Translation of “Kuch Gadbad Hai” (1984) by Babla and Kanchan

The Hindustani phrase “kuch gadbad hai” refers to something that is wrong or amiss. Indian duo Babla and Kanchan implemented the saying for their chutney classic of the same name, featured on the album “Kuch Gadbad Hai” (1984) pictured here. It is an Indianized remake of the soca “Hot Hot Hot” (1982) by Montserratian artist Arrow. The lyrics describe situations around a Hindu wedding that are strange. The baraat (procession) arrives with the dulaha (groom) but the dulahin (bride) is missing as she may be drunk. Her bhabhi (sister-in-law) is chewing imli (tamarind), something her mamu (maternal uncle) would traditionally do. In the interest of ancestral language preservation, you can start using “kuch gadbad hai” in your speech.

Translated by Vinay Harrichan as part of the Caribbean Hindustani team:

Dulha hai, baraati hai
The groom is here, the procession is here

Kanya kyu na aati hai?
Why is the bride not coming?

Kuch gadbad hai
Something is wrong

Haan-ji, haan gadbad hai
Yes, yes something is wrong

Sundar hai, ghane baal bhi hai
She is beautiful, she even has full hair

Terhi-merhi kyu chaal hai?
Why does she walk funny?

Degree na vo paas hai
He does not have a degree

Par naukari uski khaas hai
But he has a special job

Khirki hai, larki hai
There is a window, a girl is there

Mummy uski kyu bharti hai?
Why is her mummy worried?

Aankhon mein aina hai
She wears glasses

Naam uska Sunaina hai
But her name means “beautiful eyes”

Dheere dheere aati hai
She comes slowly

Bhabhi imli kyu khaati hai?
Why is sister-in-law eating tamarind?

Translation of “Thar Gori” (2005) by Boodram Holass

Boodram Holass premiered his classic song “Thar Gori Jamuna Hilore” at the 2005 Chutney Soca Monarch competition in Trinidad and Tobago. The song belongs to a genre of Hindustani music referred to as “gari,” known for featuring jokes and harmless insults directed at family members and bizarre situations. In this case, a young woman loses her jewelry to a thieving fish at the Jamuna (Yamuna) River in India. This prompts her in-laws to start searching for it. Boodram’s track is the perfect song to play at the kangan or kakkan ceremony following a Hindu marriage ceremony.

Translated by Vinay Harrichan as part of the Caribbean Hindustani team:

Thar gori Jamuna hilore
The beautiful girl went by the waves of the Jamuna

Jhulaniya lege machaliya
A fish came by and took her earring

Saas more khoje, sasur khojawawe
Her mother-in-law searches, her father-in-law searches

Saiyan lagaawe mahajaal
Her beloved casts a giant fishing net

Jhulaniya lege machaliya
A fish came by and took her earring

Jeth more khoje, jethani khojawawe
Her elder brother-in-law searches, her elder sister-in-law searches

Saiyan lagaawe mahajaal
Her beloved casts a giant fishing net

Jhulaniya lege machaliya
A fish came by and took her earring

Dewar more khoje, devrani khojawawe
Her younger brother-in-law searches, her younger sister-in-law searches

Saiyan lagaawe mahajaal
Her beloved casts a giant fishing net

Jhulaniya lege machaliya
A fish came by and took her earring

Translation of “Raate Sapna” (1982) by Babla and Kanchan

“Raate Sapna” is a popular baithak gana and chutney song. Previously recorded by the likes of Trinidad’s Sundar Popo (1980) and Suriname’s Ramdew Chaitoe (1977), this version is from Indian duo Babla and Kanchan. Featured on their album “Kaise Bani” (1982), the lyrics follow a woman asking her love to show her a night’s dream. In the dream, her home is without a neem tree in the courtyard to provide shade. She also does not have a “bhaiya” (brother) or “bhatija” (nephew) residing at her “naihar” (parent’s house) to keep her company. When she arrives at her “sasural” (in-laws) upon marriage, there is no brother-in-law. Several folk songs allude to a relationship between a “dulahin” (bride) and her “devarwa” (younger brother-in-law). He may serve as a refuge from her potentially loveless marriage or may simply be a friend when the in-laws are busy and her husband is away at work for extended periods of time. Without a brother, nephew, and brother-in-law; there is no companionship, protection, or comfort.

