The first week of November was a momentous occasion for the South Asian community in greater Atlanta as they actively participated in the inaugural Atlanta Literary Festival, organized by the Writers’ Forum and the Urdu Library Atlanta.
Day One – Urdu Library Launch & Izhar
The festival opened with the launch of Atlanta’s first Urdu Library, a project long awaited by the community. Open on weekends from 3–5 PM, the library stands as a testament to collective dedication and cultural preservation. The opening was followed by Izhar, a showcase of poetry and prose by community members, which drew an enthusiastic audience of nearly 80 participants.
Day Two – Tarang
The second evening, Tarang, highlighted the vibrant talent within the community. Led by Poonam Bhargava, Usman Qureshi, Santosh Yb, Ejaz Naqvi, Quratulain Amin, and Saniya Yarkhan, the program blended music and performance, with active audience participation adding to the sense of unity and celebration.
Day Three – Azmaish
On November 9, the festival concluded with Azmaish, an innovative program weaving together poetry, music, and quiz games. The diverse activities ensured something for everyone, leaving attendees inspired and eager for next year’s festival.
One can join by visiting Writer’s Forum & Urdu Library Atlanta
— Dr.Qaiser Mukhtar