The literary flowering of Bengali Vaishnavism and the Chaitanya Movement began around 1510, led by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. This movement emphasized ecstatic devotion (bhakti) to Krishna through communal practices such as song, dance, and chanting (sankirtana). It played a crucial role in shaping the cultural and spiritual landscape of Bengal and Odisha, promoting a rich tradition of devotional literature and art.

The literary flowering of Bengali Vaishnavism and the Chaitanya Movement in the early 16th century produced a wealth of devotional poetry, notably the padavalis. This rich tradition of spiritual expression influenced later poets, including Rabindranath Tagore, who drew upon its themes of divine love and devotion, embedding them into the fabric of Bengali literature.