This Christmas break, I worked on a pet project of a Limited Edition 2025 Shayari Desk Calendar! It features 12 specially chosen Urdu couplets, one for each month, showcasing the work of some incredible Urdu shayars. Alongside each couplet, there is a clear and simple English translation and explanation. There is no fancy literary stuff, just straightforward meanings that'll make us appreciate why these verses have stuck around for so long.

How to Get a Copy

This is a limited edition calendar, with only 50 copies available! If you’d like to receive one, request one using this link. Since it’s a passion project for me, I am happy to offer the calendar on a not-for-profit basis. Each piece has a nominal charge of Rs 299 (including shipping) to keep the printer guy happy and the postman moving.

Inspiration

Urdu poetry has always been close to my heart. For years, I have been fascinated by its depth, beauty, and ability to capture emotions in just a few words. I absolutely love it - the way it can pack so much meaning into just a few words. But every time I'd share a fantastic Urdu couplet with friends, they'd give me that blank look. "Sounds nice, but what does it mean?"

This year during year end break, I decided to see if something can be done to make Shayari more accessible. That turned up into an idea of creating a custom side table calendar featuring 12 couplets from renowned Urdu poets. I aim to make these timeless verses accessible to everyone, including non-native speakers.

Each month has a different Urdu sher.  I've also added simple English translations and explanations that are related to today’s world surroundings. No fancy jargon, just straight-up relatable stuff.

The calendar also addresses the common perception that Urdu poetry is complex and only for the elite. I have always believed that the themes and emotions of Urdu Shayari are universal and can resonate with people from all walks of life. By translating and explaining these couplets, I hope to dispel the misconception that Urdu poetry is too complex or inaccessible.

It's incredible how a 200-year-old couplet can perfectly capture a feeling we experience in 2025!

Here's a glimpse into what you can expect:

• A verse from Mirza Ghalib on the fleeting nature of life

• Another poignant sher by Mirza Ghalib on the power of love

• A thought-provoking couplet by Sahab Jafri on the importance of leadership

Design

While choosing the couplet, I tried to choose the Shayari, which is relevant to our modern, day-to-day life. I wanted the couplets that would click with our everyday lives. Couplets which are beyond the fancy words, but things that make you go "Oh yeah, that's exactly how I feel!" when you read them.

I had a blast translating these couplets. It's kind of like being a bridge-builder - taking these beautiful Urdu verses and turning them into simple English that doesn't lose their magic. These poets wrote about things we all go through - falling in love, staying hopeful when things get tough, the same moments when we're trying to figure ourselves out.

The design part was super fun too! I wanted something that looked clean and modern but still felt special. After playing around with different looks (and probably driving my designer friend Joel a bit crazy!), we finally nailed it. Joel's really got an eye for this stuff - he took my messy ideas and turned them into something that looks amazing. The final design is just right - not too flashy, not too plain, just clean and calming.

I am pleased how the final art has come. It's like having a little piece of art on your desk that actually means something.

Closing Notes

Great poetry isn't about being complicated, it's about being real.

The idea with this Calendar Project is that that someone might glance at their desk one day, read one of these verses, and think "Wow, that's pretty cool!" Maybe they've never read Urdu poetry before or thought it wasn't their cup of tea. But finding beauty in unexpected places - that's what makes life interesting, right?

You can a request your calender copy using this link.