Maayi Chane Raivam
Nyaam Saab, whose full name was Ghulam Ahmad Mahjoor (not to be confused with the famous poet Mahjoor), was a lesser-known but deeply respected Kashmiri poet. He lived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and was known for his soulful and emotionally charged poetry.
Maayi Chane Raivam Raat Doh is one of Nyaam Saab's most famous compositions. The song revolves around the pain of separation and the intense longing for a beloved. The poet questions why he must endure the night without his beloved, expressing a deep sense of helplessness and yearning. While the song appears to be about romantic love, it also carries spiritual undertones. The beloved can be interpreted as a metaphor for the divine or a spiritual guide, reflecting the Sufi tradition of using love poetry to express devotion to God. This duality is a common feature in Kashmiri poetry.
Poem Lyrics
Maayi chane raivam raat doh,
Ho ho bhi kariyo yoor valo.
In your love I have lost my days and nights,
oh! come here my love, I want to embrace you
Hairi vanakh na tota si,
Kya yelaaz kari na maut si.
Chatinam shruni daar panjaro,
Ho ho bhi kariyo yoor valo.
The soaring eagle asks the parrot
What is the solution to death?
Stuck in a golden cage, can the parrot be free?
Ath dekas haraan chey che saun,
Geso avejaan heri bon.
Shahmaar zan lagimut daro,
Ho ho bhi kariyo yoor valo.
Forehead adorned with gold and jewels
The long flowing hair
Like a king of snakes
Dariya taraan yeir gos,
Manz sar khudaya gir gos.
Both lagatam pir rahbaro,
Ho ho bhi kariyo yoor valo.
While crossing the river I am stranded
In the middle I am struggling.
Lead me to the Shore o my guide my Prophet
Yas andra tundras naar tatae,
Matya kon akh yaar sinz vate.
Mal khaakh royas mo bamo,
Ho ho bhi kariyo yoor valo.
In this world of fire and ice,
Where can I find a true friend?
I am lost in the dust of sorrow
Sir gasiy baavun zaan siy,
Nat kya vanun gair zaan siy.
Sir baaj lagae peer rahbaro,
Ho ho bhi kariyo yoor valo.
Secrets should be revealed to the consort
Why reveal it to the impassive
Take charge of my secrets, my guiding spirit
Ya gsiy tramas sonn banun,
Nat goy nyamo non vanun.
Loyitham ashqun khanjaro,
Ho ho bhi kariyo yoor valo.
If I were to become a garden of gold,
Or a river of pearls, it would mean nothing.
I am drowning in a sea of tears
A soulful rendition by Ali Saffudin on the guitar: