History of Rupi Kaur in Timeline

Rupi Kaur is a renowned Canadian poet, illustrator, photographer, and author of Indian origin. Born in Punjab, India, she immigrated to Canada with her family in her youth. Kaur's journey as a poet began in 2009, and her use of Instagram as a platform significantly contributed to her rise to prominence. Her work often explores themes of love, loss, trauma, healing, and femininity, resonating deeply with a vast audience. Through her three published poetry collections, Kaur has solidified her place as a celebrated contemporary poet. Her unique visual style, combining her writing with simple illustrations and photography, distinguishes her work and further enhances its emotional impact.

October 1992: Rupi Kaur's Birth

Rupi Kaur was born in Punjab, India in October 1992.

October 1992: Early Life and Immigration to Canada

Rupi Kaur was born into a Sikh family in October 1992 and immigrated to Canada at a young age.

2009: Rupi Kaur Begins Performing Poetry

Rupi Kaur began performing poetry in 2009.

2009: Early Poetry Performances and Influences

Rupi Kaur's early poetry performances in 2009 were driven by a desire to find her voice after an abusive relationship and explore personal trauma.

2013: Aesthetic Refinement

After the release of Beyoncu00e9's self-titled album in 2013, Rupi Kaur refined her aesthetic into a more stylized manner.

2013: Sharing Poetry Anonymously and Embracing Kaur Surname

Rupi Kaur began sharing poetry anonymously and later embraced "Kaur" as her stage name in 2013.

November 2014: Self-Publishing Milk and Honey

Rupi Kaur self-published Milk and Honey in November 2014 after starting work on it at age 18.

2014: Milk and Honey Success and Critical Reception

Following its republication, Milk and Honey achieved significant commercial success in 2014, selling millions of copies and receiving mixed critical reception.

2014: Building an Online Following

Rupi Kaur started sharing work on Instagram in 2014, adding illustrations and gaining a following.

2014: Milk and Honey Initial Publication

Rupi Kaur's debut poetry collection, Milk and Honey, was self-published in 2014.

March 2015: Menstrual Photo Controversy

In March 2015, Rupi Kaur posted photos on Instagram related to menstruation that were removed and later reinstated. This controversy led to increased attention for her work.

March 2015: Menstrual Photo Controversy and Instagram Response

In March 2015, Rupi Kaur's menstrual blood photos were removed from Instagram, sparking controversy and discussion about censorship. Instagram later apologized and reinstated the photos.

2015: Menstrual Photographs Controversy

In 2015, Rupi Kaur's menstrual photographs sparked controversy and received mixed reactions, including death threats, and were credited with starting conversations about periods.

2015: Growing Recognition and TED Talk

Rupi Kaur's audience grew significantly in 2015, leading to increased confidence and a TED Talk the following year.

2016: Merging Performance and Prose

Around 2016, Kaur began to combine her performance style with her prose, leading to the creation of her poetry special.

October 2017: The Sun and Her Flowers Publication and Perspective

Rupi Kaur published The Sun and Her Flowers in October 2017, viewing it as a continuous poem.

2017: Parody Book Released

A parody book titled "Milk and Vine," mocking Rupi Kaur's writing style, was released in 2017.

2017: Recognition and Awards

In 2017, Rupi Kaur was listed in BBC's and Vogue's lists of women of the year, and "The Sun and Her Flowers" was chosen for Quill & Quire's list of the best books.

2017: Impact on Poetry Sales and Readership

In 2017, Rupi Kaur's work was attributed to the rise in poetry sales and readership, specifically in Canada and the United Kingdom. She was considered a pioneer of the "Instapoet" style and had a significant impact on reading habits.

2017: Milk and Honey Republication and Success

Milk and Honey was republished in 2017 and became a bestseller, selling millions of copies.

2017: The Sun and Her Flowers Publication

Rupi Kaur published her second poetry collection, The Sun and Her Flowers, in 2017.

2018: Begins Work on Home Body

In 2018 Rupi Kaur began working on her third poetry collection, "Home Body", amidst her struggles with depression.

2018: Financial Success and Jaipur Literary Festival

In 2018, Rupi Kaur earned significant income from poetry sales and performed at the Jaipur Literary Festival.

2019: Mental Health Struggles and Therapy

In 2019, Rupi Kaur began therapy to address her depression and anxiety. She discussed her struggles with mental health, including writer's block, intense migraines, and burnout, after the release of her second book.

2019: Named Writer of the Decade

In 2019, The New Republic named Rupi Kaur "Writer of the Decade", which sparked debate about her work and influence.

November 2020: Release of Home Body

In November 2020, Rupi Kaur released her third poetry collection, "Home Body." The book became a bestseller and included illustrations by Kaur.

2020: Sales of The Sun and Her Flowers

By 2020, The Sun and Her Flowers had sold over a million copies.

2020: Support for Indian Farmers Protest

During the 2020 Indian Farmers Protest, Kaur voiced her support for the Punjabi farmers.

2020: Home Body Publication

Rupi Kaur published her third poetry collection, Home Body, in 2020, influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

April 2021: Release of Rupi Kaur Live

Rupi Kaur self-released her poetry special, "Rupi Kaur Live," in April 2021, after it was rejected by streaming services.

2021: Support for Indian Farmers Protest

During the 2021 Indian Farmers Protest, Kaur voiced her support for the Punjabi farmers.

November 2023: Declines White House Diwali Invitation

In November 2023, Kaur declined an invitation to a White House Diwali celebration hosted by Vice President Kamala Harris, citing the Biden administration's support for Israel during its bombardment of Gaza.