Monthly Urdu Poetry Group Launches in Bradford

New community event to explore Urdu poetry at Chaiiwala

A new monthly drop-in group focused on Urdu poetry is set to begin in Bradford, offering an opportunity for poetry enthusiasts to engage with the language and its literary traditions. The sessions will take place at Chaiiwala on Leeds Road and are part of the city’s cultural activities leading up to City of Culture 2025.

Event Details

• Event name: Urdu Shurdu
• Date and time: 26 March 2026, 18:30 – 20:00
• Location: Chaiiwala, 854 Leeds Road, Bradford, BD3 9TX
• Cost: Free, no ticket required
• Age suitability: Over 16s; under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian

About the Sessions

Each monthly session will focus on a different Urdu poet, with participants learning about the poet’s life and work. Activities will include reading, translating, and interpreting poems, as well as exploring vocabulary and poetry structure. The sessions aim to support both reading and spoken Urdu through a variety of exercises, including:

• Writing exercises
• Reading from Urdu text or Roman script
• Sharing participants’ own writing
• Practising spoken Urdu
• Sharing favourite poems and poets

The group is part of the “Our Patch” programme and is facilitated by Kauser Kukhtar, Our Patch Creative Practitioner. Participants who need to bring younger children due to childcare issues are advised to contact Kauser Kukhtar in advance via email at little_ogres@hotmail.com.

Context and Additional Information

Urdu Shurdu is an official event linked to Bradford’s preparations for City of Culture 2025, reflecting the city’s diverse cultural heritage. The initiative aims to provide a welcoming space for those interested in Urdu poetry, whether they are new learners or more experienced readers.

For more information about the event and other cultural activities in Bradford, visit the official event page.