WHEN TOURISTS FROM EUROPE ALSO BUY FROM SUNDAY MARKET OF KASHMIR

                                              

The  Sunday market  of Srinagar attracts all. Tourists from Europe can not be an exception.To these images i add a  portion of short story written by me on a funny practice which has died its own death .   

PHOUKKA CHHA KINNA TOUKKA

( Is it just hollow for show off  or solid piece ? )

When Rupawati Dhar entered Baithak or the sitting room ,she was happy to see her New daughter in law seated on a raised platform with some pillows on her back . Embracing her affectionately , she kissed her forehead. That made both of them happy . Straightening the sheet underneath before sitting near her daughter in law ,she said

“ Guss Vaash Heu kudd Zangunn . Bih Bih Hayee Chhu Thakaan ”

“Go and just stretch your legs .One gets tired by sitting only ”

Then suddenly there was a knock at the door . Shaam Raani was in the house to have tea from Novv Nosh ( New daughter in law ) who had been renamed as Lakshmi . Prior to her marriage Lakshmi was known as Asha Koul. Now she could call herself Asha Koul Dhar . Shaam Raani was sister of Rupawati ‘s Husband affectionately called as Bai sahib . Bai Sahib Or Moti lal Dhar worked as Head clerk in PWD . He enjoyed respect and command amongst his relations . Every one was impressed to see his Boss Nazir Sahib ( Divisional Engineer ) in the marriage . Nazir Sahib had sent his personal car and driver for three days to Moti lal Dhar ‘s residence during the marriage days . The family felt grateful for this act.

Coming close to Lakshmi, Shaam Rani kissed her forehead and said ,

“ Bajaah Guss . Mooss Nerinukh ”

“ Let you prosper .Let this family flourish with your arrival. ”

 Though relations between Shaam Rani and Rupawati appeared to be good but some insiders knew it well that they were actually not so intimate and considerate to each other . Now Shaam Rani came closer and started inspection of lakshmi’s Jewellery .She touched her ear rings , her necklace and the golden Bangles . She also took her dangling Dejhurr in her hand as if to weigh it . She inspected the Dejhurr carefully and then looked towards Rupawati . Her facial expressions conveyed some surprise. Suddenly freeing herself from Shaam Rani , Lakshmi goT up and went downstairs to prepare a cup of Tea for Shaam Rani . That was the custom or the tradition . Close relatives of the family were required to have tea served by the Newly arrived Daughter in law. Finding that Lakshmi had left the room , Shaam Rani turned to Rupawati and said

“ Kuth Henurruss Chhekh Phatmeuch . Me Chhu Basaan sorruy Chhu Phoukka . ”

“ You have fallen  to dirt with  this marriage . All this Jewellery is just hollow and Light and meant for showoff  only . Nothing solid ”

That made Rupawati pensive . She had nothing against lakshmi . But she also knew that Shaam Rani's observation was bound to disturb her position among her relations and neighbours.   

( aUTAR mOTA )                   

CHINAR SHADE by Autarmota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 India License.
Based on a work at http:\\autarmota.blogspot.com\.

SINDH CANAL NEAR GANDERBAL KASHMIR, WILLOWS AND THE JUNGLE NEARBY .

                                  

SINDH CANAL NEAR GANDERBAL, WILLOWS AND THE JUNGLE NEARBY .

(PHOTO AUTAR MOTA 2009 SERIES. )

I ADD LINES FROM A POEM WRITTEN IN 2006 TO THIS PHOTOGRAPH.

HAMEIN ZINDAGI BHI KAHEY TO KYAA ,

JO CHAMAK RAHEE MERI AAG  SE.

HUVE RAAKH PHIR BHI WATTAN MERE ,

TERI YAAD KO TO BACHAA LIYAA.

 (Autar Mota )

 

CHINAR SHADE by Autarmota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 India License.
Based on a work at http:\\autarmota.blogspot.com\.

POET DINA NATH NAADIM AND THE COMMON MAN

                                                                           

POET DINA NATH NAADIM AND THE COMMON MAN.

