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Looking into the mirror of time
Gopalji Jha ‘Gopesh’
Late Gopalji Jha ‘Gopesh’ (1931-2008) is a Maithili poet of eminence. His published works include “Album,” “Gumm Bhel Tharh Chhi,” “Son Daik Chitthi,” and “Aab Kahu man Kehan Lagaiye.”
Original Maithili : Gopalji Jha Gopesh
Translation : Gajendra Thakur
Looking into the mirror of time
I see my face
And feel
That nothing new happens
Takes birth
Daily in the early morning
Some desire of this kind
Within the mind upward goes emotion’s wave
That something new will happen today
But Sun-God impresses
On the head of day some news of this kind
In which I to myself
Am not able to adjust
flying distances with dusty wings
fat becomes the pet pigeon likewise
my waves of emotions
become thick, find support from my experiences
prove that
nothing new happens
whatever come in front of us
that happens to be on the stone-piece of time
the same worn-out old thing old ideology
that boasts of being new
and squeezes the pain out of tired, inert mind
SINURHAR
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SINURHAR
(putting the vermilion on the forehead of a married women- vermillon put by host)
Sri Shivshankar Srinivas (b.02.07.1953), village-Lohana, Madhubani Famous Maithili short-story writer Published works: Trikona, adahan, gaachh paatha (story-collections). Original Maithili: Shivashankar Srinivas
Translation : Gajendra Thakur
It was occasion of investiture ceremony of the son of Rambhadra Jha. The family came to village from Hyderabad; Kalyani also came. Kalyani was the only daughter of Rambhadra Jha. Rambhadra Jha's son was ten years younger than Kalyani and this boy's investiture ceremony was occasioned.
Kalyani had come; this was the news for her quarter of the village. That had a reason; the Brahmin girl got re-married after the death of her husband. She has come to village; and she has come for participating in the investiture ceremony! That was reason behind the excitement. Those people of the particular quarter of the village among whom widow-remarriage was in vogue were also amazed! Different types of gossips were in vogue, particularly among the women folk. Different arguments were made and logical deductions were deduced; finally the major point of discussion turned towards her groom. Someone was talking-“Groom is excellent, has smiling face.”
Second one was asking-“To which caste you belong?”
On that the third one was telling-“whatever is, when married with a widow, then whatever he is.”
“What type of job you have?”
“He is in Bank.”
“Then it is good.”
“Whatever be, Kalyani would remain happy.”
In that way people were discussing this topic.
Kalyani’s re-marriage was not something that had never happened in society but for her lineage people it was certainly a new type of event. That marriage was solemnized not in her village but in Hyderabad. Rambhadra is working there, he lives there with his family.
Kalyani’s first marriage was solemnized five years ago; her wedding took place in village itself; with much pomp and gaiety. She got married in a respectable family; but luck was not in her favour. After four months of marriage her husband died in a rail accident, he died on the spot. Rambhadra and all his members of the family were in village when the news came. As soon as the news came everyone was in shock especially the family of Rambhadra. The whole village was mourning; that was an uneasy situation.
Rambhadra Jha did not leave Kalyani at village; only three days after the incident his family left for Hyderabad. This action of Rambhadra was critisised by the society.
After some time Kalyani’s mother began creating an environment at home in which Kalyani should understand that her marriage itself had never taken place. What has happened has passed. That was like a dream. But it was not easy for Kalyani, she took time to adjust. She was living in Hyderabad; the city runs on its own pace. A different environment is there and began to supply fresh air to Kalyani. Slowly, she began getting lifeline.
During that time she was studying in B.A. She was regularly attending college. One day her classmate Preeta introduced Kalyani to her (Preeta’s) elder brother. First Kalyani winced, but softly and slowly Preeta impressed upon Kalyani. It gave Kalyani the needed energy to come out of the vagaries of destiny. She was able to break the shackles, the shackles that her different kind of upbringing has brought into her. Preeta’s family was from Uttar Pradesh. Earlier they were Brahmins; but for them there was no bondage of caste now. The whole family of Preeta consented for this marriage. The matter got pushed further forward. Kalyani’s mother took this proposal in an ecstatic way, when it came. She always wanted to re-marry Kalyani. She came forward. The environment of enthusiasm became aromatic. Kalyani got married.
The news travelled to Village without delay. Many people of the village reside Hyderabad. Some of those came to village around that time. They all informed the villagers about this incident. In a flash the news spread throughout the village. For some time great discussion ensued; and that was discussed not only in the village but also in the whole vicinity. But after some time everything started to settle. Some people spoke against this but most of them took it in right spirit. The same discussion has now re-surfaced when Rambhadra Jha’s family has come here for the ceremony of investiture.
In Hyderabad, when the date of investiture ceremony was fixed then itself the matter whether Kalyani should be invited or not came in forefront. The mother herself did not want that Kalyani should go to village, it was amazing. She, internally, feared the village people. In her mind was the fear that the people may outcast her family during the investiture ceremony. In the ceremonial rituals the participation of people from village is compulsory. And again for the feast eight Brahmins are required. She put her fear before Kalyani’s father. Rambhadra was not in agreement with the viewpoint of her wife. He put his logic- “If people had decided to outcaste us then they would outcaste us; whether Kalyani accompanies us or not. The more we would fear the more they would threaten.” But the heart of her wife was not solaced. Rambhadra Jha kept silence then.
Time came nearby. One day, in the morning, Rambhadra was reading newspaper. The inquisitive wife came and sat near him. Rambhadra knew what she would tell and she told the same thing- “When you go to office today please return by Kalyani’s house. Tell her about the investiture ceremony of her brother and invite her to come. How could we leave her? She is our child. Bauwa is her brother and the only brother. She would accompany us, whatever be…” While speaking, tear came out of her eyes, she could not speak any further.
When in the evening Rambhadra returned his wife asked- “What was her answer? You went there or not?”
Rambhadra Jha spoke in pleasant mood- “You know, after hearing the news she started dancing with excitement, began making different programmes.”
“And he!” her wife asked, she had certain fear.
“Who?” Rambhadra Jha questioned.
“Son-in-Law!”
“Not ask, on his face I felt a distinct type of contentment. He is gem, really.” Rambhadra Jha while replying looked at his wife. He observed sudden change of her face-expression. He felt that wife had not been happy over the news of her son-in-law also agreeing to go. She wants to take along her daughter only. But ambhadra did not say anything.
Only when Rambhadra Jha and all came to village, people saw that Kalyani and her husband, both, had come. The people saw it, then how they would remain silent? Gossip started. Different types of talk were in air; but all within control. Rambhadra did not get any non-cooperation from anybody. The feast went well; the food-serving during the feast went well. All work began well; help of the people was received at every stage. Whenever a man or women comes to house his or her eyes always look for Kalyani ,Kalyani’s mother observed this. The eyes look for Kalyani’s husband. Feeling this, she feared people, she was restless. Had it been in her capacity, had she known some magic-spell she would have turned Kalyani and her husband invisible; so that they would see all the people without being seen by anybody. But that was not possible for her. Powerless, she would start unbalancing. She would begin thinking types of possibilities and would fear all these.
For Kalyani, all this was not happening. She was completely normal. Her husband was enjoying and was carefree. People were coming, mostly the daughters and ladies; and joke and comical topics took rounds. Kalyani would become hilarious. The high-pitch laughing would make her mother anxious. Like a hunter was being hit at her head. She thought in her mind- “Somebody would feel uneasy at her laugh and would start putting hurdles. She should remain calm and disciplined but it would not be. When she returns to Hyderabad She could live in whatever way she likes.” After sometime her mind started abashing. And one day she could not control her and told Kalyani, “You would not remain disciplined? You are swallowing poison and sleeping in the east-wind. This is village, you understand? People may object to all this, think of that.” Hearing mother’s voice Kalyani was surprised. Seeing and thinking of her new face she became exhausted. Like rice-soup her enthusiasm began dipping down. Suddenly she became lazy, time began to pass. The work relating to investiture ceremony of sacred thread began.
The preparation ensued. The sacred Marba (rostrum) was erected. The ceremony of bringing clay for auspicious rite was performed. The rostrum was repaired, smeared and polished with dung. Then rostrum was written and painted.
The day was the day before the sacred investiture ceremony. On that day was to be held the sacred bathing ceremony. The drum was being drummed and pipe was being blown. The preparation for worship and invocation of family deity was underway. The ladies, old and young, were singing good-omen songs. The fragrance of festivity had spread all over. The whole environment became musical.
Here now the rite of Sinurhar (putting the vermilion on the forehead of a married women- vermillon put by host) was to be performed. The preparation was underway for putting oil and vermilion by host to the women who took part in the ceremony. The ladies would be given gifts, they would receive it their folded-sari, and there hand would get rice cooked in milk along with fried chapatti. The married women participate in this ceremony and they feel the happiness; and feel the well being of their husband; therefore the nearest and dearest relatives are generally called for this ceremony. So the mother of the boy invited the clans-women nearest in lineage. Any newly married, daughter or bride would not generally come. But why anyone should feel neglected? A minimum of five married women are compulsory for the rite; if all are called then it would be a minimum seventeen. She invited one and all. She invited all but that did not include the name of Kalyani. She was not invited.
The function of Sinurhar was to be held in front of the room of home-goddess, the mother of the boy was busy for arrangements. Kalyani was there in eastern house’s southern partition. Kalyani was sitting in front of the window. From there she was hearing to and looking at everything. The newly-weds, daughters, women were making line for Sinurhar. The joyous mood was all-over and was resulting in sporadic springs of laughter, now and then, it was enough for changing the mood of anyone, changing mood to a pleasant one.
Onlooking and overhearing, Kalyani now and then was trembling. She could not imagine that in the Sinurhar function of her own brother’s investiture ceremony she would not be present. She stood. She stands up in front of the mirror. Other day she would have been shy, shy after looking to her own image. That look seemed unrecognizable today. She thought- “Why I came here? For enjoying what?”
Her concentration moved towards her mother. At once she remembered her grandmother; by remembering her she remembers more of the silly rituals then of her affection. Everybody, her mother and aunt including, were in dominance of her disciplinary rituals! What would be get touched? On what matter she would get angry! Her grandmother thought that the unmarried and the married both are contaminated. She ate food cooked only by men or widow. Among men the widowed were also not debarred.
