Jyoti Kalash Chhalke

'Jyoti Kalash Chhalke' is a song heralding dawn. In the morning, the rays of the sun awaken everything. They bring splendour to everything they touch. 'Jyoti' means light. 'Kalash' means an urn or water pot. 'Chhalke' means overflowing. The poet expresses his joy at dawn with the phrase 'Jyoti Kalash Chhalke', which literally means that an urn of (divine) light is overflowing.

Dawn

The lyrics of 'Jyoti Kalash Chhalke' evoke a series of positive images. Clouds turn from red to orange to yellow in the morning. The home, the courtyard and the garden are flush with nectar like light. The earth is lush green. Dew laden flowers are a visual delight. The sun cares for everything just like Mother Yashoda cares for Krishna, who manifests in everything around us.

Man Anand Anand Chhayo (1982, Vijeta) is another wonderful song on the theme of sunrise.

Mothers

The picturization of the song is a tribute to mothers. It shows Meena Kumari doing her daily routine in the morning with a young, playful child. Many of my friends may remember how our moms formed the backbones of happy homes through daily schedules and maintenance of traditions. This song shows Meena Kumari getting up early morning, bowing to the morning sun, sprinkling water in the courtyard, offering morning prayers, making rangoli, going around tulsi plants and cooking. In between, she's engaged with the young child who keeps on playing mischief.

What strikes me is the relative calm and simplicity of both the song and its picturization. Life in modern cities is fast paced, with busy but harried moms. In contrast, Meena Kumari is busy but relaxed throughout the song.

Roman Script

Jyoti Kalash Chhalke 
Huye Gulabi, Laal Sunehre 
Rang Dal Baadal Ke 
Jyoti Kalash Chhalke 

Hindi

ज्योति कलश छलके 
हुए गुलाबी, लाल सुनहरे 
रंग दल बादल के 
ज्योति कलश छलके 

Translation

An urn of (divine) light overflows. 
Turned pink, red and golden 
did the colors of clusters of clouds. 
An urn of (divine) light overflows. 

Roman Script

Ghar Aangan Van Upvan Upvan 
Karati Jyoti Amrit Se Seenchan 
Mangal Ghat Dhal Ke 
Jyoti Kalash Chhalke 

Hindi

घर आंगन वन उपवन उपवन 
करती ज्योति अमृत से सींचन 
मंगल घट ढल के 
ज्योति कलश छलके 

Translation

Home, courtyard, garden, garden 
(Divine) light irrigates them with nectar 
???? 
An urn of (divine) light overflows 

Roman Script

Paat Paat Birva Hariyala 
Dharti Ka Mukh Hua Ujala 
Sach Sapne Kal Ke 
Jyoti Kalash Chhalke 

Hindi

पात पात बिरवा हरियाला 
धरती का मुख हुआ उजाला 
सच सपने कल के 
ज्योति कलश छलके 

Translation

Leaves and branches are green 
The face of the earth is radiant 
The dreams of tomorrow are true 
An urn of (divine) light overflows 

Roman Script

Usha Ne Aanchal Phailaaya 
Phailee Sukh Ki Sheetal Chhaya 
Neeche Aanchal Ke 
Jyoti Kalash Chhalke 

Hindi

ऊषा ने आँचल फैलाया 
फैली सुख की शीतल छाया 
नीचे आँचल के 
ज्योति कलश छलके 

Translation

Dawn has spread a gossamery sheet, 
Spreading cool shades of happiness. 
Beneath the gossamery sheet, 
An urn of (divine) light overflows. 

Roman Script

Jyoti Yashoda Dharti Maiya 
Neel Gagan Gopal Kanhaiya 
Shyamal Chhavi Jhalke 
Jyoti Kalash Chhalke 

Hindi

ज्योति यशोदा धरती मैय्या 
नील गगन गोपाल कन्हैय्या 
श्यामल छवि झलके 
ज्योति कलश छलके 

Translation

Light Yashoda Earth Mother 
Blue skies Gopal Krishna 
Glimpses of Krishna's image (everywhere) 
An urn of (divine) light overflows. 

Roman Script

Ambar Kumkum Kana Barsaaye 
Phool Pankhudiyo Par Muskaaye 
Bindu Tuhin Jal Ke 
Jyoti Kalash Chhalke 

Hindi

अम्बर कुमकुम कण बरसाये 
फूल पँखुड़ियों पर मुस्काये 
बिन्दु तुहिन जल के 
ज्योति कलश छलके 

Translation

The sky pours specks of saffron
Smiles on flowers and petals 
Dew, dots of water 
An urn of (divine) light overflows.