PHOTO AUTAR MOTA 2010.)

  In 1964, Naadim wrote a poem “.Radhee Vaalei Sunz Hakh ”. or “The call of the Raddi  Buyer ( Kabaadi )” . The poem may sound ordinary to a casual reader . To a serious reader this is a painful story of the helplessness of common man as well . The system  or the commodity market decides his fate now .This is the story of the man who is supposed to overlook how some  persons  turned   rich overnight .This painful commodity  market  is  driven by utility and expediency concept alone . If  any one amongst us  has no utility and is  not expedient , he  should be prepared  to be sold like the  old Newspapers …….

                                                                               

 (

 (  In this photo Poet Naadim with  late Shamim Ahmed Shamim  journalist and MP Lok Sabha from srinagar )

Zeiv rehunn kariv Guftaar Kaeniv

Radhee kaagaz Akhbaar Kaeniv

Heumm Kaetee ounn Athh Kathhie Sannie Beqal

Yaemm Kunn Chhonn Yiss Kuthh Vannie Beqal

Khonvuth Khodd  Kyaa Kyaa Khannie Beqal

Praethh Kaanh Kuthh Chhuvv Phir Phyaar Kaeniv

Radhee Kagaz akhbaar Kaeniv.

( Dina Nath Naadim )

Mortgage your tongue and sell your conversation,

Sell this waste ! Sell it like Old newspapers or used Paper.

“How that man gained this wealth !”

Whosoever thinks this  is a fool.. .

“This man sells short in his Trade ! “

Only a fool shall say so .

O Yes that man who works hard unnecessarily is also a fool ?

All these words are foolish and are beyond our understanding ,

So why not sell now.

Sell this waste !

Sell it like Old newspapers or  used Paper.

  

( Autar Mota )

CHINAR SHADE by Autarmota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 India License.
Based on a work at http:\\autarmota.blogspot.com\.

YELI TOMULL VAATIE MYON KASSAM CHHUYEE ME VANIZI ( WHEN YOU RECEIVE THE RICE FOR THE FUNCTION , DO REMEMBER TO CALL ME FOR THE CLEANING. )

   KASHMIRI PANDIT WOMEN CLEANING RICE FOR THE MAL MAAS BAAN MASS LANGAR AT MARTAND TEERTHAA Kashmir

PHOTO May 2010 by Autar Mota

YELI   TOMULL   VAATIE  MYON   KASSAM   CHHUYEE   ME VANIZI

( WHEN YOU RECEIVE THE RICE FOR THE FUNCTION , DO REMEMBER TO CALL ME FOR THE CLEANING. )

Any marriage in Kashmir is a big event celebrated jointly by relatives and friends. Buying rice for the guests and then cleaning the same used to be an auspicious task . In fact the marriage function would begin with Rice cleaning and repacking the same for the feasts to follow. It was a get together for the ladies . Gossiping , Sipping tea , singing folk lores on Tumbak Naari , ladies would enjoy this work.

Where has this culture gone? some lines for this great culture and the land that created it .

Tere badan ke pasiney say mushk boo hai libaas,

Tere libas ki khushboo badan se aati hai,

Tere baghair mujhe chain kaise padtaa hai,

Mere baghair tujhe neend kaise aati hai

( Jaun Elia )

CHINAR SHADE by Autarmota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 India License.
Based on a work at http:\\autarmota.blogspot.com\.

A VIEW OF BUND NEAR SHEIKH BAGH SRINAGAR KASHMIR.

                                                                               

 I AM TEMPTED TO ADD SOME LINES FROM A BRIEF POEM OF KASHMIRI POET DINA NATH  NAADIM.


