“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?