She remembers that when she was child, during her visit to the village when she came from Hyderabad, and when she would visit other’s home on invitation, people pointed finger towards her and indulged in murmuring. Although she was a little child, she understood that they had been talking about her. Later on she knew that they had been talking about her grandmother. Among the whisper makers, all were married women. During those days she was not that much mature but later on she knew that in her society people regard widow as bad-omen. So most of the time, among themselves, those married women criticized widows. They regarded the look of widows as bad-omen. No men look towards other man in this way nor do the women. Today Kalyani remembers the hawk, the haw in the story of the fowler, who hunted and brought fowls to the fowler. Even later on when the fowler remained asleep then also he would hunt, even without any provocation.
The hawk hunted the fowls. She thought that men were fowlers and the ladies were hawks. The women were hunting for the other women. She felt uneasiness. She felt that somebody has enflamed her body.
See, mother did not invite her? Who cares? From this point what is going to happen? But in the investiture ceremony of her brother she was not invited? Not for any other reason, she wanted to participate simply for the sake of enjoyment, for feeling the satisfaction to have participated in the function along with the brides and daughters, this continued haunting her. Not only she felt haunted but now she felt awkward. Then her eyes moved toward her husband. He too was seeing the Sinurhar episode. She felt what her husband had been feeling! And then she saw her mother coming towards her. Her heart started beating fast. Her whole body became lighter. She got transformed into a child, she felt it suddenly. But mother did not come to her. She stopped at eaves; Kalyani stood and came near door, she saw that her father was standing there. Kalyani stood behind an obstruction.
“What are you asking”? She heard her mother asking.
His father said- “I am not seeing Kalyani in the Sinurhar function.”
“Oh God, You will not get intelligence ever.” The wife told in high-pitch angrily.
“That’s how?” The husband also asked in high-pitched voice.
“She is my daughter. She is ill-fated; we repaired her ill-fate. We did not think over Dharma and Adharma.” She told angrily to her husband- “This is pooja of home-Goddess, for those who are married, who have not widowed.”
“But Kalyani is not in that category.”
The Wife’s voice became harsh- “Not ask any false queries. Because of her I would not allow any wrong to happen to my son.” The wife left while replying. Rambhadra Jha’s senses came to a halt.
The whole courtyard came to a standstill. Many did not like the attitude of Kalyani’s mother; but were merely whispering. No protest came forward. But Kalyani became restless. Her mother thinks of her as bad-omen. Her head felt like cracking. What should she do? She should not stay here anymore. She internally resolved.
But that resolve did not remain for long. Before she would take any decision her eye looked to her brother who was sitting on verandah. She on looked him from there itself. She remembered the events right from his childhood to till date. The sibling bondage, her heart trembled. She thought like weeping in the laps of her father. The tears came out of her eyes. But how should she weep? How should she weep on this auspicious day relating to his brother? She wiped her eyes with sari.
She looked towards her mother. Mother was performing the rite of Sinurhar. Mother turned towards one side once for putting something and then Kalyani saw that also on the face of her mother there was no peace. Kalyani saw her move downwards and taking the vermilion. After putting oil over the head of the married women she would now put vermilion. Kalyani turned and came in front of the mirror; saw the vermilion line over her head and this enthused energy into her.
She thought- “She won’t go. She won’t go leaving the function of her brother?” Looking towards the innocent face of her brother her heart got filled with affection. She thought- her mother thinks that she is bad-omen. But her father does not think so. And brother? What would he think at this tender age? He is a boy. He is her sibling. She won’t go. But how she would remain as such? She thinks for some time, she on looked the Sinurhar function. Her mother was putting vermilion on the heads of the lucky married ones. She thought that the function of Sinurhar would be performed by some married! She got strengthened at this thought. From her room she came to the courtyard and moved towards the Sinurhar. In her hand she took the plate which contained rice cooked in milk; and the fried chapattis. She moved forward and passed rice cooked in milk; and the fried chapattis in the hands of her sister-in-law who was lined up in front. The sister-in-law accepted it joyfully. Then Kalyani’s cousin sister Lalita took hold of her and put her in line. She took the vermilion plate from Kalyani’s mother and put the vermilion on Kalyani’s head. The mother felt awry; so felt the others. But the glaring face of Kalyani standing in the row filled them with emotion. Everybody liked it. Kalyani’s mother looked backwards surprisingly and saw her husband smiling with closed lip, on looking his daughter. Kalyani on looked and saw that her husband‘s face is full with affection. He was seeing at her joyfully.
SINURHAR
(putting the vermilion on the forehead of a married women- vermillon put by host)
Sri Shivshankar Srinivas (b.02.07.1953), village-Lohana, Madhubani Famous Maithili short-story writer Published works: Trikona, adahan, gaachh paatha (story-collections). Original Maithili: Shivashankar Srinivas
Translation : Gajendra Thakur
It was occasion of investiture ceremony of the son of Rambhadra Jha. The family came to village from Hyderabad; Kalyani also came. Kalyani was the only daughter of Rambhadra Jha. Rambhadra Jha's son was ten years younger than Kalyani and this boy's investiture ceremony was occasioned.
Kalyani had come; this was the news for her quarter of the village. That had a reason; the Brahmin girl got re-married after the death of her husband. She has come to village; and she has come for participating in the investiture ceremony! That was reason behind the excitement. Those people of the particular quarter of the village among whom widow-remarriage was in vogue were also amazed! Different types of gossips were in vogue, particularly among the women folk. Different arguments were made and logical deductions were deduced; finally the major point of discussion turned towards her groom. Someone was talking-“Groom is excellent, has smiling face.”
Second one was asking-“To which caste you belong?”
On that the third one was telling-“whatever is, when married with a widow, then whatever he is.”
“What type of job you have?”
“He is in Bank.”
“Then it is good.”
“Whatever be, Kalyani would remain happy.”
In that way people were discussing this topic.
Kalyani’s re-marriage was not something that had never happened in society but for her lineage people it was certainly a new type of event. That marriage was solemnized not in her village but in Hyderabad. Rambhadra is working there, he lives there with his family.
Kalyani’s first marriage was solemnized five years ago; her wedding took place in village itself; with much pomp and gaiety. She got married in a respectable family; but luck was not in her favour. After four months of marriage her husband died in a rail accident, he died on the spot. Rambhadra and all his members of the family were in village when the news came. As soon as the news came everyone was in shock especially the family of Rambhadra. The whole village was mourning; that was an uneasy situation.
Rambhadra Jha did not leave Kalyani at village; only three days after the incident his family left for Hyderabad. This action of Rambhadra was critisised by the society.
After some time Kalyani’s mother began creating an environment at home in which Kalyani should understand that her marriage itself had never taken place. What has happened has passed. That was like a dream. But it was not easy for Kalyani, she took time to adjust. She was living in Hyderabad; the city runs on its own pace. A different environment is there and began to supply fresh air to Kalyani. Slowly, she began getting lifeline.
During that time she was studying in B.A. She was regularly attending college. One day her classmate Preeta introduced Kalyani to her (Preeta’s) elder brother. First Kalyani winced, but softly and slowly Preeta impressed upon Kalyani. It gave Kalyani the needed energy to come out of the vagaries of destiny. She was able to break the shackles, the shackles that her different kind of upbringing has brought into her. Preeta’s family was from Uttar Pradesh. Earlier they were Brahmins; but for them there was no bondage of caste now. The whole family of Preeta consented for this marriage. The matter got pushed further forward. Kalyani’s mother took this proposal in an ecstatic way, when it came. She always wanted to re-marry Kalyani. She came forward. The environment of enthusiasm became aromatic. Kalyani got married.
The news travelled to Village without delay. Many people of the village reside Hyderabad. Some of those came to village around that time. They all informed the villagers about this incident. In a flash the news spread throughout the village. For some time great discussion ensued; and that was discussed not only in the village but also in the whole vicinity. But after some time everything started to settle. Some people spoke against this but most of them took it in right spirit. The same discussion has now re-surfaced when Rambhadra Jha’s family has come here for the ceremony of investiture.
In Hyderabad, when the date of investiture ceremony was fixed then itself the matter whether Kalyani should be invited or not came in forefront. The mother herself did not want that Kalyani should go to village, it was amazing. She, internally, feared the village people. In her mind was the fear that the people may outcast her family during the investiture ceremony. In the ceremonial rituals the participation of people from village is compulsory. And again for the feast eight Brahmins are required. She put her fear before Kalyani’s father. Rambhadra was not in agreement with the viewpoint of her wife. He put his logic- “If people had decided to outcaste us then they would outcaste us; whether Kalyani accompanies us or not. The more we would fear the more they would threaten.” But the heart of her wife was not solaced. Rambhadra Jha kept silence then.
Time came nearby. One day, in the morning, Rambhadra was reading newspaper. The inquisitive wife came and sat near him. Rambhadra knew what she would tell and she told the same thing- “When you go to office today please return by Kalyani’s house. Tell her about the investiture ceremony of her brother and invite her to come. How could we leave her? She is our child. Bauwa is her brother and the only brother. She would accompany us, whatever be…” While speaking, tear came out of her eyes, she could not speak any further.
When in the evening Rambhadra returned his wife asked- “What was her answer? You went there or not?”
Rambhadra Jha spoke in pleasant mood- “You know, after hearing the news she started dancing with excitement, began making different programmes.”
“And he!” her wife asked, she had certain fear.
“Who?” Rambhadra Jha questioned.
“Son-in-Law!”
“Not ask, on his face I felt a distinct type of contentment. He is gem, really.” Rambhadra Jha while replying looked at his wife. He observed sudden change of her face-expression. He felt that wife had not been happy over the news of her son-in-law also agreeing to go. She wants to take along her daughter only. But ambhadra did not say anything.
