Nauha (Elegy or Mourning) or mersiya is lamenting song of shia tradition of Islam about the martyrdom of Imam Husain at the battle of Karbala. This ghazal Nauha is written by Kaifi Azmi after the sudden and shocking death of iconic filmmaker Guru Dutt. Since than the first couplet is often quoted for paying tribute to the departed souls. The theme of the poem deals with grief,void and loss by passing away of someone. Here I have tried to translate this ghazal.
रहने को सदा दहर में आता नहीं कोई,
तुम जैसे गए ऐसे भी जाता नहीं कोई।
Rehne Ko Sada Dahar Mein Aata Nahin Koi,
Tum Jaise Gaye Aise Bhi Jata Nahin Koi.
No one stays in this world forever,
Yet in this way no one departs ever.
डरता हूँ कहीं ख़ुश्क न हो जाए समुंदर,
राख अपनी कभी आप बहाता नहीं कोई।
Darta Hun Kahin Khushk Na Ho Jaye Samundar,
Raakh Apni Kabhi Aap Bahata Nahin Koi.
I fear the ocean might run dry,
No one ever pour their ashes in water when die.
इक बार तो ख़ुद मौत भी घबरा गई होगी,
यूँ मौत को सीने से लगाता नहीं कोई।
Ek Baar To Khud Maut Bhi Ghabra Gai Hogi,
Yun Maut Ko Seene Se Lagata Nahin Koi.
Even death itself must have faltered for a moment,
No one ever embrace death like that even for a second.
माना कि उजालों ने तुम्हें दाग़ दिए थे,
बे-रात ढले शमा बुझाता नहीं कोई।
Mana Ki Ujalon Ne Tumhein Dagh Diye The,
Be-Raat Dhale Shama Bujhata Nahin Koi.
I believe that light has given you scars,
No one extinguishes the lamp before night fades.
साक़ी से गिला था तुम्हें मय-ख़ाने से शिकवा,
अब ज़हर से भी प्यास बुझाता नहीं कोई।
Saaki Se Gila Tha Tunhein Mai-Khane Se Shikwa,
Ab Zahar Se Bhi Pyaas Bujhata Nahin Koi.
You have problem with the bartender and complaints against the tavern,
Now there is no one who quenches his thirst with the poison.
हर सुब्ह हिला देता था ज़ंजीर ज़माना,
क्यूँ आज दिवाने को जगाता नहीं कोई।
Har Subah Hila Deta Tha Zanjeer Zamana,
Kyun Aaj Diwane Ko Jagata Nahin Koi.
Every morning, the world would shake the chains,
To wake him up today no body is taking that pain.
अर्थी तो उठा लेते हैं सब अश्क बहा के,
नाज़-ए-दिल-ए-बेताब उठाता नहीं कोई।
Arthi To Utha Lete Hain Sab Ashq Baha Ke,
Naaz-e-Dil-e-Betaab Uthata Nahin Koi.
Everyone lifts the bier, shedding tears,
But burden of the restless's heart yearning no one bears.
दर राह-ए-तलब आ'क़िल-ओ-दीवान: यकीस्त - रूमी (Dar Rah-e-Talab Aakil-o-Diwana Yakist-Rumi) - On The Path of Seeking,The Wise and The Mad are One - Rumi
This famous Ruba'i (quatrain) by Jalaluddin Rumi explores the theme of Divine Love (Ishq), spiritual oneness, and the transcendence of worldly dualities. This rubai in usual sufi style compares the lover to a devotee and beloved to God. He explains that the ultimate goal of the divine love and the worldly love is same i.e to seek the beloved. For full explanation : Rumi's Rubai - Dar Rah-e-Talab
दर राह-ए-तलब आ'क़िल-ओ-दीवान: यकीस्त,
दर शेवः-ए-'इश्क़ ख़्वेश-ओ-बे-गानः यकीस्त,
आँ रा कि शराब-ए-वस्ल-ए-जानाँ दादंद,
दर मज़हब-ए-ऊ का'बः-ओ-बुत-ख़ानः यकीस्त।
- रूमी
Dar Rah-e-Talab Aaqil-o-Diwana Yakist,
Dar Shevah-e-'Ishq Khwesh-o-Be-Gana Yakist,
Aan Ra Ke Sharab-e-Vasl-e-Janah Dadand,
Dar Mazhab-e-Ukaaba-o-But-Khanah Yakist.
