Chapter Eight: Literature of the Rasika Tradition in Hindi

Spring

Excellent, yellow-hued spring has arrived.
Sita’s beloved is adorned entirely in yellow.
The forest is yellow, its vines in bloom and mango trees flowering;
At the centre of the palace stands a vast structure of yellow gems.

The Couple have become yellow from the fragrant paste upon their limbs;
She wears a yellow sari and he a yellow cloth and turban.
Both retinues have been adorned in yellow,
And many platters are filled with yellow delicacies.

They feed the Couple and offer them yellow-hued drink,
Then give them yellow betel and withdraw.
They perform the yellow rite of ārati and bow at their feet;
A dancer dressed in yellow sings the spring mode.

Bharat and his brothers put on yellow garments,
And the pure attendants who serve them always arrive rejoicing.
Gardeners and their wives prepare and place yellow garlands,
Bringing them as though Love himself had sent his friends.

Groups of bards and bands of children
Recite verses describing the excellent yellow season.
Knowing the auspicious time, permission is granted to everyone;
Sita and her beloved begin their play, absorbed in love.

The gods gaze upon them and shower endless flowers.
“Victory! Victory!” proclaims Rasrangmani.

Today Sita and her beloved play Holi:
Dark, delightful Kaushal Lal and Janaka’s fair darling daughter.
Immersed in love’s rasa and radiant with its customs, companions and friends stand on their two sides.
They fling fistfuls of red powder and flower-balls and shoot saffron from their syringes.

Both parties sing songs and playful abuse while the Couple laugh face to face.
Janaka’s royal daughter seizes Raghunandan by force in the game.
Crying, “Victory! Victory!” the companions knot their garments together and seat them in a single place.
Gazing upon Rama’s moon-like face, Rasrangmani’s eyes become thirsty cakora birds.