Year: 1961
Movie: Bhabhi Ki Choodiyan
Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyricist: Pt Narendra Sharma
Music Director: Sudhir Phadke
Lyrics: here
'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
Huye Gulabi, Laal Sunehre
Rang Dal Baadal Ke
Jyoti Kalash Chhalke
Hindi
हुए गुलाबी, लाल सुनहरे
रंग दल बादल के
ज्योति कलश छलके
Translation
Turned pink, red and golden
did the colors of clusters of clouds.
An urn of (divine) light overflows.
Roman Script
Karati Jyoti Amrit Se Seenchan
Mangal Ghat Dhal Ke
Jyoti Kalash Chhalke
Hindi
करती ज्योति अमृत से सींचन
मंगल घट ढल के
ज्योति कलश छलके
Translation
(Divine) light irrigates them with nectar
????
An urn of (divine) light overflows
Roman Script
Dharti Ka Mukh Hua Ujala
Sach Sapne Kal Ke
Jyoti Kalash Chhalke
Hindi
धरती का मुख हुआ उजाला
सच सपने कल के
ज्योति कलश छलके
Translation
The face of the earth is radiant
The dreams of tomorrow are true
An urn of (divine) light overflows
Roman Script
Phailee Sukh Ki Sheetal Chhaya
Neeche Aanchal Ke
Jyoti Kalash Chhalke
Hindi
फैली सुख की शीतल छाया
नीचे आँचल के
ज्योति कलश छलके
Translation
Spreading cool shades of happiness.
Beneath the gossamery sheet,
An urn of (divine) light overflows.
Roman Script
Neel Gagan Gopal Kanhaiya
Shyamal Chhavi Jhalke
Jyoti Kalash Chhalke
Hindi
नील गगन गोपाल कन्हैय्या
श्यामल छवि झलके
ज्योति कलश छलके
Translation
Blue skies Gopal Krishna
Glimpses of Krishna's image (everywhere)
An urn of (divine) light overflows.
Roman Script
Phool Pankhudiyo Par Muskaaye
Bindu Tuhin Jal Ke
Jyoti Kalash Chhalke
Hindi
फूल पँखुड़ियों पर मुस्काये
बिन्दु तुहिन जल के
ज्योति कलश छलके
Translation
Smiles on flowers and petals
Dew, dots of water
An urn of (divine) light overflows.
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