The world of Haiku


Haiku is a Japanese form of poetry, founded and popularised by the poet Matsuo Basho. It is a very short poem of just three lines. The lines follow 5-7-5 format. First line should have 5 syllables, second 7 and third 5. A total of 17 syllables only. Haiku essentially captures the present moment, anything that you see or hear or smell or taste or feel that touches your heart. It is poetry with as few words as possible and is not expected to have a decorative language. Suggestiveness is a prominent feature of Haiku. It started in the 17th century but took a considerable time before it was first translated into English. Ravindranath Tagore brought it to India after his visit to Japan. Now, it is written in many Indian languages, particularly in Hindi and Marathi.

Haiku became popular in Marathi in the 70s and 80s. Shirish Pai, acclaimed poetess, was instrumental in introducing it in Marathi. Since then, several poets have tried their hand at writing Haiku in marathi and the form is gaining in popularity. Haiku writing makes you more alive to Nature and the world around you in general. You learn to appreciate little things, your observation skill improves and your life surges with new energy.

I published my first book of haiku poetry in marathi recently. The book is available on amazon. I hope the readers will welcome it and enjoy this form of poetry.


Ravindra Shenolikar 

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