The grand fair

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 

Where shadows fade

After relentless rains and overwhelming floods, the sun finally shines, illuminating paths once lost to darkness. Just as nature finds renewal after a storm, so do our souls in the grace of the Divine. We, the wayward, burdened by countless missteps, seek His mercy to guide us toward roads where light prevails and shadows no longer haunt. This poem is a humble prayer for redemption, a longing to walk in the warmth of His boundless forgiveness.

We, the waywards,

very many our trespasses.

Thou art the merciful,

steering us to roads

where the sun shines 

and shadows fall behind.

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

Footfalls of grace

This poem reflects the perennial hopes of mortal traders, who navigate both the worldly marketplace and the spiritual realm. In its vivid imagery, the "rains of Thy mercy" symbolize divine grace that satiates our hearts, while traders fervently pray for the rains to end so that the vibrant Shivratri fair may proceed bountifully. It speaks eloquently to our human desires, a deep longing for both earthly prosperity and the transcendent fulfillment found in divine embrace.

The rains of Thy mercy,

our hearts satiated.

Sunshines too in Thy embrace. 

We, the traders, wait for footfalls.

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

Cosmic Carnival

Set in the picturesque valley of Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, this tanka captures the vibrant spirit of Mahashivratri. It celebrates Shiva’s wedding feast, where gods rejoice and devotees dance in divine harmony. The poem attempts to blend celestial festivity with inner renewal, evoking a joyous spring within every heart. In this sacred celebration, nature and spirit unite, reflecting the eternal, transformative grace of Shiva.

Blessed is the valley! 

Gods rejoice and devotees dance. 

Shiva's wedding feast. 

Within the hearts, joyous spring. 

Outside, the festivities.

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

Echoes of Shivratri

This free verse poem vibrantly captures the spirited celebration of Maha Shivratri in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. It brings to life the dynamic energy of the divine procession, where beating drums, lush greens, and clear blues echo the mystical pulse of spring. It appears that nature joins in a jubilant cavalcade of devotion and renewal during the arrival of deities. 

I can hear the drums beating. 

That mystic rhythm,

spellbinding, irresistible refrain.

Far away in my valley, 

the Lords are arriving.

on the palanquins of spring.

Oh! I can feel it in my heart, 

the pulse, the cadence, the melody

of their arrival. 

I can see

the lush greens, the clear blues, 

the royal cavalcade.

Oh! And I am there.

By all my heart.

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha