The Glass House Festival of Poetry from Around the World was born during the COVID-19 lockdown — a time of isolation, compassion, and urgent need. While we stayed safe indoors, migrant workers faced harsh conditions outside. Poetry, in that moment, became both refuge and resistance.
The inaugural festival gathered over 100 poets from 20+ countries — award-winning legends and bold new voices — under the theme “Centering the Margins.” It brought focus to Dalit, queer, and resistance poetry, featuring works in Dakhani, Coorg, and other underrepresented languages. Sessions also explored the link between poetry and music, including a powerful dive into Beethoven’s creative legacy.
The second edition expanded the dialogue with the theme “People, Planet, and Peace.” It highlighted poetry’s power to heal and connect — celebrating our shared humanity while honoring diverse lived experiences and voices.
Looking ahead, the Glass House Festival continues to be a sanctuary for radical empathy and creative courage. It is a platform for global connection and social change — amplifying unheard voices and challenging boundaries. Through the transformative force of poetry, the festival invites us to imagine and shape a more inclusive, compassionate world — one verse at a time.
Welcome to the Glass House Festival of Poetry 2024, where poetry transcends borders to unite hearts worldwide. In a live showcase of poetic endeavour, this festival celebrates the lilting influence of verse, offering solace, understanding, and a lens to recognize grace, mystery, and rationality in our shared world.
Global Poetry Gathering: Poets are set to join this poetic convergence at the Bangalore International Centre, on 23rd and 24th March 2024. Together with academics, writers, and musicians, they’ll contribute to an experience that encapsulates the beauty and diversity of global poetry.
Diverse Program Spectrum: Immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere inspired by the intensity of traditional festivals. From Recitative Poetry to Slam Poetry, Close Readings of Poems, Poems in Translation, Regional Language Poetry, Poems of Protest, Resistance, and Empowerment, to the environmentally conscious, we have curated an array of poetic expressions. Engage in Panel Discussions, Workshops, and Performances, embracing the allied arts.
In-Person and Online Fusion: The festival unfolds at the Bangalore International Centre, blending live and online sessions to ensure a seamless global connection. Whether you’re in the heart of Bangalore or joining us from a distant corner of the world, your poetic journey awaits.
Mark Your Calendar: Join us as we paint the poetic canvas with the colours of diversity. Save the dates and immerse yourself in the world of the Glass House Festival of Poetry 2024.
‘Let Peace and Prosperity proliferate through People and our Planet’
Share your work and participate on any platform by tagging us and using the hashtag #glasshousefestival
If you love or are starting out with Haiku and Poetry, hone your skills by attending our workshops
All this and more is happening! Where are you?
Come join the festivities!
Sub: The Glass House Festival 2024 Poetry from around the World
We are happy to announce the second edition of our Glass House Festival on 23rd & 24th March 2024.
We will be delighted to have your children participating in the event
*There will be two age groups: 8 to 11 years and 12 to 14 years
* One entry per child, last day of receiving- 7th March, 2024
* Below please mention your Name, Age, School, Category
* A jury of six will be judging the poems
* Each child will receive a certificate for participation
* Results will be announced by the 20th March-2024
*Topics are:
– Global warming
– Sustainability
– Peace for the Planet
Collaborations and donations from schools and correlated kids’ products partners are welcome. But there will be no entry fees attached for the kids participating. Schools should share their logos to be put up on the Poetry Festival wall.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Submit your poetries at: childrenglasshousefestival@gmail.com
Written submissions must have: Name, age, school name & standard.
