poetry of belonging

Rahul Deshpande's 'Abhangwari' marks 11 years of bringing Maharashtra's Bhakti saints' devotional poetry to audiences nationwide. Evolving from a musical offering, it has become a significant cultural and spiritual experience, celebrating the inclusive spirit of the Warkari tradition and keeping Abhangs alive for contemporary listeners.

The trailer for Pritha Chakraborty's 'Phera' is out, promising a poignant look at relationships, distance, and homecoming. The film delves into the generational divide between a modern man, Polash, and his aging father, Pannalal. Forced together, their story explores quiet reckonings with success, loss, and belonging, hinting at a deeply human narrative of connection and unresolved emotions.

Ancient scrolls found near Herculaneum offer a glimpse into Roman intellectual pursuits. These papyri, carbonized by a volcanic eruption, were once thought unreadable. Modern technology now allows scientists to decipher the hidden writings without damaging the fragile scrolls. This intellectual rescue mission reveals the depth of ancient Roman philosophy and poetry.

Ten individuals shared heartfelt wishes for their mothers this Mother's Day, revealing a collective desire for their mothers to finally experience rest, peace, and personal fulfillment. The poignant requests highlight a deep appreciation for the sacrifices mothers make, with children yearning for them to prioritize their own well-being, health, and happiness after years of selfless giving.

Backstage Siblings bring their signature bhajan clubbing experience to Lucknow

The BJP, which had won 77 seats and 38.15% vote share in 2021, is now showing a dramatic surge in counting trends. By noon, several live trackers had the BJP crossing or approaching the halfway mark, with leads in the 140–150 range and vote share estimates hovering around 46–48%, while the TMC trailed significantly behind.

Kolkata Centre for Creativity's third Baithakkhana festival, themed 'Border', explored creative boundaries across literature, cinema, and thought. From children's engagement with language to discussions on art, history, and identity, the event fostered deep conversations. The festival also featured an artist's book showcase and handcrafted décor, blending craft with intellectual exchange.

Kerala & TN, to Assam & Bengal, each of the four big states where voting has concluded is a perfect example – via language, culture, politics – of India’s innate ability to live with differences

Rumors suggest Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce may choose Oheka Castle as their wedding venue. The estate gained attention for its role in Swift’s “Blank Space” video, where she satirized media narratives about her relationships. Fans now see an intriguing link between past and present, as lyrics like "Ain't it funny? Rumors fly" echo today’s speculation surrounding their possible “I do” location.

India has lost a profound witness with the passing of legendary photographer Raghu Rai, who spent decades capturing the nation's unfiltered reality from within. His deeply human observations, from moments of grief to everyday life, made viewers feel present in the scenes he documented.

No torn blouses, leering villains and revenge sagas. Some filmmakers are moving beyond tropes to confront the ordinariness of sexual offenders and systems that enable everyday harm

Rudyard Kipling, a prominent author of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, gained fame for his vivid portrayals of the British Empire, particularly India. His impactful works like "The Jungle Book" and "Kim," alongside his Nobel Prize win, highlight his literary genius. Despite his celebrated career, Kipling's imperialist views and personal tragedies shaped his complex legacy.

The newly inaugurated Lucknow Heritage and Art Museum is a treasure trove of Awadh’s timeless legacy. From intricate chikankari embroidery to rare Nawabi artifacts, the museum spans centuries of royal grandeur and cultural depth featuring over 500 exhibits including 18th-century miniature paintings, silverware, and interactive thumri-kathak displays, along with celebrating Awadh’s culinary distinction

Iranian siblings Nasrin and Dariush Karimi, living in Chennai for over four decades, run Shiraz Art Cafe, a takeaway offering a taste of their homeland. Forced to flee Iran after the 1979 revolution, they yearn to return but are hindered by the current regime's suppression and communication blackouts.

Pablo Neruda, a Nobel laureate, was a pivotal 20th-century poet whose work blended emotional depth with political activism. His early life in Chile profoundly influenced his nature-infused poetry, which evolved to address social justice and Latin American history. Neruda's accessible yet powerful style made his profound themes of love, nature, and revolution resonate globally.

Elizabeth Bishop was a renowned 20th-century poet. Her clear writing and sharp observations left a lasting mark. Bishop's life, marked by early loss and extensive travel, deeply influenced her work. She focused on detailed descriptions and imagery, letting emotion emerge through observation. Her poems explored themes of belonging and the human condition.

Pune's cafes are buzzing with poetry communities every weekend. These gatherings offer a unique space for people to connect and share their thoughts. Participants find a welcoming atmosphere, fostering friendships and a sense of belonging. The scene is growing, attracting both performers and listeners. These events provide an escape from daily routines and a platform for finding confidence and voice.

Goa's Rang Mānd theatre festival, celebrating its 15th year, will explore the social impact of urbanisation on community life. The three-day event, starting March 27, features productions like 'Sindaborchi Kaani' inspired by Perni Jagor, and solo performances addressing identity and queer experiences, all held at Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts.

ChampaTree Art Gallery presents Ravi Chunchula's solo exhibition, 'A Man Arranged,' at Bikaner House, Delhi. The exhibition explores how identity is formed through subtle influences and environments, offering a contemplative pause in the city's fast pace. This collection encourages viewers to slow down and reflect on personal becoming.

The parakiya relationship of gopis and Krishn is a metaphor of the relationship between jivatman and Parmatman, writes Harsh V Dehejia

Stebin Ben and Nupur Sanon's wedding was a deeply personal celebration, blending Malayalam Christian and Hindu traditions. Manish Malhotra designed their outfits with sensitivity, reflecting love stitched into fabric. Intricate embroidery on Nupur's veil, featuring Punjabi and Malayalam verses, added profound sentiment. Jewellery and accessories were chosen for meaning over excess, creating a soulful and authentic union.

Even though the new avatar of short poetry forms has become the most favoured style, the magic of literary verses woven by these authors will never fade away. On World Poetry Day, read poems by these 10 authors and revisit the surrealism created by their magical words.

The most awaited session at the recently held three-day Delhi Poetry Festival was Annu Kapoor’s Poetry in Cinema.