Eri sakhi mohe Piya ghar aaye bhaag lage usey aangan ko

Eri sakhi mohe Piya ghar aaye
bhaag lage usey aangan ko

Apne Piya ke main bal bal jaon, 
charan lagaayo nirdhan ko

Main to khadi thi aas lagaaye,
 mehndi, kajra, maang sajaaye

Dekh Suratiya apne piya ki,
haar gayee main tan man ko

Jiska Piya sang beete saawan,
us dulhan ki rain suhaagan

Jis saawan mein Piya ghar naahi,
aag lage us saawan ko

Eri sakhi mohe Piya ghar aaye
bhaag lage usey aangan ko

Eri sakhi mohe Piya ghar aaye bhaag lage usey aangan ko Apne Piya ke main bal bal jaon,  charan lagaayo nirdhan ko Main to khadi thi aas lagaaye,  mehndi, kajra, maang sajaaye Dekh Suratiya apne piya ki, haar gayee main tan man ko Jiska Piya sang beete saawan, us dulhan ki rain suhaagan Jis saawan mein Piya ghar naahi, aag lage us saawan ko Eri sakhi mohe Piya ghar aaye bhaag lage usey aangan ko

O friend, the homecoming of my Beloved has made this courtyard so perfectly blessed To my Beloved, I bow a thousand times for accepting at His feet, this unworthy self of mine In deep longing I waited and waited, with henna and flowers arranged Glancing upon the Face of my Beloved, lost I - my heart and my mind Being in the Presence of the Beloved makes the spring so much more beautiful And the spring that is spent without the Beloved, may it turn to ashes, may it turn to ashes! O friend, the homecoming of my Beloved has made this courtyard so perfectly blessed.

 

O friend, the homecoming of my Beloved
has made this courtyard so perfectly blessed

To my Beloved, I bow a thousand times
for accepting at His feet, this unworthy self of mine

In deep longing I waited and waited,
with henna and flowers arranged

Glancing upon the Face of my Beloved,
lost I - my heart and my mind

Being in the Presence of the Beloved
makes the spring so much more beautiful

And the spring that is spent without the Beloved,
may it turn to ashes, may it turn to ashes!

O friend, the homecoming of my Beloved
has made this courtyard so perfectly blessed

The lines are from a traditional Indian folk song or a piece of folk poetry, expressing the sentiments of a woman eagerly awaiting the arrival of her beloved, referred to as "Piya." The verses are rich in cultural and emotional nuances, painting a vivid picture of love, longing, and the anticipation of union. Let's delve into the meaning and emotions conveyed by each stanza:

Stanza 1:

"Eri sakhi mohe Piya ghar aaye bhaag lage usey aangan ko"

Translation: "My friend, my beloved should come home, May fortune favor his entry into the courtyard."

In this stanza, the narrator expresses a fervent desire for her beloved, referred to as "Piya," to come home. The use of the word "sakhi" implies a close female friend or confidante, suggesting that the narrator is sharing her feelings with someone she trusts. The phrase "bhaag lage usey aangan ko" conveys the hope for a fortunate and smooth arrival of Piya into the courtyard.

Stanza 2:

"Apne Piya ke main bal bal jaon, charan lagaayo nirdhan ko"

Translation: "I shall sacrifice myself for my beloved, I shall touch the feet of the destitute."

This stanza reflects a deep devotion and willingness to make sacrifices for the beloved, suggesting a selfless love. The narrator expresses a profound connection by indicating a readiness to sacrifice, emphasizing the significance of the beloved's well-being. The act of touching the feet is a gesture of reverence and devotion, often associated with seeking blessings and expressing humility.

Stanza 3:

"Main to khadi thi aas lagaaye, mehndi, kajra, maang sajaaye"

Translation: "I stood there with hope, Applying henna, kohl, and adorning my forehead."

Here, the narrator describes the preparations she made while waiting for Piya. The mention of adorning herself with mehndi (henna), kajra (kohl), and decorating her forehead indicates the traditional embellishments associated with beautifying oneself for a special occasion, especially in the context of Indian weddings. The imagery suggests the anticipation of a joyous and celebratory event.

Stanza 4:

"Dekh Suratiya apne piya ki, haar gayee main tan man ko"

Translation: "Behold, the countenance of my beloved, I am lost, body and soul."

In this stanza, the narrator describes the overwhelming impact of seeing her beloved, suggesting that the sight of Piya has left her completely captivated and enchanted. The use of "Suratiya" refers to the beautiful face or appearance of Piya. The phrase "haar gayee main tan man ko" conveys a sense of surrender and being utterly absorbed in the beloved's presence.

Stanza 5:

"Jiska Piya sang beete saawan, us dulhan ki rain suhaagan"

Translation: "The one with whom the monsoon is spent, The nights of that bride are blissful."

This stanza beautifully captures the romantic association with the monsoon season, often seen as a metaphor for love and union. The mention of spending the monsoon with Piya suggests a period of intense closeness and shared experiences. The term "suhaagan" refers to a married woman leading a blessed and blissful life.

Stanza 6:

"Jis saawan mein Piya ghar naahi, aag lage us saawan ko"

Translation: "In the monsoon where Piya is not at home, May a fire blaze through that season."

This stanza introduces a contrasting scenario. If Piya is not present during the monsoon, the narrator wishes for turmoil symbolized by the metaphorical fire in that season. The absence of Piya during a time typically associated with romance and togetherness becomes a source of emotional distress for the narrator.

Stanza 7:

"Eri sakhi mohe Piya ghar aaye bhaag lage usey aangan ko"

Translation: "My friend, my beloved should come home, May fortune favor his entry into the courtyard."

The concluding stanza repeats the opening lines, creating a circular structure in the poem. The repetition emphasizes the narrator's persistent longing for Piya's arrival and the hope for a fortunate homecoming.

Overall Analysis: This folk song encapsulates the essence of traditional Indian love poetry, where emotions are expressed through vivid imagery, cultural symbols, and metaphors. The narrator's deep yearning for her beloved, the willingness to make sacrifices, the anticipation of a joyous reunion, and the emotional impact of seeing the beloved are universal themes found in many love poems across cultures.

The use of cultural symbols such as mehndi, kajra, and the monsoon adds a layer of richness to the verses, connecting the emotions to traditional practices and beliefs. The recurring theme of the beloved's arrival and the narrator's intense emotions creates a rhythmic and melodic quality, reminiscent of the oral tradition of folk songs.

The structure of the poem, with its repetition of certain lines, reflects a musical and lyrical quality, which is common in folk poetry and songs. The emotions conveyed in this piece are timeless and resonate with the human experience of love, separation, and reunion.

In a broader cultural context, such folk songs are often sung or recited during celebrations, weddings, or other significant life events. They serve as a means of connecting individuals to their cultural roots, conveying shared experiences, and expressing the profound emotions associated with love and relationships.

The poem captures not only the personal emotions of the narrator but also reflects the broader cultural understanding of love and devotion in the context of traditional Indian societies. Through its evocative language and cultural references, this folk song transcends its specific context, inviting readers to connect with the universal themes of love, longing, and the hope for a joyous reunion.