Translated by Vinay Harrichan as part of the Caribbean Hindustani team:

Raate sapna dikhaaye piya hamko
Show me the night’s dream my love

Na more angane mein nimbiya ka perwa
In my courtyard there is no neem tree

Ke kar chaaya baithaiye piya hamko?
Whose shade should I sit under my love?

Na more naihar mein bhaiya bhatija
At my parent’s home there is no brother or nephew

Ke kar aasa karaiye piya hamko?
Whom should I confide in my love?

Na more sasure mein lahura devarwa
At my in-law’s home there is no younger brother-in-law

Ke kar bahiya pakaraiye piya hamko?
Who’s hand should I hold my love?

Translation of “Kahe Sharmai” (1985) by Babla and Kanchan

“Kahe Sharmai” is a popular chutney song by Indian duo Babla and Kanchan. Featured on their album “Ab Na Jaibe” (1985), this remake of the Sundar Popo classic “Kahe Man Maar” is thematically appropriate to play for the “bidaai” or “vidaai” ceremony at the end of a Hindu wedding. This is where the “dulahin” (bride) says farewell to her family and embarks on a new life with her “dulaha” (groom) and “sasural” (in-laws). The lyrics follow a typical question and answer format found in this genre of music. They center on a young woman nervously standing in her courtyard, adorned in full marriage attire and wondering what the future holds.

Translation by Vinay Harrichan as part of the Caribbean Hindustani team:

Kahe sharmai, kahe sharmai?
Why are you feeling so shy?

Khari gori angana, kahe sharmai?
The beautiful girl is standing in the courtyard, why are you feeling shy?

Mang mein sindoor, mathe pe bindiya
Sindoor in your hair part, bindi on your forehead

Naino mein kajal, nak mein nathiya
Eyeliner on your eyes, nose-ring in your nose

Hathon mein mehendi, kalai pe kangana
Henna on your hands, bracelets on your wrists

Kaun hai tera, kiske liye tu?
Who is yours, for whom are you?

Jo bhi hai tera, uske liye tu
Whoever is yours, you are for him

Naam toh bata de toh chup nahi rehana
Just say his name so you do not have to stay silent

Duniya ke mele mein, sab se akele mein
In this world of illusion, in the greatest loneliness

Kiske khayalo mein, sapano ke jhule mein
In who’s thoughts, in who’s swing of dreams

Dar dar kitni sakega yun rehana?
How much can you remain fearful of?

Translation of “Payaliya” (1999) by Devanand Gattoo

Devanand Gattoo’s “Payaliya” (1999) is the ultimate chutney. Without any religious themes or social commentary, everyone is free to dance to it without second guessing the meaning. Featured on the soundtrack from the 1999 Chutney Soca Monarch, Gattoo debuted the hit on stage at the competition. The lyrics are about the costume items traditionally worn by an Indian dancer. The dancer is referred to as “nanadiya,” which translates to ‘your husband’s sister’. Based on this, the song could be from the perspective of a “dulahin” or bride talking about her sister-in-law performing at her wedding. Or, as with several Hindustani kinship terms, “nanadiya” may be used as a synonym for a beautiful young woman. The pieces specified in the composition are the “gajra” or flower band adorning the hair and “payaliya” or anklets. A “chunari” is an embellished veil and “kangana” is a type of bracelet.

Translated by Vinay Harrichan as part of the Caribbean Hindustani team:

Payaliya payaliya payaliya re
The anklets, oh the anklets

Payaliya payaliya baje
The anklets are making noise

Chuma chuma chuma re
Jingling and making kissing sounds

Payaliya, ai payaliya, oh payaliya
The anklets, oh the anklets

Chuma chuma chuma re
Jingling and making kissing noises

Bindiya pehenke aaye nanadiya
Sister-in-law came wearing a bindi

Lage nanadiya nache re
And began to dance

Gajra pehenke aaye nanadiya
Sister-in-law came wearing a floral band

Lage nanadiya nache re
And began to dance

Kangana pehenke aaye nanadiya
Sister-in-law came wearing a bracelet

Lage nanadiya nache re
And began to dance

Chunari pehenke aaye nanadiya
Sister-in-law came wearing a veil

Lage nanadiya nache re
And began to dance

Balama (2017) by Drupatee Translated & Lyrics

Balama (2017) by Drupatee

Queen of Chutney Soca Drupatee Ramgoonai actually has two songs by the name of Balama. The below song was released in 2017, produced by Big
Rich and the Pungalunks Factory as part of Chatak Matak, a series of traditional chutney songs sung by contemporary artists. The song is a bidesia,
a traditional UP/Bihari folk song expressing longing for the migrants who left their homeland (presumably in the context of indentureship). The song is
from the perspective of a woman whose husband has gone abroad.

