Student · Avadhanini · Writer
Hello, I'm
Hello, I'm
Ahala
A 14-year-old with a love for ancient Telugu oral traditions, the written word, and the quiet discipline of memorising poetry and verse — one line at a time.
A 14-year-old with a love for ancient Telugu oral traditions, the written word, and the quiet discipline of memorising poetry and verse — one line at a time.
Who I am
I'm Ahala — a 14-year-old student who believes that words, once learned by heart, never truly leave you. My world sits at the crossroads of school life, the ancient art of Avadhanam, and a deep love for writing.
Growing up with Telugu literature around me, I discovered that language is not just a tool — it's a living thing. As an Avadhanini, I practise keeping that tradition alive, one carefully memorised verse at a time.
When I'm not at a performance or buried in books, I write — stories, observations, reflections. Language, in all its forms, is my home.
The ancient art
Avadhanam is a classical Telugu literary performance requiring extraordinary concentration. The Avadhani simultaneously engages multiple questioners (Prcchakalu), composing poetry in prescribed metres, answering riddles, counting sounds, and resisting deliberate distractions — all at once, entirely from memory. It is one of India's most demanding and beautiful oral traditions.
Eight simultaneous challenges — the foundational level of the art, demanding split-focus across poetry, riddles & memory tasks.
One hundred simultaneous challenges. A rare feat performed only by the most trained Avadhani — a test of superhuman concentration.
Years of immersion in Telugu prosody, grammar, mythology, and literature. The performance is only possible because of the learning behind it.
As one of the youngest Avadhaninis, I am learning to carry this tradition forward — honouring the past while finding my own voice within it.
Words on the page
Poetry is where I first found my voice — experimenting with classical metres learned through Avadhanam and free verse that comes from simply living.
Short essays on topics I think about deeply — language, memory, tradition, and what it means to be young in an ancient culture.
Stories that blend the world I see every day with the myths and legends that fill the literature I love. Coming soon.
Performances & Verses
Moments & Memories
Get in touch
Whether you're curious about Avadhanam, want to discuss Telugu literature, or simply want to say hello — I'd love to hear from you.
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