BENGALURU, August 2, 2025 — The 9th edition of the Bengaluru Poetry Festival, held at Indiranagar Sangeetha Sabha on August 2–3, 2025, featured acclaimed poet Mamta Sagar in two remarkable sessions that brought together voices from across cultures and languages, highlighting the festival’s ongoing celebration of poetic diversity.
A Poet’s Journey
In the session “A Poet’s Journey,” held on August 2, Mamta Sagar was joined by poets Anju Makhija, Daryl Lim Wei Jie from Singapore, and Debasish Lahiri. Together, they shared their personal journeys in poetry—exploring the evolution of their voices, the formative moments that shaped their writing, and the intimate intersections between life and language. The conversation was marked by warmth, depth, and mutual admiration, with each poet offering unique reflections on the role of poetry in navigating identity, history, and imagination.
The panel was a favorite among audiences for its sincerity and resonance. Mamta Sagar later described her fellow panelists as “amazing,” emphasizing the powerful sense of community and creative exchange that defined the session.
Pada Sanchara
Later that day, Mamta Sagar also led the “Pada Sanchara” session—an immersive Kannada poetry performance that brought her words to life through a multi-disciplinary collaboration. Joined by Shobha Nayak, the Kaavya Sanje ensemble, and artists Chand Pasha N.S., Dadapeer Jyman, Hajeera Khan, and Siddartha M.S., the performance combined spoken word, rhythm, and movement to powerful effect.
“Pada Sanchara” captivated the audience, bridging the lyrical beauty of Kannada poetry with contemporary stage expression. It was praised for its emotive force and cultural richness, offering a poetic experience that was both grounded in tradition and open to innovation.
Honoring a Distinguished Voice
Mamta Sagar, a leading figure in contemporary Indian poetry, is known for her work in Kannada literature, translation, and cultural activism. Her participation in both sessions reflected the values she has long championed: linguistic inclusivity, creative freedom, and intercultural dialogue.
A Festival of Poetic Plurality
Bengaluru Poetry Festival 2025 welcomed a wide array of voices from India and beyond. With sessions ranging from traditional readings to experimental performances, the festival reaffirmed its reputation as India’s premier poetry event. It provided a vital space for artists and audiences to connect, reflect, and celebrate the power of words.
Mamta Sagar: “This gathering opened new perspectives on how poetic forms transform through language, culture, and lived experience.”
Audience member: “The poets who shared the panel with Mamta were amazing—each voice added something unforgettable to the conversation.”
