SHEHJAR - Web Magazine for Kashmir

EXILE

Kashmir!
the name
is enough
for me
while
in exile.

The mountains
playing fields
orchards
temples
lanes and
by lanes
my hope
in exile.

Thrashed houses
spring banks
markets
small culverts
roads
my companion
in exile.

Village fairs
call for Kulwan*
beating of drums
whistles
cleaning of temple spring
sweet memories
in exile.

Snow fall
dark nights of winter
evening at Mushteng*
watching the paddy
noise of Daavok*
breaks my rest
in exile

Chirping of birds
village show of dhamalfaqir*
following the tschinch*
grazing of cows
chorus of people
while sowing paddy
tempts me
in exile.

Village school building
temple and mosque
fresh water springs
Boni Bagh*
Devispath* and Goorinaar*
reminds me
of my childhood
in exile.

Kulwan: Cleaning of Streams for free flow of water to the paddy fields.
Mushteng: Village graveyard
Daavok: Scarcity of water during the paddy season.
Dhamalfaqir: A group of men performing village shows.
Tschinch: A group of men visiting village-to-village killing cats for fur.
Boni Bagh: Village market.
Devispath & Goorinar: Name of paddy fields.

*Chander M. Bhat Born on 20th March, 1960 in Murran a village in North Kashmir, Chander M. Bhat is presently working as an Assistant Supdt. Posts, in Department of Posts, Govt. of India. His articles regarding Posts and of non-political nature stand widely published in various papers and magazines of the country. A booklet “How to Collect Stamps” published by the Deptt. of Posts, has earned him genuine accolades. He worked on the project of tracing the roots of his co-villagers and of the village Murran, resulting into the culmination of a widely acclaimed book “Murran …My Village”. Man with depth, Chander M. Bhat has also another book, “Ocean by Drops” (collection of poems) in his vase having colourful poems. His book “Ancient History of Jammu and Kashmir”, confirms his researching capability. Various research papers like “The Splendor that is Amarnath” and “Vitasta…The Sacred River of Kashmir” are valuable additions to his works that has proved very fruitful and guiding force in the exile period of Kashmiri Pandits community of which the author is also a member.

Presently the author is working on “OOL…THE NEST” a six volume project [each volume about 2500 pages] on all the 595 Kashmiri Pandit villages of Kashmir.

Copyrights © 2007 Shehjar online and KashmirGroup.com . Any content, including but not limited to text, software, music, sound, photographs, video, graphics or other material contained may not be modified, copied, reproduced, republished, uploaded, posted, or distributed in any form or context without written permission. Terms & Conditions.
The views expressed are solely the author's and not necessarily the views of Shehjar or its owners. Content and posts from such authors are provided "AS IS", with no warranties, and confer no rights. The material and information provided iare for general information only and should not, in any respect, be relied on as professional advice. Neither Shehjar.kashmirgroup.com nor kashmirgroup.com represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any advice, opinion, statement, or other information displayed, uploaded, or distributed through the Service by any user, information provider or any other person or entity. You acknowledge that any reliance upon any such opinion, advice, statement, memorandum, or information shall be at your sole risk.