Regional Languages Competition 2024

Wingword has initiated a new category of prizes for poets who write in Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi, Oriya, Assamese and Gujarati. A cumulative sum of more than One Lakh Rupees will be awarded to poets in this category. The aim of this special category is to encourage people to start writing in their mother tongues and revive the richness of Indian literary traditions. Beginners are encouraged to participate.

Prizes

1st Prize: INR 25,000

2nd Prize: INR 15,000

3rd Prize: INR 10,000

Top 10 Winners: INR 5,000

A chapbook with poems of all winners will be published. All authors will receive a copy of the book at their mailing address.

Results will be announced in June 2024. All winners and commendable mentions are invited to attend Wingword’s annual prizegiving ceremony held in New Delhi in July 2024.

Why is mother tongue so important?

Amrita Preetam, Punjabi poet & writer

Amrita Preetam, Punjabi poet & writer

Did you know that more than 19,500 languages spoken in India as mother tongues? India is the country where language itself arose and also, the home of poetry. By writing in your mother tongue, you are not only embracing your diversity but also continuing a legacy of great poets such as Amrita Preetam, Sugathakumari, Binoy Majumdar & Subramania Bharati.

It all starts with a small but simple step: pick up the pen & write your heart out.

Rules

  • The competition is open to Indians.

  • You must be 15 years and above.

  • Poem should be in any of the following languages: Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Bengali, Malyalam, Oriya, Kannada, Assamese, Gujurati, Urdu and Punjabi.

  • Poem must be original work of the participant.

  • Any style of poetry is accepted.

  • Previously published poems are allowed.

  • Entry fee is ₹1000 for one poem, ₹2000 for three poems, ₹3000 for five poems and ₹5000 for ten poems.

  • Beginners are encouraged to participate.

  • Copyright of the poem remains with the author.

    Important Note: You can choose to submit both English and Regional poems using any of the submit buttons on the website (eg. two English poems and one Tamil) . Our website will automatically file the regional language poem in the regional category and the English poem in the main category. If you are a bilingual or multilingual poet, we welcome you to submit your poems in more than one language.

Wingword Poetry Competition brings a golden opportunity to those poets who wish to convey perspectives and emotions, written in their mother tongue. Participate today!