- Rumi
On the path of seeking, the wise and the mad are one;
In the way of love, kin and stranger are one.
For the one to whom the wine of union with the beloved has been granted,
In their religion, the Kaaba and the temple are one.
-Rumi
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तुझे पाने की चाहत में अक्लमंद और दीवाने एक हैं,
तेरे इश्क़ में डूबे अपने और बैगाने एक हैं,
करीब से तेरे हुस्न का जिसने जाम पी लिया,
उसके मज़हब में तो क़ाबा और बुत-खाने एक हैं।
Tujhe Pane Ki Chahat Mein Akalmand Aur Diwane Ek Hain,
Dussehra is celebrated as the victory of Good over Evil. Each year people burn the effigies of Ravan, Kumbhakaran and Meghnath to mark the victory of Lord Ram. Dussehra spreads a powerful message of righteousness, hope, and moral truth. But every year while we celebrate this day we forget that the symbolic evils we are burning are all reside inside us and we must overcome those to really celebrate this day. Here I have written an English Couplet and a Hindi Poem with same message. Happy Dussehra
Violence,Hatred,Ego,Greed, Anger and Pride,
All These Bads When In Us Freely Reside,
How Burning An Effigy Give You Smile Wide,
First Introspect And Burn The Evil Inside.
बड़े-बड़े पुतले रावण के हर साल जलाते हैं,
अच्छाई की जीत का हम ऐसे जश्न मनाता हैं,
बुराई हर साल मगर लौट कर फ़िर आ जाती है,
क्यूंकि मन के अंदर से कभी हम उसको नहीं मिटाते हैं।
Bade-Bade Putle Ravan Ke Har Saal Jalate Hain,
Achchai Ki Jeet Ka Hum Aise Jashn Manate Hain,
Burai Har Saal Magar Laut Ke Phir Aa Jati Hai,
Kyunki Mann Ke Ander Se Kabhi Hum Usko Nahin Mitate Hain.
राम की मर्यादा की वैसे कसमे तो हम खाते हैं,
उन के आदर्शों पर चलना दुनिया को सिखाते हैं,
राम बनो,रावण नहीं ये बार-बार दोहराते हैं,
मन के अंदर के रावण को पर हम नहीं जलाते हैं।
Ram Ki Maryada Ke Waise Kasme To Hum Khate Hain,
Un Ke Adarshon Par Chalna Duniya Ko Sikhate Hain,
Ram Bano,Ravan Nahin Ye Baar-Baar Dohrate Hain,
Mann Ke Ander Ke Ravan Ko Par Hum Nahin Jalate Hain.
हिंसा,लालच,लोभ,द्वेष सब हम सब में समा जाते हैं,
ग़ुस्से,नफ़रत,अहंकार को दूर कहाँ कर पाते हैं,
मांगे कोई मदद या दया तो हम अपना मुहं छुपाते हैं,
मन का रावण जिसमे जले वो दशहरा अब से बनाते हैं।
Hinsa,Lalach,Lobh,Dwesh Sab Hum Mein Sama Jate Hain,
Gusse,Nafrat,Ahankar Ko Door Kahan Kar Pate Hain,
Mange Koi Madad Ya Daya To Hum Apna Muhn Chupate Hain,
Mann Ka Ravan Jismein Jale Woh Dussehra Ab Se Banate Hain.
