Poetry Collage features Upreti

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Apr. 19: The first edition of the Poetry Collage, an event focused on contemporary poetry, organised by Kavitaaya Layku, was held recently at Nepal Bhasa Manka Khala in Bijeshwori, Kathmandu. 

The organisation, in its first edition, featured poet Bhishma Upreti as the special guest.

The event commenced with an engaging dialogue focused on the poems included in Upreti’s poetry collection 'Kathmandu Kaleidoscope,' along with discussions on his works reflecting Newar civilisation and identity. 

This was followed by poetry recitations in both Nepal Bhasa and Nepali. Focusing on the idea of transforming even the most ordinary scenes into poetic expression, Upreti delivered a compelling presentation on poems that capture the cultural life and civilisation of Kathmandu's Newar community.

He emphasised that poetry reflects the emotional understanding of one's life and culture. "Countless subjects worthy of writing exist all around us, within our immediate surroundings, yet we often lack the perceptive eye to notice them," he pointed out. 

He stressed that emerging poets must learn to observe these ordinary aspects of life and weave them into vivid, meaningful words.

The event featured poetry recitations in both Nepal Bhasa and Nepali, encompassing diverse themes such as the character of Kathmandu, human life and death, love, hope and despair, peace, and nature. 

The programme commenced with a recitation by Upreti himself, followed by readings from fourteen poets, including Narad Bajracharya, Sudhir Khwabi, Narendra Bahadur Shrestha, Ram Gopal Ashutosh, Sushil Rajopadhyay, Basanta Nakarmi, Kabindralal Pradhan, Rashmi Napit, Chandra Bahadur Lama, and Jeevan Shrestha. 

Moreover, Rajnimila, Rahena Nakarmi, Binita Bajracharya, and Manju Shrestha Singh from Kavitaya Layku also presented their poems.

According to Rajni Mila, secretary of the Kavitaya Layku, Poetry Collage is envisioned as a monthly series to be held on the last Sunday of each month. "Each edition will feature interactions with a distinguished, experienced poet, exploring their creative journey, poetic practice, and struggles, alongside poetry recitations," she announced. 

Mila further noted that the event is not confined to a single venue. "Rather, it aims to move across different locations, observing local life and inspiring poetic creation through direct engagement with diverse environments," she said.