“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?