"Dekh Kar Guzar Gaye" or "Passed By Giving a Glance" is an Hindustani ghazal based on the First Stage of love i.e 'Dilkashi' or Attraction. Here the poet is sharing feeling of his heart after getting attracted by just a glance of someone.
वो मेरी तरफ देख कर गुज़र गए,
ना कुछ कहा ना बात की,
ना रुक के मुलाकात की,
डाल कर मुझपर बस एक नज़र गुज़र गए,
वो मेरी तरफ देख कर, देख कर गुज़र गए। Woh Meri Taraf Dekh Kar Guzar Gaye, Na Kuch Kaha Na Baat Ki, Na Ruk Ke Mulaqat Ki, Daal Kar Mujhpar Bas Ek Nazar Chale Gaye, Woh Meri Taraf Dekh Kar, Dekh Kar Guzar Gaye.
सोचा की आवाज़ दूं,
किसी तरह तो रोक लूँ,
लब कुछ मगर न कह सके,,
और वोह मेरे हाल से युहीं बे खबर चले गए,
वो मेरी तरफ देख कर, देख कर गुज़र गए। Socha Ki Awaaz Doon, Kisi Tarah To Rok Loon, Lab Kuch Magar Na Keh Sake, Aur Woh Mere Haal Se Yuhin Be-Khabar Chale Gaye, Woh Meri Taraf Dekh Kar,Dekh Kar Guzar Gaye.
रुक-रुक के जा रहे थे वो,
मेरी नज़र का जैसे इंतज़ार हो,
ज़ुल्फ़ की चादर से मुड़ कर भी देखा किये,
कोई इशारा मगर बिना किए निकल गए,
वो मेरी तरफ देख कर, देख कर गुज़र गए। Ruk-Ruk Ke Jaa Rahe The Woh, Meri Nazar Ka Jaise Intezaar Ho, Zulf Ki Chadar Se Mud Kar Bhi Dekha Kiye, Koi Ishara Magar Bina Kiye Nikal Gaye, Woh Meri Taraf Dekh Kar,Dekh Kar Guzar Gaye.
फिर तो मिलना ही था,
ये दिल को एतबार था,
पहली नज़र का ये पहला-पहला प्यार था,
उम्र बिता दी वहीँ इंतज़ार इस कदर किए,
वो मेरी तरफ देख कर, देख कर गुज़र गए। Phir To Milna Hi Tha, Ye Dil Ko Aitbaar Tha, Pehli Nazar Ka Ye Pehla-Pehla Pyaar Tha, Umr Bita Di Wahin Intezaar Is Kadar Kiye, Woh Meri Taraf Dekh Kar,Dekh Kar Guzar Gaye.
"Still I Rise" is one of the famous poem of Maya Angelou's poetry book "And Still I Rise" which is collection of 32 short poems. The poems' themes focus on a hopeful determination to rise above difficulty and discouragement. She speaks for her race and gender in many of the poems, and again emphasizes the strength and resiliency of her community. When I read it I felt that it is written not just for black women or her community but for all the women and all those in the world who are suppressed and society never let them rise. It fits well in the Indian context also as the women/girls in India still don't have choice over their decisions. They still feel difficulty in to study, to work, to marry ,etc in many parts of the country. Those who achieve something are also seen with jealousy and doubts. This inspired me to write a Hindi version of the poem titled - "मैं फ़िर भी उठूंगी" .
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.
Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
’Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.
Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops,
Weakened by my soulful cries?
Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
’Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin’ in my own backyard.
You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.
Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?
Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.
"मैं फ़िर भी उठूंगी" .
