JPR: Sorry. I said 'here is posting....and forgot to 'copy'
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Like Mangharhars in Sindh, in Bengal there is a community of musicians
called 'Baul'. Like all Sufi fakirs and bhagats in Sindh, their ways
are syncretic. They reject priesthoods with its mosques and temples
and sing songs of love and caste-less and creed-less equality. Unlike
Sindh, where sufi fakirs dominate the popular expression of
spirituality, the Baul's are generally regarded as outside the
mainstream of Bengali religious thought. However, their influence is
not insubstantial -- poets such as Nobelist Rabinath Tagore have drawn
their inspiration from the Bauls.
After more than 20 years, last Saturday I had the opportunity once
more to hear a group of Baul musicians. Anando Gopal and his group of
four musicians were in their traditional attire (patchwork 'rilli'
clothing, or saffron robes) with traditional instruments such as a
four stringed 'do-tara', many traditional drums and cymbals. All four
took turns singing. Among them was Uma Rani Das who played the dholak
(drum) with great force -- considered an unusual instrument for women
-- and projected a strong melodious voice.
I do not speak Bengali but could easily tell that a number of the
songs were odes to Radha-Krishna, the Joggirni and Jogii. It reminded
me of the time nineteen years ago when I journeyed to Brindaban-Mathur
with my wife during our 'honeymoon', and by serendipity we were there
for Janmasthtami (festival of Lord Krishna's birth).
Bhajans to Lord Krishna are common in Sindhi poetry and the story of
the love of Radha and Krishna a frequent theme. Maii Bhaaggii, Fakiru
Ghafuuru, Alarnu Fakiru, and other popular Sindhi folk singers all
include such odes in their repertoire.
Below is my translation of an ode to the manifestation of Divine Love
in Lord Krishna and Radha that my uncle, Agha Sufi Darazi, wrote. It
is also one sung by Bhagwanti Navani (available on Tips CD in Mumbai).
Note that Shaam is a name for Lord Krishna and, as is common in Sindhi
poetry, the poet identifies with Radha.
Ghansham! The crown of the peacock [1a]
My Shaam!
Shaam! Come be with Radha
A festival [1b] it shall be.
You belong to Radha, Radha to you
You are Radha's Shaam.
Gracious Lord, My Shaam
Come be with Radha, a festival it shall be.
Many bridegrooms and milkmaids are Thine
Many bridegrooms, O Shaam
For Thy apparition [2], Beautiful Shaam
At every doorstep I shall
awaken the Unseen
In every street of Brindaban [3]
With longing I shall
caste my sight
I shall go to Kabul
I shall go to Mathur [4]
I shall search the East
and search the West
I shall find Shaam at last
Fulfilled
my heart's longing will be
The glow of His eyes will sparkle
My river offering shall reach the lotus flower [5]
From it shall Holy waters be blessed [6]
I shall with love entreat the Lord
Many bridegrooms and milkmaids are Thine
Many bridegrooms, Shaam!
You are my Lord
With Radha come and make a link [riita]
You are 'Agha's', 'Agha' is yours
You are Agha's Shaam
Gracious Lord, Shaam come
With Radha come and make a link.
-- Agha Sufi Darazi
"moru mukatta ghanshaama"
[1a] "mokattu" is the crown of the peacock (royal bird) or of an idol.
[1b] eid
[2] 'darshan'
[3] where the temple of Lord Krishna is (spiritually, the abode of
Lord Krishna).
[4] sister city of Brindaban
[5] 'shaama jo jaru kamal te pavando'. 'shaama jo jaru' "akho" is put
in the river in an age old ritual, 'kamal' is the lotus flower that
blooms on the river bed.
[6] 'charan amratu tehn maan tthahando' -- another reference to a
ritual. 'charana amratu' is the water with which an idols feet are
washed.
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haku mojuudu,
Gul Agha
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