World Poetry Day: A look at history and significance behind its celebration

World Poetry Day was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization in 1999 to recognize the universal power of the art of poetry that transcends languages and culture. Every year it is celebrated on March 21 by organising various functions to honour and offer recognition to poets who have been doing remarkable work in this field of art.

Looking back at the history of World Poetry Day

Before 1999 many countries were already celebrating Poetry Day but in October. However, after UNESCO declared March 21 as World Poetry Day at the 30th General Conference in Paris most of the countries started celebrating it on this day. Even then there are a few countries who continue to celebrate this day on October 15 because it is the birthday of Virgil, a Roman poet known for composing the epic poem Aeneid.

According to the UN World Poetry Day is celebrated to support, “linguistic diversity using poetic expression." Most of the countries that are a part of the United Nations celebrate this day that brings together poetry along with other art forms such as dancing, painting, and theatre.

The main intention behind this celebration is to save the poems from different languages that are facing the risk of disappearing.

Purpose of Celebrating World Poem Day

There are several reasons why this day is observed the world over. Some of them include:

Promoting Linguistic Diversity: Poetry is an important and powerful medium t o preserve as well as celebrate diverse languages especially those that are on the brink of endangerment.

Encourages writing, reading, and teaching: Since World Poetry Day emphasizes the significance of educating in poetry it makes learning more interesting and creative.

Gives recognition to poets: World Poetry Day offers a platform to the poets to present their talent thereby acknowledging their art and giving them the recognition that they deserve across the globe.