Love has always been a central theme in Nepali poetry, with poets from various periods weaving their emotions and experiences into powerful verses. The theme of love in Nepali poetry spans a wide range of emotions—from the joy of romantic passion to the sorrow of unrequited love and the love of one’s country. In this article, we will delve into twelve of the most famous Nepali poems about love, offering not only an overview of the works but also excerpts that highlight their emotional depth and lyrical beauty.
1. “Yo Mann Ta Mero Nepali Ho” by Pradeep Kumar Rai ‘Madhav Prasad Ghimire’
Pradeep Kumar Rai, also known as Madhav Prasad Ghimire, is considered one of Nepal’s most significant poets. His poem “Yo Mann Ta Mero Nepali Ho” (This Heart is Mine, Nepali) expresses deep love and attachment to Nepal, but it also serves as an analogy for romantic love. While the poem focuses on patriotism, the fervor and devotion expressed can be understood as a form of love.
Excerpt:
“Yo mann ta mero Nepali ho,
Maile je chha, yo chha mero rati,
Mero jindagi, mero mitra ho,
Sadhai bascha yaha mero rati.”
(This heart is mine, Nepali,
Whatever I have, it belongs to my people,
My life, my friend,
Forever remains here, my love.)
This excerpt showcases the deep bond the poet feels for his homeland, equating love for the country with the deep emotions one feels for a lover. The poem portrays love as a source of both identity and purpose.
2. “Rato Rato Khamar” by Chakrapani Chalise
“Rato Rato Khamar” (The Red Scarf) by Chakrapani Chalise is a popular romantic poem that uses the metaphor of a red scarf to symbolize love. The red scarf in the poem represents warmth, passion, and the close relationship between the lover and the beloved.
Excerpt:
“Rato rato khamar, yo timro ya mero,
Samjhera timro sath yatra garne ho.”
(A red, red scarf, is it yours or mine?
Thinking of you, I will journey through time.)
The poet beautifully intertwines the symbol of the red scarf with the emotional journey of love. The scarf acts as a metaphor for the warmth that love provides, even in separation.
3. “Mero Jindagi Sathi” by Laxmi Prasad Devkota
Laxmi Prasad Devkota’s “Mero Jindagi Sathi” (My Life Partner) is one of the most beloved romantic poems in Nepali literature. The poem speaks to the eternal connection between a lover and a life partner. Devkota captures the spiritual and emotional aspects of love in this work.
Excerpt:
“Mero jindagi sathi, ma timi sath chha,
Sadhai satta raheko ho, yo purnima ko raat ma.”
(My life partner, I am with you,
Always together, in this full moon night.)
Devkota’s words express the sense of togetherness in love. His portrayal of the deep, emotional connection between two people reflects both the comfort and fulfillment that come from a true partnership.
4. “Sambodhan” by Bhanu Aadikavi
Bhanu Aadikavi is regarded as the father of modern Nepali poetry. His poem “Sambodhan” (Invocation) speaks to the spiritual and romantic dimensions of love, combining the longing for a beloved with reverence and admiration. This poem blends philosophical reflection with deep emotional yearning.
Excerpt:
“O timi! Mero antaratma ka sajha,
Mero man ko bhavya manchhe, timi nai ho.”
(Oh, you! The companion of my soul,
The noble being of my heart, you are the one.)
The poem elevates love to a spiritual level, portraying the beloved as a divine figure whose presence fills the poet’s heart with both passion and devotion. It exemplifies how love can transcend the physical realm.
5. “Jindagi” by Shankar Lamichhane
“Jindagi” (Life) by Shankar Lamichhane reflects the complexities of love, particularly the pain of separation and the hope for eventual reunion. It explores how love transforms life, making it both a source of joy and sorrow.
Excerpt:
“Jindagi timro bina, artha nai rahena,
Timro haath ma yo jindagi jeevan rahecha.”
(Life without you is meaningless,
In your hands, this life finds its purpose.)
Lamichhane’s words beautifully convey the idea that love is what gives life meaning. The speaker’s dependence on the presence of the lover illustrates the centrality of love to one’s existence.
6. “Aaja Hamro Katha” by Ambar Gurung
Ambar Gurung, a notable figure in Nepali music and poetry, wrote “Aaja Hamro Katha” (Today, Our Story), a poem that captures the essence of eternal love. The poem reflects a love that transcends time and space, symbolized by the idea of telling a shared story.
Excerpt:
“Aaja hamro katha, timro maaya ko kathaa,
Mero yo man, timro sathma bascha.”