मैं फ़िर भी उठूंगी जितना चाहे मुझ को दबालो,
पीडियों का बोझ जितना चाहे मुझपे डालो,
रीतियों-कुरीतियन का जाल हर तरफ बिछालो,
झूठ-मक्कारी के दलदल में चाहे मुझको डालो।
मेरी बेबाक़ी से जितना भी अपना दिल जलालो,
तरक़्क़ी मेरी देख कर सीने पे अपने सांप लिटालो,
पर में सूरज-चाँद जैसे,समुंद्री लहरों की ऊँची उड़ान जैसे,
मैं फ़िर भी उठूंगी रास्ते सारे चाहे मेरे रोक डालो।
शब्दों के तीख़े बाण जितने भी मुझपर चला लो,
नफ़रत भरी नज़रों से अपनी चाहे मुझ को काट डालो,
नाच-गाना, पढ़ना-काम करना रोक दो चाहे जैसे,
पर में फ़िर भी उठूंगी हवा जैसे,चाहे तुम ताले लागलो।
Since the protest was announced by CJP (Cockroach Janta Party) against resignation of Chief Election CommissionerGyanesh Kumar on 10th October 2026, Delhi Police instead of giving permission for protest and providing security for the same preparing itself to stop the protest and mishandled the protester. The Congress and opposition protest lead by LOP (leader of opposition) Rahul Gandhi going on for the same reason for few days also dealt similarly by the so called "Dil Ki Police" Delhi Police. All these happening reminded me the feelings of freedom fighter against the British oppressors before 1947 and ignite me writing this short poem.
क़िले में तब्दील है दिल्ली,क़ैद में हैं दिल्ली वाले,
समझ आता है अब क्यों लड़े थे आज़ादी के मतवाले,
चलने,मिलने,बोलने ही नहीं सोच पर भी जब लगाए कोई ताले,
अपनी सरकार चुनने के अधिकार को भी जब कोई चुराले,
तब चुप रहना अपराध है, ज़ुल्म से सहमत होना गुनाह,
सत्ता के आगे खड़े रहना ही है चाहे जितना कोई डराले।
Kile Mein Tabdeel Hai Delhi, Qaid Mein Hain Delhi Wale,
Samajh Aata Hai Ab Kyun Lade The Azaadi Ke Matwale,
Chalne,Milne,Bolne Hi Nahin Soch Par Bhi Jab Lagaye Koi Tale,
Apni Sarkaar Chunne Ke Adhikaar Ko Bhi Jab Koi Churale,
Tab Chup Rehna Apradh Hai, Zulm Se Sehmat Hona Gunaah,
Satta Ke Aage Khade Rehna Hi Hai, Chahe Jitna Koi Darale.
Imprisoned Delhiites by Turning Delhi Into A Fort,
It Remind You Why Those Freedom Fighters Faught,
Your Movements,Your Voice and Even Your Thoughts Get Choked,
They Steal Your Vote and You Don't Get Justice Even From Court,
Then Silence is a Crime and Getting Oppressed is Like Punishment,
Then Stand in Front of Them To Whichever Technique They Retort.
दर्द का हद से गुज़रना है दवा हो जाना। (Dard Ka Had Se Guzarna Hai Dawa Ho Jana) - When pain exceeds all bounds, it becomes, itself, the remedy. - Mirza Ghalib
Mirza Ghalib in this profound Ghazal compares the suffering in love with various situations in life all indicates to complete surrender of one's self to the beloved. It also indicates to the deep meaning of the ghazal if compared this situation with the one's love with the God. As in first stanza he says that as a single drop of water (Katra) finds its ultimate fulfillment when it dissolves into the vast ocean (Dariya). He suggests that pain (Dard) of love becomes remedy when it past its limit. To read the full explanation of this ghazal read : Understanding Ishrat-e-Katra Hai by Mirza Ghalib
इशरत-ए-क़तरा है दरिया में फ़ना हो जाना,
दर्द का हद से गुज़रना है दवा हो जाना।
Ishrat-e-Katra Hai Dariya Mein Fana Ho Jana,
Dard Ka Had Se Guzarna Hai Dawa Ho Jana.
To be consumed by the ocean is the droplet's ecstasy,
When pain exceeds all bounds, it becomes, itself, the remedy.
