Hymns in the wind

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 

Cloaked in blessings

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 

A fair of faith

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 

Midnight reverie

Reflecting the wonder of the night sky, this naani poem invites us into a celestial reverie where divine grace appears in enchanting imagery. With scattered sequins, calligraphed constellations, and twinkling stars at night embellishing the midnight canvas, the verse reminds us that even in darkness, beauty and order prevail. It gently asserts that the divine presence illuminates our lives, filling them with hope, wonder, and nurturing light—a timeless message of grace, comfort, and celestial embrace.

Sequins scattered,

constellations calligraphed

on the midnight black.

Thy grace in our lives.

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

Seeking quietly

A hushed, stilled nightfall.

Midst the shadows of twilight,

quest for harmony.

Linking with Tanka Tuesday 

Welfare unto all

Rab Rakha

Bookstore enroute

The photo prompt from Hellokoo ported me to my Mandi visit.

And Mandi visits my thoughts so often these days. 

Coming back to the prompt, it featured two little kids peeking into free little library and selecting books. 

It reminded me of shopping errands with my sister when we suddenly, instinctively visited the bookstore and couldn't resist buying them. We selected three at that time. But the urge was so compelling.

I have tried to capture that moment in 5-7-5 structure :

Hurried shopping spree.

Souk visit, bookstore enroute.

We could buy them all.

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha