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Daler Mehndi, is one of those artists that can seamlessly fit into any genre of music. He has proven himself as the King of Pop, King of Devotional Music, King of Bhangra, and beyond! Whenever he releases any spiritual based song, you can be assured that listening to the song will take you on a journey! The celebrated Pop Star of India hearkens his spiritual seeking inner self by composing befitting music and performing with similar gusto the words penned by Baba Bulleh Shah as though a seeker finds wings to his search when in communion with another on a similar path. The track named “Hori Khelungi” can be purchased on iTunes here, and is a must have to your Holi music collection!
Hori Khelungi Keh is a celebration by one of the undivided India’s most revered philosopher, humanist, sufi poet – Baba Bulleh Shah of the late 16th century – also titled as “The man of God” or “The Knower of Spiritual Grace”. Transcending cultures and faiths, the author uses ‘Hori‘ – a spring festival of colors (prominently a Hindu festival) as a metaphor. The onset of spring, hori, reference of boond (drop of water) are all metaphors for the ineffable joy being experienced by the Author as though he had caught a glimpse of the Supreme, tasted revelation which has caused more joy, more yearning, more surrender and more love.
The song/kafi is euphoric in its expression. The author pleads with joy, affirms his supplication by advocating, like a command ‘Keh Bismillah‘ to himself – thereafter setting an exemplary example for another seeker.
The song was performed live first in 2006 at the Humayun’s Tomb, Jahan – e – Khusrau an event organized by the ace film maker Muzaffar Ali of the ‘Umrao Jaan‘ fame. The song is in a Qawwali style compete with the signature Daler Mehndi energy, a panache strong enough to engulf any seeker and make a non-believer dance in celebration.
It is a must have for every lover of music! So, this Holi, be sure to add some sufi color to your world with Daler Mehndi’s “Hori Khelungi”!
