The Bengaluru Poetry Festival returns for its landmark 10th edition on August 1 and 2, 2026, at Indiranagar Sangeetha Sabha. Celebrating a decade of poetry and creative expression, the festival will host workshops led by Natasha Badhwar, Naresh Saxena, and Bhumika Anand, offering participants opportunities to explore writing, editing, and the craft of poetry. Alongside readings, performances, and discussions, the festival continues its mission of creating a dedicated space for poets and poetry lovers to engage with language, storytelling, and artistic exchange.
For a decade now, the Bengaluru Poetry Festival has served as a meeting point for readers, writers, performers, and language lovers from across the country. As the festival prepares to celebrate its landmark 10th edition on August 1 and 2, 2026, at Indiranagar Sangeetha Sabha, it is also looking beyond the stage with a series of workshops designed to deepen participants' relationship with poetry and the craft of writing.
The Bengaluru Poetry Festival was conceptualised after its founders recognised a gap within existing literary festivals. While Indian poets were gaining increasing recognition both nationally and internationally, there were relatively few spaces devoted entirely to poetry. The result was a festival designed not merely as a literary gathering but as a celebration of language rhythms, emotions, and ability to make sense of the world around us.
Among the highlights is a poetry workshop led by author Natasha Badhwar, whose books My Daughters' Mum and Immortal For A Moment explore themes of parenting, faith, marriage and selfhood. Framed around the idea that poetry is both a promise and a risk, Badhwar's session invites participants to slow down and pay attention to the rhythms, images, and emotions that often get lost in the rush of everyday life.
For those interested in the mechanics of verse, celebrated Hindi poet Naresh Saxena will lead a workshop examining the essential elements that make poetry resonate. Known for bringing together scientific observation and artistic sensitivity in his work, Saxena will discuss concepts such as subtlety, rhythm, imagery, metaphor, structure, sound, innovation, and emotional depth.
Meanwhile, writers looking to refine their craft can attend Kill Your Darlings, a workshop conducted by Bhumika Anand, Founder and Director of Bangalore Writers Workshop. Designed to sharpen editing skills, the session encourages participants to approach their work through the eyes of an editor. Focusing on structure, sound, and meaning, the workshop will help writers understand what strengthens a poem and what may need to be left behind. Attendees are encouraged to bring one original poem for critique and discussion, making the session particularly valuable for emerging poets.
In a city that thrives on diversity, the festival offers audiences the chance to encounter voices from different regions and traditions while discovering new ways of engaging with poetry beyond the printed page. For seasoned poetry enthusiasts and curious first-time attendees alike, the Bengaluru Poetry Festival promises two days of conversations, performances, readings, and creative exchange.
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