Kolkata Set to Host 8th Edition of International Chair Poetry Festival

Kolkata will once again become a global meeting point for poets as the eighth edition of Chair Poetry Evenings returns from 28 to 30 November 2025. The festival continues to strengthen the city’s reputation as a centre for literary and cultural exchange, drawing poets from diverse backgrounds and traditions.

International Line-Up and Multilingual Presence

Poets from thirteen countries will share their work in sixteen languages, highlighting the festival’s commitment to cultural plurality. The line-up features acclaimed voices including Susan Rich, Simon Armitage, Mona Arshi, Madara Gruntmane and Peter Verhelst, alongside several Indian poets. This diversity reinforces the festival’s emphasis on cross-cultural engagement.

Venues and Signature Events

Proceedings will open at the Bharatiya Bhasha Parishad auditorium, followed by interactive sessions at the Cloud Tavern in the Samilton Hotel. The concluding event, “Poetry on the Cruise”, will take place aboard a vessel on the River Hooghly, offering a distinctive setting for performances. The inaugural day will also feature a folk and fusion musical act to complement the literary focus.

New Poetry Releases and Partnerships

Two new translated titles will be launched during the festival, expanding its contribution to contemporary world poetry. The event is supported by a wide range of local and international cultural organisations, reflecting growing global interest in the platform. Partners include literary foundations, embassies and cultural institutions from Europe and Latin America.

Exam Oriented Facts

• The festival runs from 28–30 November 2025 in Kolkata.
• Poets from thirteen countries will perform in sixteen languages.
• “Poetry on the Cruise” is the festival’s signature event on the Hooghly.
• The festival is hosted by the Chair Literary Trust.

Celebration of Creative Expression

Festival directors emphasise poetry’s enduring role as a medium of resistance, empathy and reflection. As global tensions affect artistic spaces, the event aims to reaffirm Kolkata’s position as a cultural beacon and offer a platform where imagination and dialogue can flourish despite challenging times.