 Enjoy Another brief poem of Poet Naadim from “Haersaath”. I again add that these six or eight line poems have not been done in Sonnet or Haiku format as usally commented by many critics . This is Naadim’s unique contribution by way of adding dimension and innovations to the existing form and format of kashmiri poetry

Ainaa Khundaa akh Adaa Ghur Madda Ghur
Chhoatt Derruss Peuth Traavaan Gaah .
Gaavaa akh Paech Mudayaa Karnuss
Huneyaa akh Paech Deutnuss Haah
Maetsee akki Tuujjee Thaaevv Zaechee Troprith
Ammi Aurr Kammie Vuchh Kuss Vanaa Kyaah.
( Dina Nath Naadim )

A mirror piece shapely and cute ,
Lay on a heap of dust and rubbish reflecting light
A cow passed close by and looked at it for some time .
A stray bitch came close
and exhaled breath over its surface .
An insane woman passed by , picked it up
and placed it safely in her tattered apparel pocket.
After that who saw what happened and what I shall tell.

Utility of every object gets enhanced , enlarged or diminished with location. A cute piece of mirror should have been in the hands of a maiden for dressing and adding charm and grace to her personality . It could have also been fixed on some ceiling or wall in pure Rajputana style of architecture . It could have been In a house where every one would come before it everyday at least where it could have reflected truth ; An ultimate purpose and utility it is supposed to deliver. .Once thrown on a heap of dust and rubbish ,its location has been altered to a disadvantage . It may reflect stray light but surely irritating any passer by . At this location it turns to be an object of dislike . A cow too looks at it thinking what to do with it . A stray dog gets irritated possibly with the light it reflects. This dog comes close and breathes out hot air over its surface making it blurred . Ultimately a mad woman picks it up for no apparent use .
Howe true of human existence as well ?

 
CHINAR SHADE by Autarmota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 India License.
Based on a work at http:\\autarmota.blogspot.com\.

A VIEW OF GROUND NEAR LALITADITYAA'S MARTAND SUN TEMPLE MONUMENT RANBIR PORA MATTAN KASHMIR . .

                                                                                     

 I NEED TO ADD SOMETHING MORE FROM NAADIM SAHIB'S POETRY TO THIS VIEW . I ADD AS UNDER :_

 

Naadim was a poet of Hope and light . He talked of a sunlit tomorrow .Some of his poems not only touch the borders of ultimate reality but also stand over there to look and debate upon fundamental issues of existence. The flow of thoughts in below selected lines makes one to feel the elevation Naadim’s personality had and how well he was prepared to face that final call. The feeling of some loss or the feeling of facing the ultimate ; That final event known as Death , a Mystery ,a Reality and a certainty . We always postpone thinking about this reality . I can call it the only reality that every one has to experience. Perhaps we treat it as something that visits others only

Vukh Voatt Viz Iyee Diyee Darshun Diyee
Layee Hoatt Moatt Zeeshaan Baa Katei Dharra
Gaashur Saathaa Noor Baraathaa
Numm Numm Srehh Teilaan Me Achch Durraa
Oush Chhunna Koonei Thehraan Baa kyaah Karra
Paarudh zunn gayee Praan Baa Kyaah karra
Loluss Maa Khassei Haan Baa Kyaah Karra
Rumm Rumm Gaaem Ghumm Shraan Baa Kyaah Karr

.(  Dina Nath Naadim )

The time for my appointment has come ,

He shall certainly come to show his face,
Playing its maddening tune ,
the Possessor of high status has arrived ,
Can I withstand?
O ! A good sunlit day ,
A melee of lights all over ,
Every nail of my body paining with love for life
and eyes too joining the vigil,
But then what can be done ?
Tears keep falling like the torrential rain,
My being turns restless like Mercury on a surface.
No! No !This love of mine should not be put to any blame ,
Alas this Helplessness !
O This entire body of mine,
wet presently with sweat baths .
But then what can be done ?

( Rendered to English for readers by Autar Mota . I have Dealt the Urdu word Zeeshan in its literal meaning. It generally means some entity possessing high status or dignity . Could have been called a prince as well. )

IMMORTAL LINES OF LATE DINA NATH NAADIM ON "FEELING OF LOSS AND APPOINTMENT WITH THE ULTIMATE REALITY THAT WE CALL DEATH ". IN SOME POEMS OF NAADIM ,THE INFLUENCE OF RUSSIAN POET VLADIMIR MAYAKOVSKY ( 1893-1930 ) IS CLEARLY VISIBLE . MAYAKOVSKY INFLUENCED ALMOST ALL THE PROGRESSIVE POETS OF TWENTIETH CENTUARY WORLD OVER.

