KLF 2025 Woven in Timeless Verses

🖊️Roopsa Ganguly

The 9th edition of the Kolkata Literature Festival (KLF) commenced with a mesmerizing ode to poetry at the International Kolkata Book Fair (IKBF) 2025. The session, 'Words in Rhythm – Poetry for the Soul', unfolded at Boimela Prangan in Salt Lake, weaving together voices that celebrated the enduring magic of verse. With the festival running from February 6 to 8, this poetic symphony set a lyrical tone for the literary revelry ahead.

The evening was graced by a distinguished panel of poets, each bringing their unique essence to the stage. Prabal Kumar Basu, an acclaimed Bengali poet and editor, infused the gathering with his profound insights. Mrityunjay Kumar Singh, a retired IPS officer and poet, shared wisdom shaped by years of discipline and creativity. Mallika Bhaumik, whose words have traveled through the pages of Cafe Dissensus, Shot Glass Journal, and more, painted emotions with her evocative verses. Renowned poetry recitation artist Chandrima Roy added a performative brilliance, making poetry a living, breathing experience. Guiding this passionate assembly was the adept moderator, Ipsita Ganguly, a poet whose words have found resonance since her debut with Of Love, Longing and Random Pondering at the Kolkata Book Fair 2017.

The session began with a soul-stirring recital by Aalekhya Poetry Band, presenting three poems, each rooted in a different genre and symbolizing distinct societal scenarios. This poetic journey transported listeners through themes of resilience, introspection, and the evolving human experience, setting the stage for a deeper engagement with the art form.

As the session unfolded, conversations meandered through the significance of poetry and its lyrical power. Prabal Kumar Basu reflected on a poignant lesson from his father: "Following passion is good, but you must also remember to build a career that sustains you." His words struck a chord, especially among young writers navigating the fine line between art and livelihood. Mrityunjay Kumar Singh emphasized the heartbeat of poetry—rhythm. "Rhythm is what makes poetry reach its audience effortlessly, creating a bond that lingers beyond words," he mused, encapsulating the essence of poetic connection.

The evening wasn't just a discussion; it was an experience. The session evolved into an intimate exchange, where verses became bridges, connecting hearts and minds alike. Words resonated, emotions stirred, and in that moment, poetry was not just recited—it was felt.

With this enchanting prelude, the Kolkata Literature Festival 2025 reaffirmed its role as the beacon of literary and artistic expression. As the festival unfolds over the next two days, the city of Kolkata once again embraces its legacy—where words don’t just tell stories, they craft entire worlds. Poetry isn’t just alive here; it thrives, flourishes, and finds its rhythm in every soul that listens.