Only when Rambhadra Jha and all came to village, people saw that Kalyani and her husband, both, had come. The people saw it, then how they would remain silent? Gossip started. Different types of talk were in air; but all within control. Rambhadra did not get any non-cooperation from anybody. The feast went well; the food-serving during the feast went well. All work began well; help of the people was received at every stage. Whenever a man or women comes to house his or her eyes always look for Kalyani ,Kalyani’s mother observed this. The eyes look for Kalyani’s husband. Feeling this, she feared people, she was restless. Had it been in her capacity, had she known some magic-spell she would have turned Kalyani and her husband invisible; so that they would see all the people without being seen by anybody. But that was not possible for her. Powerless, she would start unbalancing. She would begin thinking types of possibilities and would fear all these.
For Kalyani, all this was not happening. She was completely normal. Her husband was enjoying and was carefree. People were coming, mostly the daughters and ladies; and joke and comical topics took rounds. Kalyani would become hilarious. The high-pitch laughing would make her mother anxious. Like a hunter was being hit at her head. She thought in her mind- “Somebody would feel uneasy at her laugh and would start putting hurdles. She should remain calm and disciplined but it would not be. When she returns to Hyderabad She could live in whatever way she likes.” After sometime her mind started abashing. And one day she could not control her and told Kalyani, “You would not remain disciplined? You are swallowing poison and sleeping in the east-wind. This is village, you understand? People may object to all this, think of that.” Hearing mother’s voice Kalyani was surprised. Seeing and thinking of her new face she became exhausted. Like rice-soup her enthusiasm began dipping down. Suddenly she became lazy, time began to pass. The work relating to investiture ceremony of sacred thread began.
The preparation ensued. The sacred Marba (rostrum) was erected. The ceremony of bringing clay for auspicious rite was performed. The rostrum was repaired, smeared and polished with dung. Then rostrum was written and painted.
The day was the day before the sacred investiture ceremony. On that day was to be held the sacred bathing ceremony. The drum was being drummed and pipe was being blown. The preparation for worship and invocation of family deity was underway. The ladies, old and young, were singing good-omen songs. The fragrance of festivity had spread all over. The whole environment became musical.
Here now the rite of Sinurhar (putting the vermilion on the forehead of a married women- vermillon put by host) was to be performed. The preparation was underway for putting oil and vermilion by host to the women who took part in the ceremony. The ladies would be given gifts, they would receive it their folded-sari, and there hand would get rice cooked in milk along with fried chapatti. The married women participate in this ceremony and they feel the happiness; and feel the well being of their husband; therefore the nearest and dearest relatives are generally called for this ceremony. So the mother of the boy invited the clans-women nearest in lineage. Any newly married, daughter or bride would not generally come. But why anyone should feel neglected? A minimum of five married women are compulsory for the rite; if all are called then it would be a minimum seventeen. She invited one and all. She invited all but that did not include the name of Kalyani. She was not invited.
The function of Sinurhar was to be held in front of the room of home-goddess, the mother of the boy was busy for arrangements. Kalyani was there in eastern house’s southern partition. Kalyani was sitting in front of the window. From there she was hearing to and looking at everything. The newly-weds, daughters, women were making line for Sinurhar. The joyous mood was all-over and was resulting in sporadic springs of laughter, now and then, it was enough for changing the mood of anyone, changing mood to a pleasant one.
Onlooking and overhearing, Kalyani now and then was trembling. She could not imagine that in the Sinurhar function of her own brother’s investiture ceremony she would not be present. She stood. She stands up in front of the mirror. Other day she would have been shy, shy after looking to her own image. That look seemed unrecognizable today. She thought- “Why I came here? For enjoying what?”
Her concentration moved towards her mother. At once she remembered her grandmother; by remembering her she remembers more of the silly rituals then of her affection. Everybody, her mother and aunt including, were in dominance of her disciplinary rituals! What would be get touched? On what matter she would get angry! Her grandmother thought that the unmarried and the married both are contaminated. She ate food cooked only by men or widow. Among men the widowed were also not debarred.
She remembers that when she was child, during her visit to the village when she came from Hyderabad, and when she would visit other’s home on invitation, people pointed finger towards her and indulged in murmuring. Although she was a little child, she understood that they had been talking about her. Later on she knew that they had been talking about her grandmother. Among the whisper makers, all were married women. During those days she was not that much mature but later on she knew that in her society people regard widow as bad-omen. So most of the time, among themselves, those married women criticized widows. They regarded the look of widows as bad-omen. No men look towards other man in this way nor do the women. Today Kalyani remembers the hawk, the haw in the story of the fowler, who hunted and brought fowls to the fowler. Even later on when the fowler remained asleep then also he would hunt, even without any provocation.
The hawk hunted the fowls. She thought that men were fowlers and the ladies were hawks. The women were hunting for the other women. She felt uneasiness. She felt that somebody has enflamed her body.
See, mother did not invite her? Who cares? From this point what is going to happen? But in the investiture ceremony of her brother she was not invited? Not for any other reason, she wanted to participate simply for the sake of enjoyment, for feeling the satisfaction to have participated in the function along with the brides and daughters, this continued haunting her. Not only she felt haunted but now she felt awkward. Then her eyes moved toward her husband. He too was seeing the Sinurhar episode. She felt what her husband had been feeling! And then she saw her mother coming towards her. Her heart started beating fast. Her whole body became lighter. She got transformed into a child, she felt it suddenly. But mother did not come to her. She stopped at eaves; Kalyani stood and came near door, she saw that her father was standing there. Kalyani stood behind an obstruction.