 
CHINAR SHADE by Autarmota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 India License.
Based on a work at http:\\autarmota.blogspot.com\.

WHEN SPRING VISITED BADAAM VAARI GARDEN SRINAGAR

                                                                               

 PHOTO AUTAR MOTA MARCH 2010.
( ALMOND BLOSSOMS )
“This kashmiri Pandit Boy with a Turban on his head shall carry forward my legacy ”

said Poet Mehjoor when he heard Young Dina Nath Naadim reciting his poem for the first time.

Naadim not only carried forward the legacy of Mehjoor but gave the language a modern outlook and steered kashmiri poetry on a path that was not treaded uptil then. A path of flowers , rivers , birds and colours of Kashmir . The core issues that he touched were rooted to the soil of Kashmir. Calling Mother Kashmir as JAGAT JANANI ( Creator of the universe ) , he also spoke about the sorrows of this land . Poverty , Clouds of war hovering , common man , gardens , shrines and above all the rich cultural heritage of this land . While he talked of a sunlit tomorrow , he also laid emphasis on the vital importance of the present . Present that is existing and surrounding . Present that is the reality and needs to be lived and thanked.

Az Dumm Chhu Ganeemat Aey Hamdumm
Kuss Vaenee Kuss Baenee Hamraaz Pagaah
Yuus Raath Qadam Tuul Suyee Chhaa Az
Paghukk Assi Naenee Andaaz Pagaah.
( Dina nath Naadim )

Love! Today’s existence be just thanked ,Who knows who shall befriend us
and be our companion tomorrow ?
See in this march we changed the style of our yesterday’s walk ,
Tomorrow’s style we shall come to know tomorrow only.

( Translation Autar Mota )

 

CHINAR SHADE by Autarmota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 India License.

Based on a work at http:\\autarmota.blogspot.com\.

A VIEW OF VITASTA AT BADYAAR BALA NEAR LAL DED SCHOOL AND AN EIGHT LINE POEM OF DINA NATH NAADIM

                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                                                           

A NEW FORM FOR KASHMIRI POETRY CREATED BY DINA NATH NAADIM . POEM IN EIGHT LINES . . NOT A SONNET NOT A HAIKU AS SOME PEOPLE CALL IT .NAADIM AGAIN TOUCHES CHEKHOV'S THOUGHT LEVEL THROUGH THESE SIMPLE 8 LINES.THE

LINES BEAR ELEMENTS OF EXISTENTIALIST THOUGHT AS WELL.


Boota Khoraa Aukh Vateey Peuth Peyomutt
Aasaa vahaarith Chhaaraan Treish
Hoonaa Aukh Aav Lamnaa Karnuss
Fuchmaech Buthi Khanjee Deutnuss Feish
Daalaa Dith Neun Naali Akiss Munz
Treish Hatiss devaa Az Footee Treish
Seeraa Aukh Vutsch baddi hatee Kaenee Kunn
Tse Ti Ad khuraa Baaetti Mahaarein


With its mouth open . a shoe lay on the road ,
Desperately needing to quench its thirst.
A dog passed by , Pulled it out ,
turned its dirty face upside down.
Looking here and there ,
thinking possibly to give water to the thirsty ,
The dog carried the shoe to a nearby drain.
Behold ! A brick jumped at this scene and said loudly to the stone nearby:
"You are just a Part of the whole .
I happen to be complete and wholesome."
( Rendered to English from original kashmiri by Autar Mota )


These lines of naadim have a vast scope for interpretation. One that comes to my mind could be as under :-

Visited by circumstances and add to this the denial of freedom of choice , Who is not like a shoe thrown on the road needing support and help even for fundamental needs of existence ? The helplessness of the shoe is touching. In our society ,Such human beings live purely at the  mercy of  notice and attention by others . They need appropriate time and space to get this mercy translated to real action .