आय सारी रतिया निंदिया ना आवे (अरे बहिनिया, लेकिन क्यों)
All night sleep does not come (Oh, but why, sister?)
हाय दया!
Oh my god! (also translated as “Lord have mercy”)
बलमा मोरे गइले बिदेसवा
My beloved has gone abroad
बलमा मोरे, बलमा मोरे, बलमा मोरे गइले बिदेसवा
बलमा मोरे गइले बिदेसवा
बलमा गइले बिदेसवा (2x)
My beloved went abroad
बलमा मोरे गइले बिदेसवा (2x)
ओ बलमा, बलमा, बलमा, बलमा
O beloved, O beloved, O beloved, O beloved

सारी रतिया निंदिया ना आवे, निंदिया ना आवे (2x)
All night sleep does not come
रिमझिम नया नवा बरसे
New drizzles and rains arrive

बलमा मोरे, बलमा मोरे गइले बिदेसवा
My beloved has gone abroad
बलमा मोरे गइले बिदेसवा
My beloved has gone abroad

बिन सैया मोरे दिल में आग है (2x)
Without my lover, there is fire in my heart
सारी महिनवा क्या करु में
What do I do all month?
बलमा मोरे, बलमा मोरे गइले बिदेसवा
My beloved has gone abroad

ओ मोरे राजा वापस आजा, वापस आजा (2x )
Oh my king, please come back, come back
दिल के आग भूजावो रे
Parch the fire in my heart

बलमा मोरे गइले बिदेसवा (2x)
My beloved has gone abroad
बलमा गइले बिदेसवा (2x)
My beloved went abroad
बलमा मोरे गइले बिदेसवा (2x)
ओ बलमा, बलमा, बलमा, बलमा (4x)
O beloved, O beloved, O beloved, O beloved
बलमा मोरे गइले बिदेसवा (4x)

Hindustani Words and Meanings
Balama/balma – beloved/lover
Bides/Bidesawa – abroad, foreign land
Hay daya – Have mercy/oh my god
Saiya – beloved lover
Rimjhim – drizzle
Barasaawe (barse) – to rain (it rains)
Neend (nindiya) – sleep
Mahina (mahinawa) – month
Aawe – to come
Vaapas aaja – come back
Aag – fire
Raaja – king

More Lalan Ke Moeran by Motimala Bholasing Translated & Transliterated

More Lalan Ke Moeran by Motimala Bholasing Translated & Transliterated Thanks to Karan Menon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vj6y3qj8DPo

More Lalan Ke Moeran is a sohar, a traditional Bhojpuri folk song celebrating the birth of a child sung by Indo-Surinamese singer Motimala Bholasing. The songs concerns the “moeran”(mundan in Hindi), the ritual first haircut of a Hindu infant. The lyrics are fairly simple to understand and contain a lot of repetition, so this is a great song to listen to as someone who is a beginner in Caribbean Hindustani or new to Indo-Caribbean culture. Keep your eye out for wordspertaining to the family.

बाजे बधाइयाँ,  अरे बाजे बधाइयाँ (2x)

Give the congratulations, give the congratulations

मोरे लालन के मूरन है आज बाजे बधाइयाँ (3x)

Today is my child’s moeran (first haircut), give the congratulations

बाजे बधाइयाँ,  की बाजे बधाइयाँ (2x)

Give the congratulations, give the congratulations (to the child)

मोरे लालन के मूरन है आज बाजे बधाइयाँ (3x)

Today is my child’s moeran (first haircut), give the congratulations

मूरन कराने आये ललना के आजा, मूरन कराने आये ललना के आजी (2x)

The little one’s paternal grandfather came to do the moeran. The little one’s paternal grandmother came to do the moeran.