“What are you asking”? She heard her mother asking.
His father said- “I am not seeing Kalyani in the Sinurhar function.”
“Oh God, You will not get intelligence ever.” The wife told in high-pitch angrily.
“That’s how?” The husband also asked in high-pitched voice.
“She is my daughter. She is ill-fated; we repaired her ill-fate. We did not think over Dharma and Adharma.” She told angrily to her husband- “This is pooja of home-Goddess, for those who are married, who have not widowed.”
“But Kalyani is not in that category.”
The Wife’s voice became harsh- “Not ask any false queries. Because of her I would not allow any wrong to happen to my son.” The wife left while replying. Rambhadra Jha’s senses came to a halt.
The whole courtyard came to a standstill. Many did not like the attitude of Kalyani’s mother; but were merely whispering. No protest came forward. But Kalyani became restless. Her mother thinks of her as bad-omen. Her head felt like cracking. What should she do? She should not stay here anymore. She internally resolved.
But that resolve did not remain for long. Before she would take any decision her eye looked to her brother who was sitting on verandah. She on looked him from there itself. She remembered the events right from his childhood to till date. The sibling bondage, her heart trembled. She thought like weeping in the laps of her father. The tears came out of her eyes. But how should she weep? How should she weep on this auspicious day relating to his brother? She wiped her eyes with sari.
She looked towards her mother. Mother was performing the rite of Sinurhar. Mother turned towards one side once for putting something and then Kalyani saw that also on the face of her mother there was no peace. Kalyani saw her move downwards and taking the vermilion. After putting oil over the head of the married women she would now put vermilion. Kalyani turned and came in front of the mirror; saw the vermilion line over her head and this enthused energy into her.
She thought- “She won’t go. She won’t go leaving the function of her brother?” Looking towards the innocent face of her brother her heart got filled with affection. She thought- her mother thinks that she is bad-omen. But her father does not think so. And brother? What would he think at this tender age? He is a boy. He is her sibling. She won’t go. But how she would remain as such? She thinks for some time, she on looked the Sinurhar function. Her mother was putting vermilion on the heads of the lucky married ones. She thought that the function of Sinurhar would be performed by some married! She got strengthened at this thought. From her room she came to the courtyard and moved towards the Sinurhar. In her hand she took the plate which contained rice cooked in milk; and the fried chapattis. She moved forward and passed rice cooked in milk; and the fried chapattis in the hands of her sister-in-law who was lined up in front. The sister-in-law accepted it joyfully. Then Kalyani’s cousin sister Lalita took hold of her and put her in line. She took the vermilion plate from Kalyani’s mother and put the vermilion on Kalyani’s head. The mother felt awry; so felt the others. But the glaring face of Kalyani standing in the row filled them with emotion. Everybody liked it. Kalyani’s mother looked backwards surprisingly and saw her husband smiling with closed lip, on looking his daughter. Kalyani on looked and saw that her husband‘s face is full with affection. He was seeing at her joyfully.
The Fundamentals-maithili short story “moolbhoot” by Sh. Taranand Viyogi
http://www.videha.co.in/
The Fundamentals
-by Taranand Viyogi (1966- ) The maithili short story “moolbhoot” by Sh. Taranand Viyogi translated into English by Gajendra Thakur.
http://www.videha.co.in/
Once upon a time it happened.
The almighty could not tolrate the mismanagement in the country.
He posed like a Tantric and came before the Leader of the Nation. He could have come in his real form but as this Leader of the Nation believed more in the Tantrics so he thought it more appropriate to pose like a Tantric and came to the Leader of the Nation.
After worship and sacred-reading (by the Leader of the Nation) he (Tantric) asked for corruption in donation from the Leader of the Nation.
A unique light of corruption came out of the body of the Leader of the Nation and went away.
After the departure of Corruption the chastity and character of the Leader of the Nation also departed. Then Dharma went away. After that good-habits also came out and went on its way.
The efficiency of the clerk vanished. The healing-touch of the Doctors fell flat. The Engineers became perplexed. The political leaders and ministers started dying.
The religious places became empty. There was none who will pour water on to the Gods.
The prospective and the brilliant left study and started street-rowdism and started inhaling cannabis.
The whole country became lonely crematorium.
Then again the Almighty could not see the misfortune of the nation.
Again a Tantric came to the Leader of the Nation.
And again asked for coruuption for the welfare of all from the Leader of the Nation.
http://www.videha.co.in/
The Fundamentals
-by Taranand Viyogi (1966- ) The maithili short story “moolbhoot” by Sh. Taranand Viyogi translated into English by Gajendra Thakur.
http://www.videha.co.in/
Once upon a time it happened.
The almighty could not tolrate the mismanagement in the country.
He posed like a Tantric and came before the Leader of the Nation. He could have come in his real form but as this Leader of the Nation believed more in the Tantrics so he thought it more appropriate to pose like a Tantric and came to the Leader of the Nation.
After worship and sacred-reading (by the Leader of the Nation) he (Tantric) asked for corruption in donation from the Leader of the Nation.
A unique light of corruption came out of the body of the Leader of the Nation and went away.
