Missing My Town....

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It is more than 3 years since I have been a part of Chhath celebrations at my hometown. Born and brought up among these festivals, I really miss the excitement we used to have for them. As I said, I love Diwali….it is my favourite festival and the following Chhath has equally been of importance. I miss the way we used to welcome these festivals….

Early morning around 4, we used to get ready to take a stroll down the bridge…simply to witness the heavenly scene of thousands of 'diyas' lit around the river and many floating in as well….people folding hands and standing in water…dip till their waist….the chants... vermilion marked foreheads...fragrance of incense sticks.....
...it showed the real religious India....the faith...the presence of the Almighty.....nothing superstitious...but just the belief that there is someone above you- taking care of you.....

In Mumbai, things are different. Here we have a different culture around. I know the entire city (almost)….yet I feel I am not a part of it. Here - life is free - yet we are in limitations. Everything is at the doorstep…yet every moment appears to be busy…Comfort is available in every way…yet there is no peace of mind….

I miss my town….my people….my society….my birthplace….

…..specially during festivals….

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प्रेम ही है या प्रेम सा कुछ और है ये?

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तुम उस तूफान से बड़े हो,
उस दरिया से भी गहरे हो।
सौ साल पुराने उस बरगद के पेड़ से भी विशाल,
एक-एक डाल विकराल।

सुना था प्रेम प्रवीण होता है,
मधुर, कोमल, सुंदर, शालीन होता है।
फिर मेरा वाला इतना कठोर कैसे,
प्रेम ही है या प्रेम सा कुछ और है ये?

यहां ना चाँद से मेरी बराबरी की जाती है,
ना तारे तोड़ लाने की बात कही जाती है।
गीतों और कविताओं में कहां संवाद होते हैं।
कहां पलकों के उठने-गिरने पर लोग बर्बाद होते हैं।

यहां वही समावेश है जो संभव है।
चल पडूँ मैं कल्पनाओं की ओर कैसे?
प्रेम ही है या प्रेम सा कुछ और है ये?

दूर है तो दर्द है, पास है तो प्यास है।
हाँ, सभी धागों में ये धागा थोड़ा खास है,
लेकिन ये आभास है,
कि धूप की कोमल किरण नहीं, ये प्रचंड प्रकाश है।

यहां वहीं छाव है जहां ताप है।
इस जलन में जी सकूंगी जीवन कैसे?
प्रेम ही है या प्रेम सा कुछ और है ये?

स्वीकार अगर ना भी करूं इस परिवेश को,
भेज दूँ प्रेमी को संबंध-विच्छेद संदेश तो,
तो भी क्या मन विकल ना होगा,
ये विषम बोझ बोझल ना होगा।

यहां वहीं सुख है जहां संताप है।
समझूँ तो जोड़ूंगी कुछ और पंक्तियाँ फिर से।
कि प्रेम ही है या प्रेम सा कुछ और है …
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I have given you the shelter, the haven,
The today and tomorrow of success and fun’

I have accepted you with open arm, Have showered on you all my charm.
Yet you feel detached – disconnected,
It makes me sad, I feel offended.”

This November as I peep out of my window, searching for the signs of Winter, the city puts me under several allegations.

“Accept me” it pleads, but I am lost in my own reflections. “You are right’ I begin, “but even I am not wrong.
The impression of something on me is rather more strong.

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