Whispering Thoughts

This senryu seeks the blessings of the radiant sun and the peaceful moon on this sacred occasion of Eid. Just as the moonlight brings serenity and the sunshine fills hearts with warmth, may this festival bring tranquility, joy, and divine grace to all. Eid is a time of reflection, gratitude, and renewal, and laughters this poem captures the essence of light, peace, and abundance that illuminate the hearts of believers on this joyous day. Peace of moonshine, and,  radiance of sun in hearts.  Bountiful, Thy grace!  Welfare unto all  Rab rakha 

On the second day of Navratri, we worship Goddess Brahmacharini, who signifies devotion, knowledge, and creativity. The sacral chakra (Svadhisthana) governs inspiration, passion, and artistic flow. This poem reflects how the divine touch transforms simple words and sketches into profound expressions of wisdom and beauty. As the Goddess blesses us with clarity and purpose, we surrender to the creative energy that shapes our journey. Jai Ma! May her grace guide our paths! Scrambled words and faint lines on the papyrus, becoming insightful verses,  even master paintings. with grace. Jai Ma. Jai Jai Ma.  Welfare unto all  Rab rakha 

On the first day of Navratri, we invoke Goddess Shailputri, the embodiment of strength, stability, and unwavering faith. Just as the root chakra (Muladhara) forms the foundation of our being, so does faith anchor us amidst life’s trials. This poem draws inspiration from the terra firma and the resilience of nature, symbolizing how devotion keeps us grounded while allowing us to reach skyward. It is a tribute to trust, endurance, and divine grace. On a firm terra,  skywards, the lush bountiful greens. swirling and swaying on a twisted, knotted pedestal with faith. Jai Ma. Jai Jai Ma.  Welfare unto all  Rab rakha 

Holi, the festival of colors, is a celebration of love, joy, and togetherness. As the day begins with vibrant hues splashed in the air, distinctions blur, and all become one in the spirit of festivity. This poem captures the essence of Holi—where laughter, playfulness, and color unite souls. In this moment, differences dissolve, and only shared happiness remains. Dazzling day begins,  with joyous splash of colors. You and I are smeared. Happy Holi !!! Welfare unto all  Rab rakha 

Holi, the festival of colors, is more than just a vibrant celebration—it is a divine tapestry woven with love, joy, and unity. This poem reflects the spiritual essence of the festival, where each color is a stroke on the canvas of life, painted under the aegis of the Almighty. As we immerse ourselves in this joyous revelry, we are reminded that love and happiness, when blessed by the divine, create a masterpiece that endures beyond time. Under Thy aegis, ever my Lord,  on a kaleidoscopic canvas, a story written with love and joy. Welfare unto all  Rab rakha 

This haiku celebrates the vibrant spirit of Holi, blending the festive energy of spring with the transformative power of color. The joyful splatters evoke the lively celebration of life, while the image of a "canvas of heart" suggests that the festival touches us deeply, painting our inner world with renewed hope and creativity. This piece encapsulates the magic of Holi in its purest form. Vibrant festal spring. Joyful splatters of colors, on canvas of heart.

This poem contrasts fleeting worldly indulgences—that inevitably fade—with the enduring nature of divine grace. It challenges readers to recognize the transient nature of pleasure and seek lasting solace in the unwavering strength of the Divine. All our indulgences,  dried safflower leaves, soul-fabric dyed and redyed. Oh and the color always fades.  Whilst The indulgence of Thy name,  stays fast, like the red of madder roots. Welfare unto all  Rab rakha 

During Holi, vibrant hues blend into one another, mirroring the union of lover and beloved, and leaving behind an indelible stain of love. This poem celebrates that transformation—where differences dissolve, and hearts merge into a single, passionate embrace. It captures the spirit of unity and eternal togetherness, as the colors of life meld into one harmonious expression. Through these vivid images, we are powerfully reminded that in love, all barriers vanish, and souls truly unite. Such, the smear of love. One shade ends, other begins,  this fusion seamless.  Welfare unto all  Rab rakha 

