One cannot help but soak in divine euphoria, when listening and relating to the poet's thought, as in this Ghazal, by Akbar Allahabadi. 'Hungama Hai Kyun Barpa', is beautifully crafted by Akbar Sa'ab, and this lyrical magnum opus has been equally well treated, vocally, by Ustaad Chote Ghulam Ali.
As one makes an attempt to delve deeper in the meaning behind the words, and as each word unfolds, one's left numb !
Just a little note from the pages of history which are said to be an inspiration for this Ghazal. This was written by Akbar Allahabadi during the time when there was Hindu Muslim conflict going on and the British were thriving on their 'Divide and Rule' Policy. Muslim League and the Congress were in disagreement. During this phase, Akbar, the poet, was all for Hindu Muslim Unity. Several leaders had taunted Akbar saying that this person is speaking nonsense as maybe Hindu's have offered him some wine. It was in reply to these tauntings that the poet wrote this lyrical piece.
Hungama Hai Kyun Barpa,
Thoree See Joe Pee Lee Hai
Daaka To Nahin Daala,
Choree To Nahin Kee Hai
Why is there so much hue and cry if I have had some alcohol?
I haven't robbed someone, nor have I commited any theft.
Us Ma’ay Say Nahin Matlab,
Dil Jis Say Ho Baygaana
Maqsood Hay Oos Ma’ay Se,
Dil Hee Main Jo Khinchtee Hai
(Here in these lines he tries to answer the dogmatic politicians)
Ma'ay here meaning, Wine.
I am not cocerned with that wine, whose consumption does not touch the heart. It does not bother me as it is just for the sake of drinking.
I am bothered with, or by saying 'wine', I intend(maqsood) that entity, using which some people are trying to play dirty politics and dividing hearts. (Dil hi me jo khinctee hai).
Na Tajurba-Kari Se,
Va’iz Kee Ye Batain Hain
Us Rung Ko Kya Jaanay,
Pucho To Kabhee Pee Hai?
Inexperienced are the words of the preacher/saintly(Va'iz).
For someone who has never tasted alocohol, can never rightly comment about it.
Sooraj Main Lagay Dhabba,
Fitrat Kay Karishmay Hain
Butt Hum Ko Kahain Kaafir,
Allah Kee Marzee Hai
Sooraj me lage dhabba. Here he tries to say, that during a Solar Eclipse, even the Sun is shadowed, as if a black spot is formed on it. Black spot is signifying a black mark here. (Again in context of the taunting that the poet was subjected to, these lines portray the poet in a carefree/not bothered kind of attitude). 'Butt humko kahe Kaafir', as in, the feelingless souls, who are not more than a stone statue(butt), are saying me a traitor(kaafir). Let it be, I take this also as God's wish ! (Allah ki marzi hai).
Har Zarra Chamakta hai,
Anwar-e-Elaahi Se..
Har Saans ye kehti hai,
Hum Hai to Khudaa Bhi Hai..
Every thing that exists (har zarra) in this universe, is due to the grace of the almighty.(Anwar-e-Elaahi, meaning Grace of God).Then very beautifully the poet says, Har Saans ye kehti hai, Hum hai to Khuda Bhi hai..Its like we are a part of the Lord, and we exist and breathe within his shadow of Divinity.
Har 'Aatma' us 'Parmaatma' ki chaaya hai..So every breath(har saans) we take reminds us that the Almighty exists(khuda bhi hai) !
How beautifully the poet silences the false speaking mass and at the same time maintains the gravity and elegance that just makes it a special piece of work. I beleive, when taken in the right context this Ghazal makes so much more sense. I have just tried to translate as per my little understanding. Hope the esscence of this lyrical beauty comes across !
-Amit
