Diwali Special: Light and Hope in Kaifi Azmi's Charaghan
This week in Daak:
1. Diwali Special: Light and Hope in Kaifi Azmi's Charaghan
2. Get Cheeky This Diwali
3. Daak Recommends
1. Diwali Special: The Light of Hope in Kaifi Azmi's Charaghan
While the origin of Diwali lies in Lord Ram’s return to his kingdom of Ayodhya after 14 years in exile, over time, the festival of lights has acquired its own mythology in the region. In all its variations, however, the essence and symbolism of Diwali has always revolved around light and hope dispelling darkness.
This Diwali, we bring you a poem, “Charaghan”, which gives voice to this hope, composed by the beloved poet, lyricist and activist, Kaifi Azmi (1919-2002). Born in the village of Mijwan in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Kaifi’s brilliance was evident from a young age. At 11, he recited his first ghazal, “Itna Toh Zindagi Me Kisi Ki Khalal Pade”, at a mushaira, which was later sung by legendary ghazal singer, Begum Akhtar. Spurred by the injustice and inequality he saw around him, Kaifi joined the Communist Party of India (CPI) when he was 20. He was also part of the Progressive Writers’ Movement and worked with the labour union movement. This journey, coupled with a deep compassion for the maginalised, found beautiful expression in his poetry.
His poem “Charaghan” dwells on the very real questions of subsistence — scarcity, inequality, and deprivation. And yet, the stubborn lamp of hope keeps burning bright, illuminating his innermost dreams. This Diwali, we hope you stand guard over your inner lamp of hope which illuminates your journey ahead.
ek do hi nahin chhabbees diye
ek ek kar ke jalaae main ne
ek diya naam ka aazaadi ke
uss ne jalte hue honton se kaha
chahe jis mulk se gehun maango
haath failaane ki aazaadi hai
ek diya naam ka khush-haali ke
uss ke jalte hi ye maaloom hua
kitni bad-haali hai
pet khaali hai mera jeb meri khaali hai
ek diya naam ka yak-jehati ke
raushni uss ki jahaan tak pahunchee
qaum ko ladte jhagadte dekha
maa ke aanchal mein hain jitne paivand
sab ko ek saath udhadte dekha
door se biwi ne jhallaa ke kaha
tel mehnga bhi hai milta bhi nahin
kyun diye itne jala rakhe hain
apne ghar mein na jharoka na munder
taq sapnon ke saja rakhe hain
aaya ghusse ka ik aisa jhonka
bujh gaye saare diye
haan magar ek diya naam hai jis ka ummeed
jhilmilata hi chala jaata hai
//
Not just one or two, but
One by one, twenty-six lamps I lit
One lamp by the name of freedom
Which spoke with burning lips
Ask any country for grain
You have the freedom to extend your hands
One lamp by the name of happiness
The moment it lit up, I saw
How dreadful the situation was
My belly was empty, and so was my wallet
One lamp by the name of unity
As far as its flame illuminated
I saw our tribe fighting
All the stitches in my mother’s shawl
Saw them all unravelling
From afar, my wife, in anger, rebuked
Oil is expensive, and not easily found
Why have you lit so many lamps
There are no windows or parapets in our home
And yet you’ve built a vault for your dreams
A waft of anger arose
And extinguished all the lamps
But a lamp whose name was hope
Kept on twinkling
(Translation by Daak)2. Get Cheeky This Diwali
Check out our new line of postcards which offer fun and cheeky takes on classic artworks!
3. Daak Recommends
Did you know that on Chhoti Diwali, Nepal celebrates a unique festival, Kukur Tihar (Festival of Dogs), to honour our four-legged friends? Read more about it.
Also, check out this collection of paintings on Diwali, and the folklore surrounding it.