The support, at times may come from the unexpected quarters like the dog who carries the shoe to the drain. This support simultaneously provokes others around who feel a strange denial of attention to them .
See what the brick satirically says to the stone. Yes the brick though delicate appears to be complete . It is wholesome apparently. Something can be made a part of it . it is certainly not part of something.The stone , Even being stronger is part of the whole . Incomplete . This issue has also been touched by Jean Paul sartre . In simpler terms, i add that Stronger human beings can also be incomplete or part of the whole .
I might have bored some readers with my notes to these lines . Can't help .These eight lines, looking simple apparently ,are actually meant for a serious reader . I need to add some more poetry to conclude.These lines were composed by Naadim sahib for the opera VITASTA( JHELUM RIVER )

Sangaruvv gaash Heyot lolee lalvunn ye
Veuth aayee saaluss soan Ye
Thadee Thadee Heytoss Zeuooth Vanvunn ye
Veuth aayee saaluss soan Ye

( Dina Nath Naadim )

The Mountain tops are cuddling sunlight in their lap
Lo and behold ! Here comes Vitastaa for a feast to our land .
Come let us sing loudly in her praise and welfare ,
Here comes Vitastaa for a feast to our land .

CHINAR SHADE by Autarmota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 India License.
Based on a work at http:\\autarmota.blogspot.com\.

THE STORY OF SMALL GRAVEL STONE IN A POEM OF DINA NATH NAADIM AND A VIEW OF STONE QUARRY AT ATHWAJAN SRINAGAR .

                                                                      
ROADDA FOLLAH AKH VATIE PEUTH ANDH KUNN
TAAPUNNIE TSAANJIE AUSS GANZRAAN DOAH
THEKDARUNN AENDH AENDH CHUTT KHORUSS
BAAJIREE SEUT MEULL SAPDEUOSS KOHH
TEEL SADAK AUSSISS DEUKK LEEKHITH
BRUKKVITH TROVUKH SAPDEUOSS TOHH.

( DINA NATH NAADIM )

A small stone lay untouched on roadside ,
Passing its time under the scorching rays of sun .
A contractor ( Engaged for Black topping the road )
Put the gravel mixture around it ,
Behold it too joined gravel
to become a small mountain momentarily .
Finally the Coal tarred road was its fate ,
Crushed to pieces it lay there in its final destination.
( For readers i have Rendered this poem in English from original kashmiri )

ANOTHER SIX LINE POEM FROM "HAERSAATH " BY DINA NATH NAADIM. SOME MAY BE TEMPTED TO CALL THE FORM HAIKU BUT I TEND DISAGREE. THIS IS A UNIQUE STYLE AND FORM CREATED BY NAADIM FOR KASHMIRI POETRY WHICH ALL OF US FAILED TO RECOGNIZE , APPRECIATE AND REALIZE.  THESE ARE SMALL POEMS WITH CHAIN OF METAPHORS AND  SYMBOLS  HAVING VAST SCOPE FOR MEANING . THE CONTENT APPEARS TO BE ORDINARY . PAUSE . THINK. IT TURNS OUT TO BE THOUGHT PROVOKING .HERE  NAADIM COMES UP TO THE STATURE OF  ANTON CHEKHOV .

I HAVE READ MINI  POEMS FROM   "HAERSAATH " AT LEAST 100 TIMES . TO ME THEY APPEAR LIKE  FRAMES  FROM   A  SATYAJITRAY MOVIE. 

 ARE NOT ALL OF LIKE THE SMALL STONE OR PEBBLES LYING ON THE ROADSIDE OF EXISTENCE  LIVING  WITH SHIFTING  FATES . FATES THAT ARE BEYOND OUR CONTROL OR CONTROLLED BY THE  CONTRACTOR CALLED DESTINY. SOMETIMES HAPPY BEING MADE TO LOOK LIKE A MOUNTAIN AND FINALLY CRUSHED TO BE TRAMPLED BY THE TRAFFIC ON THIS HIGHWAY OF EXISTENCE ! 

Autar Mota

CHINAR SHADE by Autarmota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 India License.