(Today, our story, the story of your love,
My heart remains with you, always.)
This excerpt speaks of the love that exists between two people and how it defines their lives. The idea of sharing a “story” in the present moment reflects the poet’s sense of timelessness in love.
7. “Chitthi” by Madan Krishna Shrestha
“Chitthi” (The Letter) by Madan Krishna Shrestha is a poem about the longing and yearning felt when separated from a lover. The letter in the poem is a medium for the speaker to express emotions, conveying the deep desire to reconnect with the loved one.
Excerpt:
“Chitthi ko pankti haru, yatra garne ho,
Timi chahine, raheko ho, man timro saath chha.”
(The lines of the letter will journey,
You are desired, my heart remains with you.)
The letter serves as a symbolic gesture of love in this poem. It represents the connection between two lovers despite physical distance and the longing that exists in separation.
8. “Sundar Bato” by Gopal Prasad Rimal
Gopal Prasad Rimal’s “Sundar Bato” (The Beautiful Path) portrays love as a journey, one that may be difficult but is ultimately beautiful and worth pursuing. The poem draws on the imagery of a path, representing the ups and downs of a romantic relationship.
Excerpt:
“Sundar bato, timro sath raheko,
Timi janey, mero hridaya raheko.”
(The beautiful path, with you by my side,
You leave, yet my heart stays with you.)
Rimal’s use of the “beautiful path” reflects the idea that love, despite its challenges, is a journey worth taking. Even in separation, the connection between the lovers remains intact.
9. “Prem Gatha” by Parijat
Parijat, a modernist poet, wrote “Prem Gatha” (The Story of Love) to explore the complexities and emotional depth of romantic love. Her poem delves into the passion and pain that come with deep affection and unfulfilled desires.
Excerpt:
“Prem ko gatha, timro man ko kathaa,
Jindagi yo, sadhai bascha timro saathmaa.”
(The story of love, the tale of your heart,
Life, forever, remains by your side.)
Parijat’s words evoke the eternal nature of love, highlighting its ability to persist even in difficult circumstances. The poem touches on themes of longing and emotional complexity, which are hallmarks of romantic love.
10. “Jeevan Ko Gatha” by Ramesh Adhikari
“Jeevan Ko Gatha” (The Tale of Life) by Ramesh Adhikari is a philosophical exploration of love as the driving force of life. The poet reflects on how love shapes a person’s actions and life’s trajectory, offering a deeper understanding of love’s role in the human experience.
Excerpt:
“Jeevan ko gatha, prem ko sagar,
Timro samjhi chha, mera man ko safar.”
(The tale of life, the ocean of love,
Thinking of you, my heart’s journey moves.)
Adhikari portrays love as not just an emotion but a guiding force that directs one’s path in life. The metaphor of love as an ocean suggests its vast, all-encompassing nature.
11. “Timi Nai Ho” by Bhanubhakta Acharya
Bhanubhakta Acharya, known for his classical style, wrote “Timi Nai Ho” (You Are the One), a simple yet profound declaration of love. This poem expresses the speaker’s admiration and deep affection for the beloved.
Excerpt:
“Timi nai ho, mero jindagi ko artha,
Timro saath, ho yo katha ko samarth.”
(You are the one, the meaning of my life,
With you, this story has its power.)
Acharya’s direct and heartfelt declaration of love emphasizes the central role of the lover in the poet’s life. The poem speaks to the idea that love gives life both purpose and direction.
12. “Prem Ko Silsila” by Kedar Manish
“Prem Ko Silsila” (The Chain of Love) by Kedar Manish is a contemporary poem that explores love as an unbroken chain that connects two people across time and space. The poem speaks to the persistence of love, even in the face of obstacles.
Excerpt:
“Prem ko silsila, kabhi rukna nahi,
Timi chahine, ma sadhai saath chha.”
(The chain of love, never to cease,
You are desired, I am always by your side.)
Manish’s poem conveys love as an enduring force, emphasizing its consistency and strength in keeping two people bound together.
Conclusion
The twelve poems discussed in this article offer a glimpse into the rich tradition of Nepali poetry on the theme of love. From the devotion expressed in Madhav Prasad Ghimire’s “Yo Mann Ta Mero Nepali Ho” to the timeless romantic yearning of Parijat’s “Prem Gatha”, Nepali poets have explored love in all its complexities. Through these poems, love is shown to be both a personal and universal experience, one that transcends time, space, and circumstance. These works continue to resonate with readers today, proving that love is as timeless and enduring as the verses themselves.
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