Chapter Eight: Literature of the Rasika Tradition in Hindi

Seeing the beloved Youth among his ruddy-cheeked companions, hosts of moons seem to adorn the gathering.
The celestial mandāra trees, laden with the finest blossoms, shower flowers upon them.
Laughing again and again, the crown jewel of playful rasikas runs about crying, “Holi! Holi!”
Knowing that the desired hour of grace has come, the poet Kovida delights within his joyful heart.

“Fair Woman, Holi Has Made You Innocently Wild”

Fair woman, Holi has made you innocently wild.
Raghunandan and Janakanandini have cast every discipline aside.
A river of colour flows; laughing, they run after everyone, seize them, and drench them by force.
The beloved beauty devises a new mode of song, joining her hands with those of her dear one.
Poet Kovida says: the wondrous beauty of their instruments is heard amid victory-cries resounding on every side.

“The Royal Youths Swing upon the Hindolā”

The royal youths swing upon the hindolā.
Clouds thunder in the sky with sweet music, while lightning fills it with radiance.
Dark masses of cloud and rows of white cranes are splendid; the wind blows in vigorous gusts.
Flute, vīṇā, sitar, and sāraṅgī sound together in one accord.
Drum, mṛdaṅga, cymbals, and mahurī raise a deep, dense music.
Gods, men, and beautiful women sing as the clamour of Sawan rises.
Celestial bridegrooms and brides behold the corner of Rama’s eye and become thrilled with horripilation.
The people of both cities experience intense delight as they gaze toward Rama.
Kovida says: at Rama and Sita’s swinging, lotus-and-bee-like hearts dance as peacocks.

Filled with ardour, the Beloved swings together with dear Sita.
A jewelled swing has been fashioned, and upon it they rejoice in their colourful play.
Its wondrous twin pillars shine, filled with pearls and rubies.
Beneath the lovely green canopy, peacocks call from the trees.
Poet Kovida beholds this beauty and his delighted heart fills with joyful bliss.

“Beloved, Swing in Sawan”

Beloved, swing in the rains of Sawan.
The rainy clouds desire their cloud-dark friend; seeing this, companion, the forest and season have become favourable.
A gentle breeze moves beside the Sarayu’s waters, and fragrant flowers have blossomed.
Kovida says: swing beneath the wish-fulfilling tree, O jewel among men;
Knowing your virtues, all companies of devotees esteem them beyond comparison.