उनकर पोता के मूरन है आज, बाजे बधाइयाँ, उनकर  पोतीं नांदिन के मूरन है आज, बाजे बधाइयाँ

Today is their grandson’s moeran, give the congratulations. Today is their granddaughter’s moeran, give the congratulations.

मूरन कराने आये ललना के नाना, मूरन कराने आये ललना के नानी (2x)

The little one’s maternal grandfather came to do the moeran. The little one’s maternal grandmother came to do the moeran.

उनकर नाती के मूरन है आज, बाजे बधाइयाँ, उनकर नातिन के मूरन है आज, बाजे बधाइयाँ

Today is their grandson’s moeran, give the congratulations. Today is their granddaughter’s moeran, give the congratulations.

मोरे लालन के मूरन है आज बाजे बधाइयाँ

Today is my child’s moeran (first haircut), give the congratulations

मूरन कराने आये ललना के पूवा, मूरन कराने आये ललना के पूफा

The little one’s aunt (father’s sister) came to do the moeran. The little one’s uncle (father’s sister’s husband) came to do the moeran.

मूरन कराने आये ललना के काका, मूरन कराने आये ललना के काकी

The little one’s uncle (father’s brother) came to do the moeran. The little one’s aunt (father’s brother’s wife) came to do the moeran.

उनकर बेटा के मूरन है आज बाजे बधाइयाँ, उनकर बेटी के मूरन है आज बाजे बधाइयाँ

Today is their son’s moeran, give the congratulations. Today is their daughter’s moeran, give the congratulations.

मोरे लालन के मूरन है आज बाजे बधाइयाँ

Today is my child’s moeran (first haircut), give the congratulations

मूरन कराने आये ललना के मौसी, मूरन कराने आये ललना के मौसा

The little one’s aunt (mother’s sister) came to do the moeran. The little one’s uncle (mother’s sister’s husband) came to do the moeran.

मूरन कराने आये ललना के मामा, मूरन कराने आये ललना के मामी

The little one’s uncle (mother’s brother) came to do the moeran. The little one’s aunt (mother’s brother’s wife) came to do the moeran.

उनकर बहिने के मूरन है आज बाजे बधाइयाँ, उनकर बहिने के मूरन है आज बाजे बधाइयाँ

Today is their nephew’s moeran, give the congratulations. Today is their niece’s moeran, give the congratulations.

मोरे लालन के मूरन है आज बाजे बधाइयाँ (2x)

Today is my child’s moeran (first haircut), give the congratulations

बाजे बधाइयाँ,  की बाजे बधाइयाँ (2x)

Give the congratulations, give the congratulations (to the child)

मोरे लालन के मूरन है आज बाजे बधाइयाँ (3x)

Today is my child’s moeran (first haircut), give the congratulations

Notes: Family related words are among the few Caribbean Hindustani nouns that may distinguish between gender. Male and female nouns referring to family members can sometimes be differentiated by the endings -a and -i (nana/aaja being a grandfather, and nani/aaji being a grandmother). However, if the male noun ends with an -i, the female counterpart ends with an -in (naati being grandson, naatin being granddaughter). You’ll see some male words ending in -a whose female counterpart ends with an -in as well (i.e. dulaha for groom, dulahin for bridge).

The words pota and naati are synonymous (meaning grandson) as are the words potin and naatin (meaning granddaughter)

Also, Bhojpuri does not have a unique word to represent niece and nephew, so beta (son) and beti (daughter) are used to represent the parent-like relationship between aunt/uncle and niece/nephew. The word bahine, which comes from the word for sister, also means both niece and nephew. However, with the influence of Hindi, bhateej and bhateejin are also used to represent nephew and niece respectively.

