Hyderabad, January 02, 2024 — Poetry enthusiasts and wordsmiths in Hyderabad are in for a delightful treat as the city gears up to host the much-anticipated "Limerick Contest," a celebration of wit and poetry.  Entries are invited from interested individuals(adults from any walks of life and students from schools, colleges and literary circles)

Organised by the Tourism Committee of The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), 106 years old, one of the most dynamic regional chambers in India, this event promises to bring together talented poets and limerick aficionados from across the region for a day of creative expression and literary camaraderie.

The Tourism Committee is one of the 23 Committees of FTCCI.  Its sole aim is to be the voice for the Tourism Industry, liaise with the Government on matters of its concern and promote the same.

The objectives of the Limerick Contest, according to Ms Rakhi Kankaria, Chairperson, D. Ramchandram and Mohan Lal, Co-Chairmen of the Tourism Committee of FTCCI are to showcase and celebrate the unique art of limerick writing, with its distinctive rhyme scheme and humorous themes. Raise awareness about the limerick as a form of poetry. This art form is unique to Hyderabad but long forgotten. It is also an endeavour to revive its past glory. And also, to preserve cultural heritage as Limericks have a rich cultural history. The contest can aim to preserve this heritage by encouraging participants to draw inspiration from local customs, traditions, or folklore.

 The interested participants must give their expression of participation by sharing their Limericks on WhatsApp at 9848042020 or emailing [email protected] at the earliest. Such pre-registered participants must come in person and present/read the same in front of a panel of judges.  Prizes will be awarded to the top three limericks, and winners will receive certificates and recognition for their poetic prowess. The best three entries will be given away cash prizes of Rs 7500/-, 5000/ and 2500/- each. The five next-best entries will be given away consolation prizes. 

The participants can write Limericks on any subjects of interest to the people of Hyderabad, its culture, heritage, customs, traditions, cuisine, Information Technology etc and other related subjects and matters.   

Limericks are a unique form of poetry known for their humorous and often whimsical nature. They consist of five lines with a distinct AABBA rhyme scheme, making them both challenging and entertaining to create.

A few Examples of Limericks

01.

Hot Hyderabadis wonder ‘kya khana?’

Cool Secunderabadis ponder ‘kya peena’?

Office goers gobble ‘naram biryani’!

Busy gulp garam ‘chai Irani’!

woh ya yeh achcha ‘kya kehna’!!

Boti Kabab and Double-ka-meetha

Better than Gajar-ka-halwa & Agra-ka-petha

Biryani sublime, Haleem divine

Shorbha supreme, Murgh Saleem

Whatever anyone serves, we can serve better!

03.

You can hear the ‘Yemandi’ in Telugu

And the saying ‘Kya hai miya’ in Urdu

The Gujrati ‘Kemchi’

The Sindhi ‘Vadi Saayi’

The word ‘Cosmopolitan’ is perfectly true.

Limericks are fun with their silly rhymes, punny twists, and hilariously cheeky endings. Let us have some fun