wider audiences across the city.Poet Rashi Tibrewal, who is an assistant professor, believes the appeal of such groups extends beyond literature. “These communities cater to our inherent need for belonging,” she says. “A lot of it comes from familiarity.”Until recently, there were few spaces where Bengalureans could gather to read, discuss and debate poetry, notes Varadharajan, whose collection of poems, ‘On Cultivating Loudspeakers and Quilts,’ will be published later this year. Hosting over 16 free events over the past year, Alt_Poetry, the collective she is part of, has become a vital platform for city poets and enthusiasts.Rajani Radhakrishnan says Alt_Poetry hosts two monthly sessions, one in-person and one online. Like Alt_Poetry, Poets of Bangalore (PoB) — the city chapter of Poets of Community — is also on a mission to make poetry meetups accessible to everyone, regardless of money and language. A large poetry community with around 8,000 members, PoB conducts two free poetry events every month. “We also host an annual full-day gathering, called Kavi Mane Utsav, when we recite poetry, play literary games and have a festive meal together,” said Ravi Vishwakarma, founder of PoB, who believes that poetry can really change the world.PoB gatherings celebrate Kannada poets and offer them tributes. Kavi Mane Utsav, the event named in Kannada, however, maintains an inclusive approach where poets in all languages are welcome.Windows Onto Other Worlds Madhuri Katti has been reading William Blake, Pablo Neruda and Maria Wisława Anna Szymborska for a long time. However, being part of a collective of poets and poetry lovers has helped her discover gems such as Jayant Mahapatra, Kamala Das, and poets from Europe, Africa and other parts of the world. “When I visited Kannada poet Kuvempu’s home, which is a museum now, I felt more immersed due to the extensive discussions we had about the power of poetry in shaping local culture,” she recalls.A huge fan of Rainer Maria Rilke’s Poems to Night, she says poetry communities helped her rediscover parts of herself that had been pushed aside by daily routines. The collectives, in many ways, are preserving the forgotten art of patting on the back. In a city often defined by deadlines and traffic, these gatherings offer something increasingly rare: a place where people pause, listen and find themselves in poetry.………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….One of the best things about these communities is discovering writers you might never have found on your own. Being part of such a group exposes you to different writing styles and perspectives. It has encouraged me to write more honestly, to the point of expressing myself raw
Shilpi
Shilpi, MEMBER OF EKTA’S GATHERINGS AND BANGALORE POETS SOCIETYParticipants read chosen poems aloud to the group. Researching the poet and presenting context is encouraged. The group discusses craft nuances, personal interpretations, and the inspiration behind each poem. This engaging activity fosters a deeper appreciation for literary works
Namratha Varadharajan
Namratha Varadharajan, POET AND CO-FOUNDER OF ALT_POETRYPoetry belongs to everyone. Every new attendee represents another voice, reminding us that poetry is not just to be read, but also experienced, shared, and lived together
Hunar Noor
Hunar Noor, OUTREACH MANAGER, ATTA GALATTA…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Bangalore Poetry Festival Makes A ComebackThe Bangalore Poetry Festival returns this weekend to Indiranagar. Diverse artistic expressions will explore poetry through performance and film. Notable participants include Jeet Thayil and Tishani Doshi among others. The festival offers two parallel tracks for adults and children.Mark your Calendar# The Bangalore Poetry FestivalAug1 and 2 at Indiranagar Sangeetha Sabha. ……………………………………………………………………………………..#Alt_Poetry’s session on Emily DickinsonAug 14 at Atta Galatta, Indiranagar