Based on a work at http:\\autarmota.blogspot.com\.

A DUBB ON BADYAAR BALA ROAD SRINAGAR AND DINA NATH NAADIM'S POEM ON HUKH ( DRY WOODEN PIECES USED IN KITCHEN AS FUEL IN OLDEN DAYS .).

                                                              

Baaluv peith Voath pari mahal kunn
 voth baeth baeth Draav Saeluss vaav
Hutchfaell Pangtaah Saet saet draayuss
Aabuss paeth paeth yirvin naav
Boan Paahun vaatith seikee Shaatuss laeg
Haq Parznovukh Hukkh Pyokh naav .
( Dina nath naadim )

Coming down from the Hills surrounding Pari mahal ,
The wind went on a joyful journey through river banks .
 a crowd of wood pieces too joined on this journey  ;
 But alas! These  were thrown on the water surface .
Moving down the river current ,
these pieces came to settle on a sandy surface
to realize truth .
Lo here only people named these pieces as HUKH.

"FROM " HAERSAATH " BY DINA NATH NAADIM ( 1916-1988 ). 

AFTER MEHJOOR , NAADIM STOOD UP AS THE TALLEST POET OF MODERN KASHMIRI . INSPIRING A GENERATION OF WRITRS IN KASHMIR ,THIS POET WROTE , GHAZALS , VAAKHS , OPERAS , SONGS AND SONNETS . HIS POEMS AND SONGS WERE BUBBLING WITH LOVE FOR HIS NATIVE LAND , ITS PEOPLE AND CULTURE.IN FACT I PERSONALLY LEARNT THE NAMES OF MANY FLOWERS OF KASHMIR FROM MEHJOOR AND NAADIM SAHIB'S POETRY .THE LINE "BOMBRO BOMBRO SHAAM RANG BOMBRO " USED IN THE OPERA "BOMBUR TE YEMBAZAL" OR " ROMANCE OF THE BUMBLE AND THE NARCISSUS FLOWER " IS HIS CREATION . WITH THESE LINES HE SPREAD IN THE ENTIRE LENGTH AND BREADTH OF THE COUNTRY. HAERSAATH IS A BEAUTIFUL COLLECTION WRITTEN IN SONNET STYLE BUT IN SIX LINES WITH ONE THOUGHT AND IMAGERY . THE ABOVE LINES DEPICT THE BEAUTY OF HUKH FORMATION IN KASHMIR.
 

Hukh was collected from rivers by Boatmen. One could see them collecting it from Sindh stream near Ganderbal. It was brought to city for sale in big boats called Bahach. Hukh consisted of  small pieces of wood   used for burning in Kitchen during winters . It made the kitchen warm when burnt in DHAAN ( CHULHAA ) by our womenfolk . We would come to the kitchen repeatedly to fill our Kangris . The kitchen turned cozy and warm with HUKH burning .Children would sit in the kitchen  to have  food when their Grandmothers or   mothers   burnt HUKH for cooking food  . You could also notice our ladies skillfully making  Coal from the Burning HUKH or firewood in the kitchen. Kashmiris kitchens had a LEJJ ( earthen pot ) with a lid .Our ladies  would be removing Burning Coal heaps from the DHAAN ( Chulhaa ) and throwing them into the LEJJ and then immediately replacing the lid . The burning charcoal would cool down and the coal so prepared would be used to make afternoon tea. 

CHINAR SHADE by Autarmota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 India License.
Based on a work at http:\\autarmota.blogspot.com\.

A CLOSED DOOR AND A POEM BY AUTAR MOTA

 O THAT CLOSED DOOR  ! 
( Photo Autar Mota )


To this photo , i am adding my Poem  " Bandh Darwaaza " or Closed Door.

     ( Bandh Darwaaza )

Kaun Kholegaa Ab Voh  Darwaaza

Me  Jisse bandh kar ke Aaya Thaa …..

Jis Pe latke chhupe Basse Hain Abhi

Meray Ajdaad Ki Yaadon Ke Hujoom

Jaissay  Maa  Aaj Bhi Khadi Hai Vaheen

Haath Mein Thaal Liye Khaane Ka

Sonchti Hai “ Kahaan Gayaa Hogaa?