तुझ से क़िस्मत में मिरी सूरत-ए-क़ुफ़्ल-ए-अबजद,
था लिखा बात के बनते ही जुदा हो जाना।
Tujh Se Kismat Mein Meri Surat-e-Kufl-e-Abjad,
Tha Likha Baat Ke Bante Hi Juda Ho Jana.
In my destiny, with you, it was written like a combination lock,
to be separated at the moment when it unlock.
दिल हुआ कशमकश-ए-चारा-ए-ज़हमत में तमाम,
मिट गया घिसने में इस उक़दे का वा हो जाना।
Dil Hua Kashmakash-e-Chara-e-Zehmat Mein Tamam,
Mit Gaya Ghisne Mein Is Ukde Ka Va Ho Jana.
The heart exhausted itself in getting the cure of the trouble,
Worn out itself to undone in the process to unravel.
अब जफ़ा से भी हैं महरूम हम अल्लाह अल्लाह,
इस क़दर दुश्मन-ए-अरबाब-ए-वफ़ा हो जाना।
Ab Jafa Se Bhi Hai Mehroom Hum Allah-Allah,
Is Kadar Dushman-e-Arbab-e-Wafa Ho Jana.
Alas! Now I am deprived even of her cruelty,
to think to become such an enemy to the faithful is a rarity.
ज़ोफ़ से गिर्या मुबद्दल ब-दम-ए-सर्द हुआ,
बावर आया हमें पानी का हवा हो जाना।
Zoff Se Girya Mubaddal Ba-Dam-e-Sard Hua,
Bawar Aaya Hamein Pani Ka Hawa Ho Jana.
Weakness has turned my tears into cold sighs so rare,
now I understand the process of transformation of water into air.
दिल से मिटना तिरी अंगुश्त-ए-हिनाई का ख़याल,
हो गया गोश्त से नाख़ुन का जुदा हो जाना।
Dil Se Mitna Tiri Angusht-e-Hinai Ka Khayal,
Ho Gaya Gosht Se Nakhun Ka Juda Ho Jana.
The fading memory of your henna-stained finger from my heart,
is like to tear flesh from the nails apart.
है मुझे अब्र-ए-बहारी का बरस कर खुलना,
रोते रोते ग़म-ए-फ़ुर्क़त में फ़ना हो जाना।
Hai Mujhe Abr-e-Bahari Ka Baras Kar Khulna,
Rote Rote Gham-e-Furkat Mein Fana Ho Jana.
Either until the sky clear to pour completely like a spring cloud,
Or end my existence crying in sorrow of separation without any doubt.
गर नहीं निकहत-ए-गुल को तिरे कूचे की हवस,
क्यूँ है गर्द-ए-रह-ए-जौलान-ए-सबा हो जाना।
Gar Nahin Nikhat-e-Gul Ko Tere Kuche Ki Hawas,
Kyun Hain Gard-e-Rah-e-Jaulan-e-Saba Ho Jana.
If the fragrance of the flower does not yearn for your street,
Why dust remains in the wind's pathway for you to meet?
बख़्शे है जल्वा-ए-गुल ज़ौक़-ए-तमाशा 'ग़ालिब',
चश्म को चाहिए हर रंग में वा हो जाना।
Bakshe Hai Jalwa-e-Gul Zauk-e-Tamasha 'Ghalib',
Chasm Ko Chahiye Har Rang Me Va Ho Jana.
'Oh Ghalib', the splendor of the flower bestows the longing for observation,
to the awakened eye,it itself turns into the color of the flower in the garden of imagination.
ता कि तुझ पर खुले एजाज़-ए-हवा-ए-सैक़ल,
देख बरसात में सब्ज़ आइने का हो जाना।
Ta Ki Tujh Par Khule Ejaz-e-Hawa-e-Saikal,
Dekh Barsaat Mein Sabz Aaine Ka Ho Jana.
So to you reveal the miracle of biting cold wind,
See the flourishing of the mirror during the rains
Listen this Ghazal in the voice of M.S.Subbulakshmi :
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