Some Verses from Madushala of Harivanshrai Bachchan

Originals in Hindi

Sun, kalkal, chhalchhal, madhu-
ghat se girti, pyaalon mein haalaa,
Sun runjhun, runjhun, chal
Vitaran karti madhu saakibaalaa;
Bas aa pohonche, door nahin kuch,
Chaar kadam ab chalna hai;
Chehek rahe, sun, peene waale,
Mehak rahi, le, madhushala.

Listen to the bubbles crackling,
The goblets are being filled with drinks.
Listen to the sounds of tinkling bells
Tied around the barmaid’s feet.
We are now near, not far,
Only four steps away.
Lisen to the laughter of the drunkards,
See, how fragrant the tavern smells!

Dharm granth sab jalaa chuki hai
Jiske antar ki jwalaa,
Mandir, masjid, girje -- sab ko
Tod chuka jo matwaalaa,
Pandit, momin, paadriyon ke
Phandon ko jo kaat chuka,
Kar sakti hai aaj ussi ka
Swaagat meri madhushala.

He whose inner flames
Have burnt down all holy texts,
He who in desertion has tore down
All temples, churches and mosques,
He who has gotten loose
Of pundit’s, mullah’s and priest’s bonds,
My tavern today would welcome only him.

Ek baras mein ek baar hi
Jalti holi ki jwaalaa,
Ek bar hi lagti baazi,
Jagti deepon ki maalaa;
Duniya waalo, kintu, kisi din
Aa madiraalay mein dekho,
Din ko holi, raat diwali,
Roz manati madhushala.

Only once in a year,
The fires of Holi go up in flames
And the garlands of lit
Lamps are displayed like chains.
But folks, come to the tavern any day,
To see Holi celebrations all day
And Diwali jubilations all night.

Do din hi madhu mujhe pilaa kar
Oob uthi saaqi baalaa,
Bhar kar ab khiska deti hai
Voh mere aage pyaalaa,
Naaz, adaa, andaazon se ab,
Hai, pilaanaa door hua,
Ab to kar deti hai keval
Farz-adaayee madhushala.

Serving me drinks for just two days,
The bar maid has grown sullen of me,
After filling the goblet now
She slides it in front of me.
All that toying, charm and dalliance
In serving me, alas! all has gone.
Now she only fulfills
Her duties while serving me.

Pranpriye, gar shrradh kro to,
Tum mera eysa karna,
Pinewalon to bulwa kar,
Khulwa dena Madhushala.

O dear! if you are kind,
Would you do this for me:
Invite all the lovers of liquors
And open to them the tavern for me.