The Biryani She Made - By Siliveru Arun Kumar

Written By: Siliveru Arun Kumar

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In his evocative poem "The Biryani She Made," Siliveru Arun Kumar takes readers on a sensory journey through the art of culinary nostalgia. As a part of the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, this piece stands out in the Poetry category. Siliveru Arun Kumar weaves a tapestry of flavors and emotions, capturing the essence of a beloved dish and the memories it holds. Through his words, the poem speaks to the universal theme of longing and the cherished sensations of past experiences.

About the Work

"The Biryani She Made" is a masterful fusion of vivid imagery and emotional depth. Siliveru Arun Kumar crafts a poetic narrative that delves into the intimate relationship between food and memory. The poem's rich descriptions and rhythmic flow create a tapestry of sensory delights, evoking the aroma, taste, and warmth of a cherished dish. It invites the reader to savor each word and explore the cultural and personal significance of this culinary masterpiece.

The Biryani She Made

Original Submission by Siliveru Arun Kumar

Many have asked me,

where does the finest biryani live?

"The famous kitchens of India,"

they expected as an answer.

With the embers of a feast lighting my eyes,

I respond: "On her palms, it resides."

Then I lift the lid from my memory's pot

and let the steam of the tale unfurl as:

To be adorned by the silks of spice,

the blushing flesh fell into her grace,

rainbowed with the spices she shot like Cupid's arrows.

With a touch of curd and oil, they wrestled vigorously,

and in a twirl of spice, turned somersaults.

To her lullabies, dripped like glistening honey,

they slept overnight in a cool hush of darkness,

decorated with the glassy veil of frost.

To the birds' coos, the morning dew, the hiss of water,

and the angelic soprano rise of her voice, they awoke.

Sealed in a breathless cage,

the rice grains knelt,

and in bowing to her silver blade,

they found release from torment.

In pursuit of eternal salvation,

they were nurtured by the warmth of her hands,

and in the sacred water she blessed into the pot,

they sank and rose thrice, resurrected.

Caressed deeply, a few clung to her delicate fingers,

pleading not to be left behind.

Longing to bathe in a hot pool of spices,

a cascade of rice dove

and twirled in the vortex she stirred playfully.

Whirling through the fragrant tides,

the grains savored with the intoxication

of aromas unfettered in the sizzling water.

Like crystals of quartz catching the light, they shone,

breathing out fragrant smoke,

and settled upon cushions of spice-stained saffron chunks.

Drooling, they spread deep,

sucking the soul of the marinade from the flesh.

With the lid she sealed using straps of dough, they dozed.

In their steady wait for the lid to be lifted,

they finally paid their debt as a rising Aarti.

The ascending fumes befriended my breath;

my nostrils parted greedily to whiff.

My lungs withdrew slowly,

filling their chambers with the essence,

and my heart skipped its beats,

letting the oxygenated blood linger longer.

The biryani she made

folded the sunrise and sunset into a pot.

I began to feast my wretched stomach,

gorging my abyss with no shame,

until my senses lost their sensitivity,

until my tissues burst with ecstasy,

and until the plugs jolted loose,

spitting sparks from my bodily sockets.

Even now, the hunger often visits me,

seeking the same aroma.

To poor hunger, I said:

"Hold the desire,

cease the appetite,

better luck next time,

or never come back."

Consumed by desire, they pleaded:

"Please lead us, or give the royal escort

to 'The Biryani She Made.'"

To which I replied:

She folded the recipe into her pleats,

and tucked them back in time.

With the memories of the blue flames she lit,

the spice chambers she tamed,

the sacred pot she held,

the jars of love she unlocked,

and the silver chime of the anklets she wore,

the kitchen still waits

for the pleats to be loosened.

Pity the kitchen;

it can only reach further into time,

but never back to her.

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, organized by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates the vibrant and diverse expressions of contemporary writers and poets. This esteemed competition provides a platform for creative minds to share their unique voices and stories with a global audience. Through a variety of categories, participants are encouraged to push the boundaries of language and imagination, showcasing their talents on an international stage.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Siliveru Arun Kumar for sharing "The Biryani She Made" with us. Your participation in the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 has enriched our understanding and appreciation of the poetic artistry found in everyday experiences. We look forward to seeing more of your evocative work in the future.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.