Lyrics and Translation of Krishna Ko Sang by Johnny Mykoo

Krishna Ko Sang by Johnny Mykoo Translated & Transcribed by Karan Menon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJDZaEttF-Q

संघत से गुन वोटिये, संघत से गुन जाई
(Let us give praise (to God) together)

पास पास मिसरी की एक बा उ भिकाए सिया बोले रामचंद्र की जय भगवान
(Close together, we say Jay Bhagwan (victory to the Lord) to Lord Rama)

कृष्णा को संग बो तू बालक, गो चलावन बन गया (4x)
(You children are with Lord Krishna, and became cow grazers (metaphorically meaning that they join the path of Lord Krishna))

हरी की ज्ञान में दाना लेना सुन सुन साजन दान रे (4x)
(Take the gift of the Lord’s wisdom, listen beloved, take the gift)

जनम लिन्हे बस की ज्ञान में नन्दा को ला ला भए (4x)
(The news arrives that Nanda Baba’s dear son has taken birth)

कृष्णा को संग बो तू बालक, गो चलावन बन गया (2x)
(You children are with Lord Krishna, and became cow grazers (metaphorically meaning that they join the path of Lord Krishna))

सपन को जरु सन समाये जो ते गोपी ग्वाल को (4x)
(Closely understand your dreams and look at the gopis-gwals (the cowherd and the cowherd maidens))

झुलते मैया महल में पलजा सपन है दिल चारि को (4x)
(The mother (Yashoda) rests on her bed in her palace as she swings the child. She dreams with a pure heart. )

हमसे उ के सन सापी देखो चाहडा जात को (2x)
(I hope to go to see the cleanliness of this)

कृष्णा को संग बो तू बालक, गो चलावन बन गया (4x)
(You children are with Lord Krishna, and became cow grazers (metaphorically meaning that they join the path of Lord Krishna)

Lyrics and Translation of Hathakay Kangana by Winston Tolan

Hathakay Kangana by Winston Tolan of Jamaica translated and transliterated by Karan Menon

https://youtu.be/RQe-yeSQekM

हाथ के कंगना, नचनिया के दे दो
Give me the bangles (hand bracelets) of the dancer
हाथ के कंगना, नचनिया के दे
Give me the bangles (hand bracelets) of the dancer

हाथ के कंगना, नचनिया के दे दो
Give me the bangles (hand bracelets) of the dancer
हाथ के कंगना, नचनिया के दे दो
Give me the bangles (hand bracelets) of the dancer

जो दुलहिन तोरे मैया जा होवे
O bride, see your mother making it happen
जो दुलहिन तोरे मैया जा होवे
O bride, see your mother making it happen

बितरा से निकलो दुवरिया पर तार हो
Leave the past, and call your beloved
बितरा से निकलो दुवरिया पर तार हो
Leave the past, and call your beloved
बितरा से निकलो दुवरिया पर तार हो
Leave the past, and call your beloved
बितरा से निकलो दुवरिया पर तार हो
Leave the past, and call your beloved

हाथ के कंगना, नचनिया के दे दो
Give me the bangles (hand bracelets) of the dancer
हाथ के कंगना, नचनिया के दे दो
Give me the bangles (hand bracelets) of the dancer

जो दुलहिन तोरे मौसी जा होवे
O bride, see your mother’s sister making it happen
जो दुलहिन तोरे मौसी जा होवे
O bride, see your mother’s sister making it happen

बितरा से निकलो दुवरिया पर तार हो
Leave the past, and call your beloved
बितरा से निकलो दुवरिया पर तार हो
Leave the past, and call your beloved
बितरा से निकलो दुवरिया पर तार हो
Leave the past, and call your beloved
बितरा से निकलो दुवरिया पर तार हो
Leave the past, and call your beloved

हाथ के कंगना, नचनिया के दे दो
Give me the bangles (hand bracelets) of the dancer
हाथ के कंगना, नचनिया के दे दो
Give me the bangles (hand bracelets) of the dancer

जो दुलहिन तोरे मामी जा होवे
O bride, see your mother’s brother’s wife making it happen
जो दुलहिन तोरे मामी जा होवे
O bride, see your mother’s brother’s wife making it happen

बितरा से निकलो दुवरिया पर तार हो
Leave the past, and call your beloved
बितरा से निकलो दुवरिया पर तार हो
Leave the past, and call your beloved
बितरा से निकलो दुवरिया पर तार हो
Leave the past, and call your beloved
बितरा से निकलो दुवरिया पर तार हो
Leave the past, and call your beloved

हाथ के कंगना, नचनिया के दे दो
Give me the bangles (hand bracelets) of the dancer
हाथ के कंगना, नचनिया के दे दो
Give me the bangles (hand bracelets) of the dancer

