brothers in verse: (From left) Harekrishna Deka, Hiren Bhattacharjya, Navakanta Barua and Hiren Gohain

Nov. 29: After street plays, it is now the turn of street poetry.

There will be poetry recitations on busy roads, at bus stops, on footpaths, at food joints and even at parks — it will be poetry everywhere.

To popularise and take poetry to the masses, a group of city-based poets has chosen a unique way of reciting poetry.

It has planned to organise an event tilted Rajpathar Kabita (Roadside Poetry) at various public places in greater Guwahati.

“One of the major reasons for loss of popularity of poetry in present society is lack of time to listen to and read poetry to understand the true meaning,” Rajib Bora, a poet and one of the brains behind Rajpathar Kabita, said.

“Though Kabi Sanmilan and poetry recitation competitions are organised by various cultural organisations, very few people participate in these events. Poetry is now confined to a handful of poets and only a few readers.”

Though Assam has produced many a great poet, very few people have ever listened to their poetry, rued Bora.

Works of eminent poets will be recited to bring people onto the streets and the organisers will invite some eminent poets at various public places to add colour to the event.

“The idea of organising a poetry recital occurred to us during the course of an adda at a roadside tea shop. Busy passers-by took time off from their hectic schedule and gathered round a blind singer whose sweet voice touched their heart. Then and there the idea of organising an event like Rajpathar Kabita struck us,” another organiser said.

The first Rajpathar Kabita will be organised in a big way in front of Emuthi Restaurant on Rajgarh Road on December 25.

Eminent poets and litterateurs Hiren Bhattacharjya and Hiren Gohain will participate in the event.

An anthology of popular poems of Bhattacharjya like Bibhinna Dinar Kabita, Kabitar Rode, Tomar Gaan, Sugandhi Pokhila and Saichar Pathar Manuh will be recited there.

“One need not be a poet to participate in the event. Anyone who loves poetry and can recite can join us. The prime aim of the event is to make poetry popular,” Bora said.

“We are looking for young people who can recite well.”

Poems penned by poets like Navakanta Barua, Nilmoni Phookan, Nirmalprabha Bordoloi, Bireswar Barua, Harekrishna Deka and Sameer Tanti will find special place in Rajpathar Kabita.

“I think it is an excellent way to popularise poetry. I do believe that a good piece of poetry can touch anyone’s heart and the soul. If we can watch street plays and listen to songs on roads, why not poetry?” Smita Choudhury, a college student, asked.