The Living Voice of Urdu Poetry: A Culture That Speaks in Verse

For Urdu speakers, poetry is one of the most cherished and natural forms of expression. This fact can be hard to understand, even for native English speakers. The cultural ties to poetry are quite different. Many people who speak English are introduced to poetry during their school years. Yet, only a few enjoy it for fun after they graduate. In many Western cultures, people often view poetry as for the intellectual elite. It’s not seen as a passion for everyday folks.

If you’re searching for poetry that all English speakers know, you might think of nursery rhymes or songs like Auld Lang Syne. Western culture loves trends like live betting odds and quick digital fun. In contrast, Urdu poetry offers a soulful, thoughtful balance. It shows that deep emotional expression is still important in our lives.

Urdu poetry flourishes in a different context. Liking poetry isn’t for a few. Everyone can see how it adds value to life. Many Urdu speakers in India and Pakistan may not read, but they still enjoy poetry. They hear it from family or elders and see it on buses featuring lines from famous poets. One person can recite long parts of classic poetry in a village with low literacy. Others gather to listen.

People gather in cities and towns for poetry readings and music shows. Many people know the classic images of Urdu poetry. Popular songs on the radio often use words from this traditional style. Some even come straight from classical poetry.

Major poets receive honors that political leaders do not. Their influence can be even stronger at times. They straddle boundaries—political, religious, and social.

The 1947 Partition divided India and Pakistan and left behind unresolved political tensions. But in poetry, this divide is not important. Despite political boundaries, Urdu speakers on both sides share a deep love for the same poetry and poets. Ghalib, in particular, is celebrated as one of the all-time greats. His work belongs to everyone, not the classical greats. Our translation workshop will highlight the work of two modern Urdu poets. Zehra Nigah is one of them. She spent her early years in India and has lived in Pakistan since the Partition. Each year, she also spends time in the UK. Urdu speakers in all three countries highly regard her work. Javed Akhtar is Indian and an atheist. He’s a social critic and a screenwriter. His work in Bollywood cinema has a wide following among Urdu-speaking audiences. Both poets were raised within the deep-rooted traditions of Urdu literature. They use these traditions to explore our complex modern world.

One fascinating aspect of Urdu poetry is that it’s more commonly listened to than read. The word used for “writing” poetry in Urdu is “kahna”, which means “to speak,” not “to write” (“lykhna”). Some poems are known by millions of people who may never have seen them written down.

Consider the Marsiya—a powerful, long-form poem that tells the story of Husain’s martyrdom. Shia Muslims recite it during mourning. Yet, great Marsiya poets like Anis are admired well beyond Shia circles.

Urdu poetry also has a strong non-religious side. Mushairas, poetry recitals, were a hit in royal Indian courts. They became popular even before Western influences showed up. The legendary poet Ghalib often tested his latest verses at these gatherings. He often made bold social comments that others couldn’t. But Ghalib could, thanks to his status.

Mushairas are still a big deal today. Last year in Delhi, I went to a place held outdoors. The crowd was so large that I had no choice but to stand at the back—every seat was taken! The crowd wasn’t silent listeners. They cheered and repeated lines. Some were moved to tears. Others remembered verses after hearing them once.

One of the standout moments at the Lahore Literary Festival was Zia Moyeddin’s appearance. He is a well-known actor who is celebrated for his stunning poetry recitals. The hall was completely full. People were pushing to get in, and the guards struggled to hold them back. Some young men were getting angry. The organizers were worried—was this turning into a riot?

Final Thoughts

A mushaira can be a cozy gathering of friends. It might celebrate a visiting poet, but it often invites everyone to share their poetry too. I once asked a friend what inspired him to begin writing poetry. He told me he loved attending mushairas, but each time someone would call out, “Harris, it’s your turn!” Eventually, the pressure got to him—he had to either stop going or start writing his verses. Many people see themselves as poets, even though writing in accepted forms is tough. As a newcomer, Urdu poetry can feel overwhelming. Its complex rules and conventions can be challenging to grasp. Urdu speakers often don’t notice these terms. They pick them up without realizing it, through exposure.