After the departure of Corruption the chastity and character of the Leader of the Nation also departed. Then Dharma went away. After that good-habits also came out and went on its way.
The efficiency of the clerk vanished. The healing-touch of the Doctors fell flat. The Engineers became perplexed. The political leaders and ministers started dying.
The religious places became empty. There was none who will pour water on to the Gods.
The prospective and the brilliant left study and started street-rowdism and started inhaling cannabis.
The whole country became lonely crematorium.
Then again the Almighty could not see the misfortune of the nation.
Again a Tantric came to the Leader of the Nation.
And again asked for coruuption for the welfare of all from the Leader of the Nation.
http://www.videha.co.in/
Worn- out fifty paise coin- Maithili poem "Ghasal Athanni" by Late Sh. Kashikant Mishra Madhup
http://www.videha.co.in/
Kashikant Mishra Madhup (1906-87)
Original Maithili song "Ghasal Athanni" translated into English by GAJENDRA THAKUR
Worn- out fifty paise coin
Noon of Jyeshtha month,
With all his twelve mouths vomiting fire-ball
Up-stooping The Sun
Burning the three worlds aflaming
Violent western wind
The tempest
The san-san-san sound of it
Like fire particle
Anguished blowing the dust.
The birds in nest, composed
Not shaking the wings
Not opening the eyes
Under the tree Animals puffing with tearful eyes
The herdsman went home unwillingly
Pond water turns hot
The water and land habitants tremble
The surrounded husk-bamboo enclosures, doors, windows of houses shut
This fire-rain!
No wayfarer to be seen on road
Will the world create the nature
This fire-rain!
The hi-fis
Having Big bellies
Relaxing supported on big cushions,
Making and filtering Sherbet
Sugar-candy, nut and ice mixed
Beneath the dancing electric-fan
They too peace starved asking –Hari! Hari!
What to tell about the Living
The shadow also asking for shadow
The noon of Jyeshtha-month!
Though at this time
Even then Buchni Left the courtyard of house
Is digging the field of Landowner
What can do the poor-women!
Having been beaten by the lord-of-bad-fate, through all the eight portions of day-night
The widow without family without any standing
Only child of six months
The hope for future
Who is weeping beside the road adjacent to the field
How can she console him?
Even the blood within her is in scarcity
Then how the milk will come out?
After fasting three times in a row (of morning-evening)
Became labourer @ fifty paise
From sunrise to sunset
Will do work
Will not get even the labourer’s breakfast!
Evening time
World now fearless
The moon rose with compassion
By cold light did the universe ecstatic
The cow caring for her child raced by echoing hukara-sound
Tun-tun-tun-tun sound
Tan-tan-tan-tan sound
The sound of bell
The smoke coming out of houses
Even that time starved-thirsty Buchni
Bosom drawn covering his son with saree
Torn faded clothes
The bones coming out
The beauty burnt, marked by poverty
Fearing for being burnt by the fire of hunger
The youth of her fled as soon as it came
Even more than that of riped betel-leaf
Yellowish and thin body
Cracked and split lips
Eyes like mango cut to size
In the ditch is whose ill-fate-thief
Bitch-anxiety stepping to the tip of saree
Burning her body
Every moment oh! Hope becoming fireball
“give some grain-water” whose life
Speaking through treachery of tear
That becoming helpless
Telling with fear somehow
With folded hands:
That rubbed fifty-paise coin was not accepted (in market)
I went to all the shops
Coming
Please give another fifty-paise coin
I came am only for this
Has become night
Landowner, do not take time
With hunger and thirst I am dying
Buy with that
Will thresh and crush grain
The child is weeping since morning
Restless and taking out my life.
She again came disturbing my forehead
Changing the real fifty-paise coin somehow
Clearly doing mischief
Hey! Hold her neck and push beside
She is witch
See the eyes
How onlooking
Swallowed such person as her master (husband) Budhna when she came
Chewed suddenly
At the time of Goddess LakShmi
doing lending business
Nobody here?
Took beside this ill-fated women?
Master!
I am not asking debt
Or came for begging
The cultivated labour-charge be given
I am your subject-son
Many times came here
Legs crumbling
For grain my body starving
The third-class-god not assigns even death to me
What time has come
Ha! Did work with all body-strength
That good-line even then the labour-charge not coming
That’s why this famine in world has appeared
I will not be able to go
When I step up the legs it seems dark in-front
Will die here only
To whom I will tell?
Nobody is my own
The wrong-doing is also the splendor of the powerful
God! Oh!
Hey you have no fear?
Many murder I have done and lived
Not even my body-hair got damaged
Long live the Daroga (police-incharge)
Will murder you
Flee women flee
By giving enough wage to labourer
I will put a blemish to my ancestry?
This false-acting do before
someone else
I am black-cobra
will she go simply?
The lord of death is dancing over her head
O, what you are looking at my face
That much courage the third-class people will show?
Cath-cath-cath-cath
Even more heavy than the heaviest
With slap of Makhna she became helpless
Both mother-son fell on earth
Became senseless she
Even then with anger
By doing heavy-echo
Bhutkanbabu stood roaring:
Makhna! Makhna!
She is doing false-acting
Bring my stick
What will you know about women’s character?