निहर बारे, तासल बारे, बारे पलवारे
?, strike the tassa, create a new family
निहर बारे, तासल बारे, बारे पलवारे
?, strike the tassa, create a new family
मांग के सिंदूर बड़े लम्बी लम्बी बारे
Ask for the sindoor (vermillion) to be applied with long, big strikes
मांग के सिंदूर बड़े लम्बी लम्बी बारे
Ask for the sindoor (vermillion) to be applied with long, big strikes
मांग के सिंदूर बड़े लम्बी लम्बी बारे
Ask for the sindoor (vermillion) to be applied with long, big strikes
मांग के सिंदूर बड़े लम्बी लम्बी बारे
Ask for the sindoor (vermillion) to be applied with long, big strikes

हाथ के कंगना, नचनिया के दे दो
Give me the bangles (hand bracelets) of the dancer
हाथ के कंगना, नचनिया के दे दो
Give me the bangles (hand bracelets) of the dancer

Translation and Lyrics for Kahwase Aye (काहवा से आयो) sung by Ashnie

Lyrics for Kahwase Aye sung by Ashnie, thanks to Karan Menon.

https://youtu.be/gI7lptK3cw8

काहवा से आयो भगवाने, कहा से शिव शंकर, कहा से महादेव।
where did God, where did Shiv-Shankar, where Mahadeva (Lord Shiva) come from?
अरे कौने सखी के लाले खिले तोरे अंगना हो।
Which female friend’s sweetheart played in your courtyard?
अरे कौने सखी के लाले खिले तोरे अंगना हो।
अरे कौने सखी के लाले खिले तोरे अंगना हो।

कुर्बे से आयी भगवान, कुर्बे से शिव शंकर, क़ुर्बे से महादेव हो।
God, Shiv-Shankar, and Mahadeva came from nearby
अरे राधा झुलावे अपुन गोदिया गुवार संगे नाचक हो।
Radha plays with the child in her lap and everyone is dancing together
अरे राधा झुलावे अपुन गोदिया गुवार संगे नाचक हो।
अरे राधा झुलावे अपुन गोदिया गुवार संगे नाचक हो।

नाचे नाचे गाओ रे बहिनिया ललन को, खिलावत ललन को, झुलावत हो।
O Sisters sing and dance for the little one, play with the little one, swinging him
अरे झटवा दौरि, दौरि आवे झतनिया गोद उठावत हो।
This is something about the husband’s elder brother coming and the husband’s elder brother’s wife lifting the child into her lap
झटवा दौरि, दौरि आवे झतनिया गोद उठावत हो।
झटवा दौरि, दौरि आवे झतनिया गोद उठावत हो।

काहवा से आये कन्हैया, कहा से भैया लक्ष्मण, कहा से प्रभु राम हो ।
Where did Lord Krishna, Brother Lakshma, and Lord Ram come from?
अरे गोदिया खिलावे तीनो मैया बड़ी आनंतावत हो
the mother became very happy after playing with the child in her lap
अरे गोदिया खिलावे तीनो मैया बड़ी आनंतावत हो
अरे गोदिया खिलावे तीनो मैया बड़ी आनंतावत हो

Everything after this point is a repeat of the previous lines
काहवा से आयो भगवाने, कहा से शिव शंकर, कहा से महादेव।
अरे कौने सखी के लाले खिले तोरे अंगना हो।
अरे कौने सखी के लाले खिले तोरे अंगना हो।
अरे कौने सखी के लाले खिले तोरे अंगना हो।

काहवा से आये कन्हैया, कहा से भैया लक्ष्मण, कहा से प्रभु राम हो ।
अरे गोदिया खिलावे तीनो मैया बड़ी आनंतावत हो
अरे गोदिया खिलावे तीनो मैया बड़ी आनंतावत हो
अरे गोदिया खिलावे तीनो मैया बड़ी आनंतावत हो

अरे कौने सखी के लाले खिले तोरे अंगना हो।
अरे कौने सखी के लाले खिले तोरे अंगना हो।
अरे गोदिया खिलावे तीनो मैया बड़ी आनंतावत हो
अरे गोदिया खिलावे तीनो मैया बड़ी आनंतावत हो