Bache Sab Aa Gaye Schoolon se “

Phir Voh Rangon Ka *(1) Krool  Daale Koyee

Issi Dhar Ke dhule Se  Maathe par

Phir  Koyee  Likh Rahaa hai Rang Liye

Naam  Dulhe ka Aur Dulhan Ka

 Dev-lokon se Bhi Duaayein Chali

“ Nayi Jodi rahe Sukhi Har Pal “

Hai Phir Shaadi Ka jashn Zoron Pe

 Aur Phir se hai *(2) Dwaar Pooja koyee

Phir  se Pooja ki Voh Gaagar le kar

Jis  mein akhrot hain Paani Bhi Hai

Aa gayi Maa meri Issi Dhar Pe

Karne Herat Ki Voh * (3) “Thuk Thuk” Ki Rasam

Phir Meri Daadi Keh rahi Jaissay

“ Thehro Thehro Abhi Vaheen Thehro

Aap Mehmaan ho Dhar Pe Rukk Jaao

Mujh Ko *(4) Aalath Utaar- ni hai Abhi ”

Voh Jo Khultaa Thaa kul jahaan ke liye

Jis ke andhar  thaa Shahar e missr mera

Yaheen Gokul Bhi Thaa Shivaala bhi

Bandhagi Bhi  Reshi-Parasti Bhi

Paas masjid se Voh * (5) Durood Shariff

Mandiron se * (6) Mahimnapaar Ki goonj

Dekh Kar  Ekk  Khulaa khulaa sa dhar

Sab Chale Aatay Thay Andhar Ghar mein

Aaj Tak Chaabiyaan Sanbhaalin Hain

Jin Se Ab Koyee Dhar nahin Khultaa …..

……………………………….Kaun Kholegaa Ab Voh  Darwaaza

Me  Jisse bandh kar ke Aaya Thaa …..

( Autar Mota )

PS

*(1) 

Krool is an Artistic Decoration of Main Entrance or Door of a House with colours . This is done before the start of actual Marriage ceremony . Generally Flowers , Leaves and branches are Drawn in Bright colours to give an Auspicious aura at the entrance . It is also believed that KROOL is drawn for Blissful married life of the couple. It is not to be confused with Vyoog or Rangoli . The colourful Vyoog is drawn on Floor .

*(2)

Dwaar Pooja is an Important Custom Practiced since Vedic period . Main Entrance or Door is considered Auspicious and Pious and is worshiped before entry of Bride or Bridegroom . It is widely prevalent in kashmiri Pandit society.

*(3)

“Thuk Thuk ! kuss chhuva ! Ram Bror ! “ Knock !Knock ! Who is there ? A gentle Cat .” These lines are Familiar to every kashmiri Pandit. This custom continues to be practiced by Kashmiri Pandits during Shivratri Festivities . The elderly lady in the house would Fill up the Walnut Pitcher of Shivratri with Fresh water from Vitasta / Fresh running water stream ( Later Fresh Tap Water ) and then give knocks at the Door to enter . She would seek blessing for the entire family from Shiva . After she finished seeking these blessings , some insider would open the door and allow her in with the water and walnut filled Pitcher . 

*(4)

Upon conveying details of “ AALATH“ ritual of kashmiri Pandits and seeking clarification on it , a learned scholar clarified to me as under :

“ I believe kashmiri Pandit culture and Rituals have evolved from Vedas and also from the Shaivite Traditions. This tradition, as you say of welcoming a Guest at the entry point or at the Door by an elderly woman with a jug or small container of water held in a plate having some rice and flowers and then moving the water container symbolically around his body and finally carefully throwing away everything at a proper place is Nothing but Abhisheka . So good a tradition. I would say that Atithi ( Guest ) is Shiva. And Shiva needs Abhisheka . The honoured Guest at the Door has to be worshipped and welcomed . And at that time , Shiva is both a personal Guest and a cosmic presence who is welcomed at the same time to one’s home and heart. The elderly woman who welcomes the Guest at the Door becomes pious by this very act and attains the status of Parvati . To welcome a Guest at Door steps is like an offering to God or Shiva. Hold on to this Beautiful tradition. “

During olden days when a potter would bring pots for the shivratri celebrations to a kashmiri Pandit Household , Aalath was also performed for him at the doorstep. May be a symbolic welcome to lord SHIVA .