My whole life dealt with all these.
Dan-dan-dan-dan
Stick thrashing on the senseless body
Only once unrecognizable weeping
With child left Buchni this Creation!
With sorrow amidst laughter of Moon
That rubbed-worn-out fifty-paise-coin spoke:
“where should I” go
To get shelter
Who will give?
Worn-out is whose fate!
http://www.videha.co.in/
Kashikant Mishra Madhup (1906-87)
Original Maithili song "Ghasal Athanni" translated into English by GAJENDRA THAKUR
Worn- out fifty paise coin
Noon of Jyeshtha month,
With all his twelve mouths vomiting fire-ball
Up-stooping The Sun
Burning the three worlds aflaming
Violent western wind
The tempest
The san-san-san sound of it
Like fire particle
Anguished blowing the dust.
The birds in nest, composed
Not shaking the wings
Not opening the eyes
Under the tree Animals puffing with tearful eyes
The herdsman went home unwillingly
Pond water turns hot
The water and land habitants tremble
The surrounded husk-bamboo enclosures, doors, windows of houses shut
This fire-rain!
No wayfarer to be seen on road
Will the world create the nature
This fire-rain!
The hi-fis
Having Big bellies
Relaxing supported on big cushions,
Making and filtering Sherbet
Sugar-candy, nut and ice mixed
Beneath the dancing electric-fan
They too peace starved asking –Hari! Hari!
What to tell about the Living
The shadow also asking for shadow
The noon of Jyeshtha-month!
Though at this time
Even then Buchni Left the courtyard of house
Is digging the field of Landowner
What can do the poor-women!
Having been beaten by the lord-of-bad-fate, through all the eight portions of day-night
The widow without family without any standing
Only child of six months
The hope for future
Who is weeping beside the road adjacent to the field
How can she console him?
Even the blood within her is in scarcity
Then how the milk will come out?
After fasting three times in a row (of morning-evening)
Became labourer @ fifty paise
From sunrise to sunset
Will do work
Will not get even the labourer’s breakfast!
Evening time
World now fearless
The moon rose with compassion
By cold light did the universe ecstatic
The cow caring for her child raced by echoing hukara-sound
Tun-tun-tun-tun sound
Tan-tan-tan-tan sound
The sound of bell
The smoke coming out of houses
Even that time starved-thirsty Buchni
Bosom drawn covering his son with saree
Torn faded clothes
The bones coming out
The beauty burnt, marked by poverty
Fearing for being burnt by the fire of hunger
The youth of her fled as soon as it came
Even more than that of riped betel-leaf
Yellowish and thin body
Cracked and split lips
Eyes like mango cut to size
In the ditch is whose ill-fate-thief
Bitch-anxiety stepping to the tip of saree
Burning her body
Every moment oh! Hope becoming fireball
“give some grain-water” whose life
Speaking through treachery of tear
That becoming helpless
Telling with fear somehow
With folded hands:
That rubbed fifty-paise coin was not accepted (in market)
I went to all the shops
Coming
Please give another fifty-paise coin
I came am only for this
Has become night
Landowner, do not take time
With hunger and thirst I am dying
Buy with that
Will thresh and crush grain
The child is weeping since morning
Restless and taking out my life.
She again came disturbing my forehead
Changing the real fifty-paise coin somehow
Clearly doing mischief
Hey! Hold her neck and push beside
She is witch
See the eyes
How onlooking
Swallowed such person as her master (husband) Budhna when she came
Chewed suddenly
At the time of Goddess LakShmi
doing lending business
Nobody here?
Took beside this ill-fated women?
Master!
I am not asking debt
Or came for begging
The cultivated labour-charge be given
I am your subject-son
Many times came here
Legs crumbling
For grain my body starving
The third-class-god not assigns even death to me
What time has come
Ha! Did work with all body-strength
That good-line even then the labour-charge not coming
That’s why this famine in world has appeared
I will not be able to go
When I step up the legs it seems dark in-front
Will die here only
To whom I will tell?
Nobody is my own
The wrong-doing is also the splendor of the powerful
God! Oh!
Hey you have no fear?
Many murder I have done and lived
Not even my body-hair got damaged
Long live the Daroga (police-incharge)
Will murder you
Flee women flee
By giving enough wage to labourer
I will put a blemish to my ancestry?
This false-acting do before
someone else
I am black-cobra
will she go simply?
The lord of death is dancing over her head
O, what you are looking at my face
That much courage the third-class people will show?
Cath-cath-cath-cath
Even more heavy than the heaviest
With slap of Makhna she became helpless
Both mother-son fell on earth
Became senseless she
Even then with anger
By doing heavy-echo
Bhutkanbabu stood roaring:
Makhna! Makhna!
She is doing false-acting
Bring my stick
What will you know about women’s character?
My whole life dealt with all these.
Dan-dan-dan-dan
Stick thrashing on the senseless body
Only once unrecognizable weeping
With child left Buchni this Creation!
With sorrow amidst laughter of Moon
That rubbed-worn-out fifty-paise-coin spoke:
“where should I” go
To get shelter
Who will give?
Worn-out is whose fate!
http://www.videha.co.in/
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