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
