Color me joy

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 

Brushstrokes of love

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 

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 

Jaggery days

This poem celebrates Makar Sankranti, a festival of new beginnings, gratitude, and harvest. As the winter mists lift, the sun's radiance returns, symbolizing hope and renewal. The skies fill with soaring kites, carrying dreams and prayers for prosperity. The air carries the aroma of roasted sesame and jaggery, signifying warmth, unity, and sweetness in life. This poem captures the essence of Sankranti—the transition from darkness to light, from cold to warmth, reminding us that every end is a new beginning. It is a tribute to the simple joys of life and the enduring spirit of hope and community.

January mists. 

Yet the sun shines, the kites fly, 

and the people pray. 

Days of darkness, gone, 

mists carry roasted fragrance.

Jaggery, and nuts.

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

'tis Lohri everyday

Lohri, a festival that marks the end of winter and the arrival of longer days, symbolizes warmth, gratitude, and abundance. Traditionally celebrated with bonfires, songs, and offerings of seasonal harvest, it teaches us to embrace the light that follows darkness. This haiku reflects the deeper spiritual essence of Lohri — the grace that leads us through life’s winter tides, turning each moment into a celebration of divine blessings. May this poem remind us that with faith and gratitude, every day can be a Lohri, filled with hope, joy, and the warmth of togetherness.

Bounties of Thy grace, 

leading through the winter tides.

'tis Lohri everyday. 

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

Stories by the bonfire

This haiku captures the essence of Lohri through nature’s lens — the cleansing rains, the nurturing earth, and the wisdom passed down through generations. It reminds us that festivals are more than rituals; they are stories shared around bonfires, bridging the past and present. Inspired by my grandmother’s words, this poem reflects the beauty of traditions that connect us to our roots, to each other, and to the land we cherish. Lohri is a celebration of life.

Washed with winter rains, 

mother earth receives lohri. 

My granny says so!

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

Lohri's embrace

This haiku celebrates the spirit of Lohri, a vibrant harvest festival celebrated in India and the diaspora. It captures the essence of the festival: the joy of receiving gifts, the warmth of the bonfire, and the loving embrace of family and friends. Lohri signifies the end of the winter solstice and the promise of a bountiful harvest. May the spirit of Lohri – warmth, joy, and togetherness – fill your lives with happiness and prosperity.

Lohri gift arrives! 

Bag of winter luxuries,

warm embrace of love.

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha