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Jee Ve BanaDa Umaraan Saariyaan

This song is similar to ‘Mathe te chamkan val’ in that it is about the gana, the mehndi, the ghodi and additionally, the doli. The difference lies in the use of the word ‘varna’ or ‘baliharna’. It is a more formal expression of a sisters love and devotion toward her brother, as well as her deep satisfaction at each step of the ceremonies of his marriage.

May you live a full life, dear bridegroom.

I circle your ceremonial cord,
And deeply love the one who wears it

I circle your henna,
And deeply love the one who wears it.

I circle your ceremonial mare,
And deeply love the one upon it.

I circle your doli,
And deeply love the one who brings it.

Varna or baliharna – is to devote an article, usually money (but it can also be water, as can be seen in the ‘niki niki boondi’ song) by circling it around the head or face of a person as a token of love or attachment to the person. The money, or article, is given to the poor or is sipped, if it is water. Thus, ‘varna’ is an expression of the love or devotion that one bears toward the person it is directed to. I have translated this phrase as ‘to circle’ as there is no English alternative.

Gaana: a string of colored cords with cowries and an iron ring attached. The gaana is tied around the wrist of the groom prior to the marriage

Mehndi: Used as decoration most often by women and girls. At the time of a marriage a small amount of henna was applied on the grooms hand as well, as an auspicious token.

GhoDi: The mare upon which the groom rode to the home of the bride, where the marriage ceremony was performed.

Doli: The conveyance (a palanquin traditionally) in which a new bride arrived at her marital home.

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