writeALONG 14 October 2025

A TUESDAY FEATURE

hosts: Padma Rajeswari, K. Ramesh

guest editor: Mohua Maulik

Only the unpublished poems (that are never published on any social media platform/journals/anthologies) posted here for each prompt will be considered for Triveni Haikai India's monthly journal -- haikuKATHA, each month.

Poets are requested to post poems (haiku/senryu) that adhere to the prompts/exercises given.

Only 1 poem to be posted in 24 hours. Total 2 poems per poet are allowed each week (numbered 1,2). So, revise your poems till 'words obey your call'.

If a poet wants feedback, then the poet must mention 'feedback welcome' below each poem that is being posted.

Responses are usually a mixture of grain and chaff. The poet has to be discerning about what to take for the final version of the poem or the unedited version will be picked up for the journal.

The final version should be on top of the original version for selection.

Poetry is a serious business. Give you best attempt to feature in haikuKATHA !!

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In the coming week, the world will be celebrating Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights. This festival marks the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. Celebrated over five days, In India, there are variations in the specific celebrations rituals and stories across regions. 

One such is the Bhoot Chaturdashi celebrated in West Bengal the night before Kali Puja (which may or not coincide with Diwali). Bhoot is ghost and Chaturdashi refers to the fourteenth day or the Hindu lunar calendar or the night before the full moon or new moon. It is believed that on this day the veil between the world of the living and the realm of the dead grows thin (similar to the Celtic festival of Samhain from which Halloween originated), allowing the spirits of 14 generations to return to the earth.

On this night, 14 earthen-lamps are lit at homes to appease the spirits of the ancestors and these lamps help them find their way home. Bhoot Chaturdashi is also celebrated by enjoying the thrill of ghost stories.

Using these themes, you are invited to pen your haiku/senryu