*(5)

Durood shariff is a prayer which Muslims make by saying explicit phrases in praise of Prophet Muhammad ( Pbuh). Recitation of Durood Shariff in shrines and Mosques is a common Practice with kashmiri Muslims . In kashmir , we have almost Night long Durood khwaani during the holy month of Ramadaan.

*(6)

Mahimnapaar or Shivmahimna Stotra is one of the earliest and one of the most recited Shiva prayer by Kashmiri Pandits .It is said to have been written a Gandharva Known as Pushpadanta , a Great Devotee of Lord Shiva .

(Autar Mota .)

 

CHINAR SHADE by Autarmota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 India License.
Based on a work at http:\\autarmota.blogspot.com\.

WILLOWS AT BETAAB VALLEY PAHALGHAAM AND A POEM BY AUTAR MOTA

                           
Majestic willows of Betaab Valley Pahalghaam kashmir.
(Photo Avtar Mota 2009 series .)
Many friends have been asking me to post one of my poems . Lo ! and behold this small surprise .

HAMAARA DIL ( This Heart of mine )

Hamaara dil Samajh lo Ek Sehraa hai samandhar hai ,
Yeh Bahr e Hind Tak Aayee Himaala Ki Hawaa Samjho,
Na Ganga hai, Na jamuna hai ,Yeh sangam hai Prayaag e Hind Tehzeeb e wattan jaisaa .
Guzashtaa daur ki Anmol Qadron ko Samete Hai,
Jisse Tum Chaah kar bhi apney Khwaabon Me Nahin Laatey,
Jisse Tum Pyaar kartey Ho Magar Apnaa Nahin Saktey,
Jo Ab Bhatkaa hai Unn raston pe jo Jungle ko Jaate hain,
Jo Ab Tanhaa Hai Unn shehron Me Jo Mudd kar nahin Taktey ,
Isse Ek Shaam Do, Aaraam Do, Subh e Tamanaa Do.
Yeh Kaise Maan Legaa Khoon Ka, Baarish Kaa, Toofan Kaa,
Mehak Kaa ,Phool Ka, Aur dard ka ,Lafze Mohabbat ka ,
Behan Ke Gham kaa , Maa ki Chashm e numm, Umeed e fardaa Kaa ,
Wattan Ki Yaad kaa, Doori Kaa, Majboori ,Judaai Kaa ,
"Koi Mazhab hai ,Koi Dharam hai ,Koyee Aqeeda Hai ."
( A Poem by  Avtar Mota )

This heart of mine is like the Saharaa ( Vast Desert ) or the   ocean,

Treat it like the fresh Breeze of Himalayas dancing over  the Indian Ocean,

Never  like  River  Ganga or Yamuna  alone ,

 But yes Like the Majestic Confluence at  Pryaag (Allahabad ),

It spreads like the civilization of my country.

Holding values of time gone past ,

Something which you too  cherish but refuse to see  

coming close even in your dreams ,
Something which you too love but but never attempt to own, 

Moving   aimlessly on Paths that lead to Jungle alone ,

This heart is lonely in Cities that have never learnt to look back.

Grant it  just One Evening, A little Comfort  and the Desired dawn,

“How can this heart agree that:

 Blood , Rain , Tornadoes  ,

Fragrance , flowers , Pain and Suffering ,

 Words of love ,The sorrow of our sisters , The sobbing of our Mothers ,

Tomorrow’s hopes , Memory of our beloved land , Distances ,

Helplessness and separation

Have a Religion , A Dharma or belong to any Faith .”

                          

CHINAR SHADE by Autarmota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 India License.
Based on a work at http:\\autarmota.blogspot.com\.