While walking through rural Haryana, I was deeply struck by the names given to young girls: names like Antima, Kaafi, Maafi, Batheri, and Kshama. The irony of these names—synonyms for apology and regret—contrasted sharply with the lofty rhetoric of empowerment. This poem emerges from that memory, a stark reflection on the hollow celebrations of Women’s Day and the harsh reality many women endure. And while we sit in our plush cabins, dressed in the choicest garms, talking about empowerment,  inspiration and elevation  of "we, the women",  a girl is born in the rural remotes, and for the rest of her life,  she will be called,  no, not by the names of Durga or Lakshmi,  but by the synonyms of apology and regret. Happy women's day. Sounds so hollow...right??? Welfare unto all  Rab rakha 

This poem is a spontaneous expression of admiration and reverence for the essence of womanhood. It captures the strength, creativity, and life-giving power that women embody. It attempts to celebrate their role as the foundation of life and a force of nature. Random thoughts come together in this piece as a tribute to the resilience, beauty, and limitless potential of every woman. You are the very nature, the seed of all life, you are, a beautiful masterpiece. Potent, powerful, proficient power. Yes!!! You are!!! Welfare unto all  Rab rakha 

As the grand celebrations of Mandi Shivratri conclude, a deep silence settles over the valley. Yet, in the hearts of devotees, the echoes of festivity and devotion linger. This poem captures the essence of that spiritual afterglow—the belief that Lord Shiva’s presence is eternal, felt even in the whispering breeze of spring. Though the trumpets may quiet, the soul continues to rejoice, knowing that the divine never truly departs. The valley falls silent.  But there are echoes in my heart.  Oh! I can hear,  the trumpets of Thy footsteps. lingering in the spring breeze. Thou art here, with me!!! Welfare unto all  Rab rakha 

As the grand festivities of Mandi Shivratri draw to a close, a sacred ritual marks the completion of the celebrations—barely powder, sanctified in the Lord’s name, is tossed into the air, sealing divine blessings upon the valley for the year ahead. This act symbolizes gratitude, devotion, and the continued grace of the Almighty. The sacred offering becomes a cloak of protection, ensuring prosperity, peace, and spiritual fulfillment until the festival returns once more. Handful of barley,  crushed, sanctified by Thy name.  Cloak of protection,  Thy blessings cast in the air.  The valley smeared in Thy love.  Welfare unto all  Rab rakha 

As the grand festival of Mandi Shivratri concludes, the heart holds a mix of gratitude and longing. This poem reflects the emotions of bidding farewell to the deities and celebrations, yet finding strength in the unwavering faith that Shiva remains with us beyond the festivities. Just as devotees depart, carrying His blessings, this poem serves as a prayer—trusting in His divine strength, knowing that today and tomorrow remain safe in His eternal embrace. So long my dear friend.  so long, and until then,  strong in Thy strength,  safe in Thy hold. in Thee do we trust,  our todays and tomorrows. Welfare unto all  Rab rakha 

Mandi Shivratri, a celebration of divine order, reminds us that everything unfolds by His will. The blooming of flowers, the tilt of the earth, the fading of life—all are but echoes of His decree. In surrender, we find harmony; in devotion, we glimpse eternity. This poem is a humble offering to the One whose word alone sustains the universe.  By Thy decree, this creation.  By Thy will, the earth tilts. By Thy command, the flowers bloom.  By Thy order, the life wilts. Thy word alone, and nothing beyond,  creating, sustaining, magic wand. Welfare unto all  Rab rakha 

Mandi Shivratri, a grand celebration of faith, unfolds like a cosmic fair where deities, devotees, and traditions blend into a divine spectacle. Inspired by this vibrant festivity, this naani poem reflects on the world itself as a grand fair, shifting through seasons under the watchful eyes of the Supreme. Much like the fleeting nature of a festival, life too is a transient magic show, held together by the unseen hands of the Divine, reminding us of His omnipresence. This fair, called world,  very many 'tis seasons. Under Thy powerful watch,  a charming magic show.  Welfare unto all  Rab rakha 

Every year, the grand Shivratri celebrations in Mandi bring together devotion, festivity, and the joy of spring. This poem captures the excitement of revisiting the fair, where prayers, music, and dance fill the air in honor of Lord Shiva. The vibrant festivities reflect both spiritual devotion and the warmth of shared celebrations. Just as spring renews the earth, so does faith renew our hearts, reminding us of the divine love and blessings that grace this sacred occasion. Oh come dear, like every year, we shall again visit the fair, and pray and dance and sing, we shall celebrate the spring, for in Thy love, all fetes and feast,  And Thee loves me too, a handsome treat. Welfare unto all  Rab rakha